Some people just seem lucky.
You hear today that they are working for a certain big conglomerate, and then in a few months’ time when you ask them, they’ve moved on to another bigger employer. And yet there you are, still stuck as a storekeeper earning 30k per month after five years.
It is not a coincidence or bad luck on your part. These “lucky” souls have universal job skills that have stood the test of time. These skills are also known as “transferable skills”.
In today’s fast-paced and ever-changing job market, employers are constantly looking for new talent that possesses job skills that are relevant and adaptable to the modern workplace. However, there are certain job skills that have stood the test of time and remain crucial to success in any career.
If you master these skills you may be rewarded with promotions and pay rises, and be less likely to find yourself unemployed for any period of time.
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Job Skills That Have Stood The Test Of Time
Great communication skills
Can you convey a message to your colleagues or staff? Do you listen well? And can you put yourself in someone else’s shoes? These skills can catapult you to the front of a job queue.
Strong communication skills are essential in any profession and is one of the job skills that have stood the test of time. Professionals need to be able to convey information effectively, be it through written or verbal communication. Excellent communication also includes active listening, which involves paying careful attention to what others are saying and being able to respond appropriately.
Remember that communication isn’t just verbal. Good writing, grammar and spelling are important if you want to get ahead in your career despite what your friends might say. Almost everyone has to send work emails and as you progress up the promotion ladder you’ll probably need to write reports.
You can learn to avoid many of the most basic mistakes without going back to school. Check out this Grammar Goofs guide or Google the words: common grammar mistakes. If in doubt, run a spell checker on everything you write including emails.
Creativity and critical thinking
We all face problems in our day-to-day work. If you’re a person who can come up with creative solutions and problem-solve, you will get noticed.
The ability to analyze, evaluate, and solve problems is crucial in any career path. Critical thinking involves being open-minded, considering different perspectives, and making informed decisions based on available data. This ability is particularly important in today’s data-driven work environments and is also one of the job skills that have stood the test of time.
Your creativity could help your employer gain new business or solve a costly problem.
SEE: 7 Ways To Improve Your Critical Thinking
Great interpersonal skills
The personable person gets ahead at work. Working well with others is a prerequisite for almost every job – even if you only see your colleagues at weekly team meetings. Also, if you can build internal or external relationships, create teams or organize colleagues to collaborate, you’ll rack up both brownie points and achievements.
Collaboration is essential in most industries, and professionals need to be able to work well in teams. This involves being able to communicate effectively, listen to others, share ideas, and work towards common goals. Professionals who can collaborate well with others are highly valued in any workplace.
Some of the skills you need to succeed in interpersonal relationships are listening, fairness, and empathy. Being resilient and able to bounce back is also essential.
Flexibility, adaptability and innovation
Being open to new ideas is one of the invaluable job skills that have stood the test of time.
Change is a constant in today’s business world, and professionals who are adaptable and quick to adjust will be successful. Adaptability involves being open to new ideas, embracing change, and being comfortable with uncertainty. Your employer will be more impressed with the person who embraces the new system and sees the potential improvements it brings than the employee who grudgingly accepts that he or she will have to change.
It is important to be able to learn new tasks quickly and stay up-to-date with developments in one’s field.
Computer skills
Great computer skills will get you noticed even if your job doesn’t directly rely on them. You might help your boss solve a conundrum with an Excel spreadsheet, or demonstrate tricks for using the company database more efficiently to colleagues.
Technical skills and initiative are universally regarded.
ALSO READ: Fixed Mindset vs Growth Mindset: Which Do You Need More?
Leadership
Even if you are not in a management position, leadership skills are still essential in today’s work environments.
Leadership involves taking initiative, being accountable for one’s work, and inspiring others to do their best. Professionals who possess leadership skills are able to contribute positively to their workplace culture and are often highly respected by their colleagues and managers.
Time management
Effective time management is an ability that will always be relevant in any workplace and is one of the job skills that have stood the test of time. Professionals need to be able to prioritize their workload and manage their time efficiently to meet deadlines and achieve productivity.
The ability to multitask and juggle competing priorities is also essential in today’s fast-paced work environments.
ALSO READ: 5 Apps That Improve Time Management
Conclusion on Job Skills That Have Stood The Test Of Time
These top job skills are not just important for job seekers to possess; they also help individuals excel in their current career paths. They can help you stand out in any industry and make you a valuable asset to any organization.
And while not everyone is born with these skills, the great news is that they can be learned. If you don’t know where to start, try Googling the skill you want to improve and look for tips. Or you can read a book on the subject.
Finally, don’t forget to mention these skills and consequent results in your CV and during the interview.
