Avoid becoming an unemployment statistic. Gain the competitive edge with these 7 skills. They aren’t new or difficult to master. Business writer and author, Bobbi Dempsey, summed them up in one of her articles for FORBES as “The Seven Most Universal Job Skills”. They are timeless, and if practiced consistently, will not only grow your career, but also your bank account. To survive and thrive in today’s job market, get the competitive edge and develop these 7 skills.
1. Superb communication skills. Regardless of your work experience, position or ‘know-how’ effective communication is fundamental to any accomplishment. As a skilled speaker who expresses ideas clearly, and is able to move people into action, you will always have the competitive edge in the work place.
2. Creativity. In to-days’ economy, companies are continually downsizing, outsourcing and restructuring. Developing the habit of life-long learning will help you cope with the changing environment. As a creative person, you are flexible, adaptable and open to opportunity … and have a can-do attitude.
3. Curiosity. Find out what is happening in your company, in your field. Become curious. Show interest and ask questions. Let co-workers, management and clients know that you are looking to build positive and productive relationships.
4. Good writing ability. While we have more ways to communicate than ever before, the rules of good business writing and business etiquette still apply. Emails, memos, letters, and reports need to be well crafted, clear and concise.
5. Ability to play well with others. Daniel Coleman author of Emotional intelligence says that “we are being judged not just by how smart we are by our training and expertise, but by how well we handle ourselves with each other”. If you are someone who can deal well with others regardless of the situation, you are building your competitive edge.
6. Re-engineering skills. We’ve been told that the average person will enter the job market and change jobs seven times in his or her life time. Sit down list your transferable skills; assess your strengths and capabilities for your success.
7. Computer skills. There are few, if any areas left that don’t require some degree of technological know-how. The more skilled you are at using technology, the stronger your competitive edge in today’s job market.
In today’s fast paced, global economy, there are no guarantees of job security. However, you can avoid becoming another unemployment statistic. To not only survive but thrive, cultivate your competitive edge with these 7 skills for success.