Skill Set 101: 4 Job Skills Every Job Seeker Needs

What skills do you have?

It’s an easy question. You’ve answered it countless times in your resume, job applications, and the slew of social media profiles you maintain.

You know what skills you have, but what skills do you need?

As a job seeker, you need a special skill set beyond the ones you tote around and show off to employers. This skill set is one that, while not always highlighted in a job posting, is oh-so-important.

These skills are the ones that can get you in the job, instead of just being used on the job. Here are four of the most important skills I think any job seeker should keep in their inventory and hone throughout their job search:

Communication

It doesn’t matter if you’re being hired to read books in the library or work in a small cubicle in the basement all day long. Either way, you, the job seeker, need to develop a certain level of communication skills.

This term is supremely broad, so I’ll break it up into a couple concrete skills you should have. Every job seeker should be able to communicate verbally (everyday talking), non-verbally (understand what your body language is saying), as well as formally (public speaking, writing a professional email, and other business communication methods).

Sales

Sales skills aren’t just for those looking to work on a car lot or in the Sharper Image. And, anyone who thinks that sales is beneath them is doomed to fail. Everyone is a sales person. Especially in your job search, you are effectively marketing and selling your experience and skills to prospective employers.

Job seekers with good sales skills will find it easier to convince employers that they are the ideal person for the job, no questions asked. This has nothing to do with lying, the art of sales is simply persuasion.

Social

What distinguishes us from robots? Social skills. Sorry Siri, but there are certain things that humans simply do better. Whether you’re looking for a career in customer service or programming, your social skills are invaluable.

Employees with strong social skills can relate better to their coworkers, supervisors, and customers, building a rapport. Ultimately, good social skills contribute heavily to a positive company experience for everyone involved.

Math

Admittedly, you aren’t going to be expected to maneuver complex equations in your head, but basic math skills are something that every job seeker needs. After all, you’re looking for a job that pays you money, so at the very least, you will need to calculate your living expenses, income tax, and other everyday math problems.

Additionally, math skills require a certain level of language and logic mastery.

If you were an employer, these are all valuable traits you want to see in every employee. Practice these skills every chance you get, polish your personal brand, and always be networking.



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