When it comes to deciding who to hire, every manager has their preference for skillset and personality type. After being an Executive Leader and working with other managers, I’ve found that there are 13 key employability skills that are must haves in the workplace. Throughout my career, I’ve always asked managers, hiring panels, and recruiters “what are the top employability skills that you look for in a candidate?” It’s intriguing how much overlap there is in the answers. In this article, I’m going to share with you the top must-have employability skills you need in order to land more jobs, promotions, and build a powerful legacy.
This list in not all inclusive because let’s be real… there are more than 20 skills that you need to be successful in and outside of the workplace. The goal with this list is to give you a strong foundation that you can build upon.
As a Leadership Coach, my goal is to also showcase the employability skills employers need to contribute to a healthy, happy, and safe work environment. With the rise of toxic work environments and bad managers, hiring people with the right skills is essential. Before listing the top skills for the workplace, I want to briefly answer a few commonly asked questions on this topic.
Great! Let’s dive into crafting your article on in-demand skills. We’ll start with answering the initial questions and then move on to the detailed breakdown of each skill and any necessary information you’ll need for your personal development.
What are Employability Skills?
Employability skills are a set of attributes, behaviors, traits, and knowledge that enhance your ability to not only secure and maintain a job, but to thrive and be an asset at your place of employment. These skills are essential for effective performance in the workplace and include both technical abilities and soft skills. Unlike job-specific skills, employability skills are transferable and can be applied in different roles and industries (making it easier to switch careers!). They can also include a mix of personal characteristics and technical expertise.
What Employability Skill is the Most Important?
If you’ve read my other articles, you know I’m not a fan of saying that there’s absolutely one top must-have skill. There is no one skill that trumps the others. To be a well-rounded, influential, and in-demand professional, you need to have a combination of skills (technical skills and interpersonal skills) to thrive both personally and professionally.
Bonus Tip: Your employability skills are a major part of your professional brand. If someone were to ask you today to sum up your professional brand, what would you say? What skills would you incorporate in your explanation? Better yet, have you even started showcasing your employability skills on platforms like LinkedIn.
LinkedIn is a powerful networking tool and the hub of opportunities. If your goal is to land a new role, a higher paying role, switch careers, or receive a promotion, your brand needs to be on point! I’ve created a guide to help you do just that, The Branding Blueprint: Leveraging LinkedIn to Stand Out, Get Noticed, and Get Hired. Learn more about it here!
Top 13 Employability Skills
As a disclaimer, I want to remind you that I don’t expect you to have every single skill. In fact, I know there is a high likelihood that there will be several that you’ll need to work on. As you know, different jobs and companies have different needs for general skills, hard skills, technical education, and “essential skills.” Again, these are the skills where I’ve seen and heard the most overlap for what job skills managers want out of potential hires. So, when breaking down each employability skill, I’m going to share why it’s important, its effect on the workplace, how you can showcase it, and how you can work on this skill. Ready?
1. Adaptability
Why it’s important: The world is constantly changing and something new is always popping up. Over the last few years, we’ve seen companies do massive layoffs, shut down, introduce new technology, and figure out how to implement new policies to adjust to the “new normal.” With all of this, the ability to adapt to changing circumstances is crucial in today’s fast-paced work environment. Employers value adaptable employees who can handle unexpected challenges and shifts in priorities. Additionally, this is a great way to showcase your leadership skills and set you apart from your team members as “management material.”
Benefits to managers and the workplace: Adaptable employees are often more resilient and capable of managing stress. They can quickly learn new skills and adjust to new processes, making them valuable assets during times of change. These employees are often the champion and go-to for training when it comes to introducing new programs and technology into the workplace.
Showcasing on your resume and in an interview: Highlight different ways at work that you successfully adapted to change, such as learning new software quickly or thriving in a dynamic work environment. In interviews, discuss your work experience and how you’ve handled change and the positive outcomes that resulted.
Quick tip to work on this skill: Put yourself out there to embrace new experiences and challenges. Volunteer for projects that push you out of your comfort zone and reflect on what you learn from these experiences.
2. Flexibility
Why it’s important: Flexibility complements adaptability by allowing you to approach problems and tasks with an open mind and positive mindset. Flexible employees are willing to adjust their approaches and consider alternative solutions. Life rarely goes smoothly. There’s often a hurdle or challenge that needs to be overcome. Flexibility allows you to approach the challenge with the belief that you can and will get through it with a little creativity and strategic approach.
Benefits to managers and the workplace: Flexible employees help foster an innovative and responsive workplace. They contribute to a culture of continuous improvement by being open to new ideas and changes.
