5 Skills that will increase your chance of getting a job after COVID-19

The world has changed, and Covid-19 has affected everyone in a different way. Some people are out of work, others working from home, and everyone is trying to remain both physically and mentally healthy during this time.  We know workplaces are going to be different and remote working will stay for many people, at least in part.  We also know that there are certain skills that will be in high demand in the world of work as we move through the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.

The Covid-19 pandemic also accelerated the digitisation of the workforce. Through a recent survey by The Adecco Group, we found that there is a clear need and appetite for a wide range of re/upskilling to better equip the workforce for the new world of work. Skill acquisition itself is a key motivator to people when considering their next career move and Managers must be furnished with the skills and ability to support and get the best out of their teams in the new world where remote working is set to remain a prominent feature

So, what key skills do you need?

Customer Service Skills

Customer service skills are needed in almost every role you can think of and employees with strong customer service skills will continue to be in high demand. As Business News Daily says, “Given that providing outstanding customer service is what attracts and maintains customers, being skilled in customer service is a huge asset.”

Digital Communication Skills

When we do find ourselves out of the current pandemic, the way we work will remain different. For most of us, we will not return to normal, but rather start a new normal.  Remote working will be here to stay in some capacity and in most cases a new hybrid model of working a few days in the office and a few days at home, will form the basis of the new normal.

Through the past few months our digital communication skills have been building. We are now more familiar with having meetings and collaborating online using various digital platforms such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams and social platforms like House Party.

We have learnt the art of sharing screens; we are utilising email more and connect through online conferencing to manage our work. Knowing these skills and understanding how to operate the technology itself will be highly sought after.

STEM Skills

STEM has long been considered a growing pathway for many young people as they progress through their school years and tech skills were already in demand prior to the pandemic. Finding employees with STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) competencies will continue to be difficult and the war for talent will continue. Tech is everywhere and the more adaptable and willing to learn that you are, the better.

Supply Chain Knowledge

The pandemic highlighted to many the importance of supply chain and logistics. The ability to create and distribute goods quickly, economically, and safely is imperative for companies across a wide range of product categories. Employees in this field who have a solid foundation of these skills, will continue to be sought after post pandemic.

Soft Skills and Emotional Intelligence

Employees need to be able to interact effectively and peacefully with others. Soft skills such as communication and emotional intelligence will always be in high demand and even more so post pandemic. The ability to deal with uncertainty and pressure and to continue working at your best during tough times is what will set you apart from the rest. McKinsey has predicted that the demand for emotional skills will grow by 26% by 2030.

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