These are the digital and soft skills the market is looking for

The hiring processes are always on, but for a candidate to stand out among the competitors, there are some steps and suggestions they might want to attend. What are the companies looking for? How to impress the recruiters, or how to make a difference?

There are several digital and soft skills that the market is looking for. They are aligned with the markets’ evolution, how it changes people’s interests, and their need to strengthen their knowledge. Most importantly, is necessary to understand that both digital and soft skills are interconnected and somehow interdependent. Employers are looking for a mix among them, which means that an attractive candidate will have a blending between both worlds.

Coursera, the learning platform, has wide data about the latest professional trends. Their latest Job Skills Report explains the importance of paying attention to the market’s needs, prioritizing “learning programs focused on the skills that drive employability”. Before going over the trends, let’s learn more about their definitions:

Digital Skills

They comprehend an extensive range of skills linked directly to the usage and comprehension of technology. Among the digital skills are the most basic tasks related to clicking a mouse to those as complicated as developing software.

Soft (Human) Skills

Recruiters pay attention to how a person relates to others, including critical thinking, leadership and communication.

Now that we know what “skills” stand for, let’s go over some of the prominent seven trends that impact the market nowadays according to Coursera’s report.

Trend #1: The fastest-growing skills are digital

This is because it promotes better long-term job prospects, which is attractive for both candidates and employers.

Trend #2 The fastest-growing digital skills have changed more significantly than the fastest-growing human skills

Data visualization and user experience are the two skills that remain from the previous year in Coursera’s list. In contrast, the significant changes in the others demonstrate the fast-paced evolution of digital skills.

Trend #3 Skills centered on user experience are on the rise

This skill can open up lucrative opportunities, considering the different attention businesses pay to have a closer and frictionless relationship with clients.

Trend #4 Skills that blend technical expertise and project management have surfaced as fastest-growing

The digital and soft skills the market is looking for a mix of knowledge and project management, is an area where this is possible. Scrum and agile software development are great examples of these criteria.

Trend #5 Data visualization and analysis are some of the fastest-growing skills

This trend is valuable as it can complement traditional human skills like people management and storytelling. To understand this better, it is said that data skills are now essential for almost every role in every organization.

Trend #6 Management skills to guide teams through change are among the fastest growing

Leadership is on the next level as our context requires management to handle teams of remote workers

Trend #7 Communicating with peers, customers, and prospects is key for hybrid work

Communication at any level allows the companies (and the individuals) to share information and be capable of persuading.

Why is the beginning of the year important in terms of recruiting?

According to Forbes, the first months of the year represent a perfect opportunity for companies to fill vacant positions. Therefore, don’t stop hustling for interviews or sharing your CV if you’re looking for a job. You can do these things:

• Contact former co-workers and ask for opportunities at their actual job companies.
• If you know recruiters, let them know you’re professionally available.
• Find a mentor that can help you during the process.
• Prepare an elevator pitch about yourself. Be prepared to talk about all of your attributes.
• Don’t forget to practice for interviews.

The list continues, but now consider the following additional advice for anytime your looking for a new job. The pieces of advice are relevant aside from the digital and soft skills the market is looking for.

• Keep your CV updated, sharpened and neat.
• Submit résumés to every target company you would be interested in working for.
• Add content to your Linkedin page; many recruiters check this professional social media.
• If you’re contacted for an interview, prepare accordingly with information and attention to your presentation.

In CRG we know how to find the talent your company is looking for. We want the best companies and candidates to meet for them to start growing together, and we make that possible by applying high standards. We provide services like recruiting, B.O.T. and nearshoring, with customized processes according to your needs. If you want to learn more about our talent services, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Written by: Arturo Prado