Showcasing on your resume and in an interview: Provide examples of times you demonstrated flexibility, such as taking on different roles within a team or successfully managing multiple projects. In interviews, discuss your willingness to adapt your working style to meet team needs.
Quick tip to work on this skill: Practice flexibility by brainstorming multiple solutions to a single problem. Challenge yourself to consider different perspectives and approaches whenever given a new project in and outside of the workplace.
3. Communication
Why it’s important: Communication is how we build connections, influence how others perceive us, and get work done. Clear and effective communication is essential for teamwork, client relations, and virtually every aspect of work. It involves not just speaking but also listening, writing, and non-verbal communication.
Benefits to managers and the workplace: Effective communicators can convey information accurately, reducing misunderstandings and fostering a collaborative environment. They are also able to build strong relationships with colleagues and clients.
Showcasing on your resume and in an interview: Highlight your experience with various forms of communication, such as leading meetings, writing reports, or negotiating deals. Share specific examples of successful communication efforts.
Quick tip to work on this skill: Enhance your communication skills by practicing active listening and seeking feedback on your communication style. Consider joining a public speaking group (i.e. toast masters), taking a communication or writing course.
Another resources is online learning providers like Coursera!
Coursera offers industry-recognized courses from top universities and companies. Learn at your own pace and enhance your career. Find your next course here!
4. Strategic and Creative Thinker
Why it’s important: Problem-solving skills are a must in the workplace. Thinking outside the box is necessary to stay ahead of the competition. Strategic and creative thinkers can see the big picture and come up with innovative solutions to problems. They are crucial for driving business growth and navigating complex challenges.
Benefits to managers and the workplace: These thinkers help organizations stay competitive by identifying opportunities and developing effective strategies. They contribute to a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
Showcasing on your resume and in an interview: You can demonstrate your strategic thinking by discussing long-term projects you’ve planned or innovative solutions you’ve implemented.
Quick tip to work on this skill: Practice strategic and creative thinking by engaging in activities that require planning and innovation, such as playing strategic games, participating in brainstorming sessions, or taking on challenging projects.
5. Teamwork
Why it’s important: The ability to work well with others is fundamental in every aspect of life. You’re not an island and you can’t do everything alone. Why? Because you don’t have all the answers! In conclusion, no matter what, you will be part of a team. Teamwork involves collaboration, mutual respect, and the ability to work towards a shared goal.
Benefits to managers and the workplace: Teams that work well together are more productive and can achieve better outcomes. Effective teamwork creates a positive work environment and enhances employee satisfaction.
Showcasing on your resume and in an interview: Provide examples of successful team projects and your specific contributions. Discuss your role in facilitating teamwork and resolving conflicts.
Quick tip to work on this skill: Improve your teamwork skills by participating in group activities and projects. Focus on developing strong interpersonal relationships with your colleagues.
6. Time Management
Why it’s important: Managers are busy and the best ones aren’t micromanagers. This means, you need to be able to hold yourself accountable and manage your own workload and priorities. Time management skills enable you to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and be more productive.
Benefits to managers and the workplace: Employees who manage their time well are more efficient and can handle a higher workload. They help ensure that projects are completed on time and to a high standard.
Showcasing on your resume and in an interview: Highlight instances where you successfully managed multiple tasks or met tight deadlines. In interviews, discuss your strategies for prioritizing tasks and staying organized.
Quick tip to work on this skill: Use tools like calendars, to-do lists, and time-tracking apps to plan your day and stay on top of your responsibilities.
7. Integrity
Why it’s important: Isn’t it easier to work for people who know have integrity and a moral compass? Yes! Integrity is about being honest and having strong moral principles. It is crucial for building trust and maintaining a positive reputation in and outside of the workplace.
Benefits to managers and the workplace: Employees with integrity are reliable and can be trusted to act in the best interest of their team and organization. They contribute to a culture of honesty and ethical behavior.
Showcasing on your resume and in an interview: Emphasize your commitment to ethical behavior and provide examples of situations where you demonstrated integrity. In interviews, discuss your approach to ethical dilemmas.
Quick tip to work on this skill: Reflect on your values and ensure that your actions align with them. Practice transparency and honesty in all that you say and do. Do a check-in with yourself at the end of each week and ask yourself, “did I stick to my values this week?”
8. Honesty
Why it’s important: It’s hard working with people you can’t trust because you can’t take their word for anything. Honesty builds trust and fosters open communication. It is essential for creating a transparent and trustworthy work environment.
Benefits to managers and the workplace: Honest employees contribute to a culture of openness and accountability. They help create a positive and trustworthy workplace atmosphere.
