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Looking for a job that fits your needs is only a small portion of the job hunter’s battle. Once you find a great job listing, you can rest assured there are probably dozens, if not thousands, of other job searchers vying for that same position. Hiring managers have to narrow the list of available applicants somehow. Often, they choose to do so by considering each applicant’s job experience and skills. The person an employer selects will likely have a more relevant skill set — that’s why skill development is so important.
The problem is that you can’t typically develop skills overnight. You need to dedicate significant time and often money to developing skills. You may wonder if it’s worth trying to develop skills or if you should try to find a job that doesn’t require that many skills in the first place. This article outlines why every serious job seeker should focus on developing relevant skills.
IS SKILL DEVELOPMENT WORTH THE INVESTMENT?
Developing professional skills is worth the investment because it can open up new career opportunities. It can help you stand out among other qualified applicants who might otherwise nudge you out of the running for a particular job. Employees who show they’re dedicated enough to seek their own independent learning are often viewed very positively by employers. Developing your skills can also help you advance in a current position and earn promotions.
Employers can also benefit from focusing on skill development within their teams. Employers who offer opportunities for professional development tend to have higher retention rates and more satisfied employees. They may also have an easier time recruiting top talent.
WHAT SKILLS DO EMPLOYERS LOOK FOR IN EMPLOYEES?
Employers often look for two categories of skills in job candidates: hard and soft skills. Hard skills require specific knowledge, training, and experience to develop. They include things like equipment operation, computer coding, and sales skills. For your own skill development purposes, choose hard skills that make you a more valuable candidate in the specific industry you’re pursuing.
Soft skills are interpersonal traits that may come naturally to you. You can also develop soft skills with training and time. They include traits like critical thinking, problem-solving, time management, and leadership. Soft skills like these can help you with practically any job.
Most employers look for job candidates with a good combination of relevant hard and soft skills. If you want to develop skills that will help you land a certain job, check out various job listings in your desired field. They should list the most important hard and soft skills you need for the position. If you don’t have the skills listed, consider taking classes or courses to learn them.
LEARN MORE ABOUT SKILL DEVELOPMENT AND MORE TO HELP YOU GET HIRED
Skills development is important if you want to be a competitive job candidate. Whether you’re a job seeker who needs help getting hired or a hiring manager who would like help from a professional recruiting company, contact TSP today.