Showcasing on your resume and in an interview: Highlight your reputation for honesty and provide examples where your honesty benefited your team or organization. In interviews, discuss how you handle situations that require honesty.
Quick tip to work on this skill: Practice honesty by being truthful in all your communications and admitting mistakes when they happen. Encourage others around you to do the same.
9. Receptive to Feedback
Why it’s important: You will make mistakes because you’re not perfect. And that is perfectly ok! Being open to feedback is essential for personal and professional growth. It shows that you are willing to learn and improve. The more open you are, the more people are willing to help you and give you the right resources to improve.
Benefits to managers and the workplace: Employees who are receptive to feedback can adapt and enhance their performance. They contribute to a culture of continuous improvement and learning.
Showcasing on your resume and in an interview: Provide examples of how you’ve used feedback to improve your skills or performance. In interviews, discuss your approach to receiving and acting on feedback.
Quick tip to work on this skill: Actively seek feedback from trusted friends, mentors, colleagues and supervisors. Use it as an opportunity to learn and grow. Don’t be afraid to ask for advice and if they are willing to hold you accountable.
10. Listener
Why it’s important: Everyone wants to be heard and understood. Being a good listener is a critical component of effective communication. It ensures that you understand others’ perspectives and can respond appropriately.
Benefits to managers and the workplace: Good listeners can build stronger relationships and resolve conflicts more effectively. They contribute to a collaborative and supportive work environment.
Showcasing on your resume and in an interview: Highlight instances where your listening skills led to successful outcomes. In interviews, discuss your techniques for active listening and understanding others.
Quick tip to work on this skill: Practice active listening by giving your full attention to the speaker, asking clarifying questions, and summarizing their points to ensure understanding. Of course, avoid being on your phone and if you can’t commit to fully listening at the time, ask to meet at a different time.
11. Resourceful
Why it’s important: The solution or answer isn’t always black and white. Sometimes you’ll have to go through multiple channels for a solution. Resourcefulness involves finding quick and clever ways to overcome difficulties. It shows that you can think on your feet and make the most of available resources.
Benefits to managers and the workplace: Resourceful employees can solve problems independently and efficiently. They contribute to a proactive and solution-oriented workplace culture. Managers appreciate this because it frees up their time because they can trust you and know that you don’t need babysitting.
Showcasing on your resume and in an interview: During the job interview, provide examples of how you’ve used resourcefulness to tackle challenges or improve processes. This is also a great time to showcase how you’ve used your digital skills as well.
Quick tip to work on this skill: Enhance your resourcefulness by taking on challenging projects that require creative problem-solving and making use of all available resources.
12. Humbleness
Why it’s important: Again, you don’t know it all (and won’t)! Humbleness involves recognizing your limitations and being open to learning from others. It fosters a culture of respect and collaboration.
Benefits to managers and the workplace: Humble employees are more likely to seek input from others and work well in teams. They contribute to a positive and inclusive work environment.
Showcasing on your resume and in an interview: Highlight instances where you’ve acknowledged the contributions of others and sought out opportunities to learn. In interviews, discuss how you balance confidence with humility.
Quick tip to work on this skill: Practice humility by regularly seeking feedback and acknowledging the achievements of your colleagues.
13. Self-Control
Why it’s important: Self-control is the ability to manage your emotions and behavior, especially in challenging situations. It is crucial for maintaining professionalism and making thoughtful decisions.
Benefits to managers and the workplace: Employees with self-control can handle stress and conflicts calmly and effectively. They contribute to a stable and productive work environment. Managers appreciate this because they don’t have to worry about toxic meltdowns that may impact and negatively influence others.
Showcasing on your resume and in an interview: Provide examples of how you’ve demonstrated self-control in high-pressure situations. In interviews, discuss your strategies for staying composed and making rational decisions.
Quick tip to work on this skill: Practice self-control by developing techniques for managing stress, such as mindfulness or deep-breathing exercises.
How many of these important employability skills on this list do you have? How many do you need to work on? We are all a work in progress, but these fundamental skills will help you stand out and become the individual that hiring managers want on their team. The modern workplace needs a combination of these workplace skills and life skills (honestly, they intertwine!). All of these are also a set of transferable skills that you can take with you and go anywhere!
You’ve got this and if you need support along the way, I’d love to help you. If you’re ready to showcase your skills to land your next role, book a consultation with me so that we can find the best program for you! I’m invested in your career success. Why? Because you’re putting in the hard work, you have hands-on experience, and you now have the employability skills framework to take your career goals to the next level. Let’s do this!
Cheers to your success!
