Professional Skills: Discover the 7 Most In-Demand

Professional skills benefit both the individual and the company, giving both an edge over their competitors.

The job market is more competitive than ever. Despite the unemployment rate rising between December 2022 and February 2023, there are still many vacancies that need to be filled. 

The way companies hire today differs from years ago. In the past, technical skills, academic background, and experience were essential for filling a position.

In fact, these requirements are still important; however, selection processes have also opened up spaces for behavioral competencies, which are indispensable in the workplace and for the company's development.

For example, a person may have an excellent resume, but if they don't know how to work in a team, they may not contribute to the company's team and may hinder its development.

Keep reading and discover just 7 of them. professional skills most in demand in the job market. 

What are professional skills?

Because it is such a broad term, it is difficult to define what professional skills are, especially in just a few words. 

However, according to the book by Eric Roland René and Philippe Zarifian: “The Competency Model: historical trajectory, current challenges and proposals. there are some points that reflect the professional competence, which are:

• Occupation with responsibility and professional determination in the face of the circumstances one encounters;
• Sharing challenges and the ability to form alliances;
• Practical intellect grounded in acquired knowledge.

Based on these specifications, we conclude that professional competence It adapts to the uniqueness of each employee.

Therefore, an organization can have competent professionals, but with different characteristics and skills.

The company benefits from this diversity because a team with professionals possessing different skills and abilities brings many advantages, such as:

• Increased development and profitability;
• Higher quality;
• Solidity;
• Innovation;
• The company becomes more competitive and is always ahead of the competition.

How important are professional skills?

To the professional skills They are important in any work environment, that's undeniable, for sure.

These skills can be developed within the company over time and make all the difference in a professional's career, as well as for the company itself. 

The company greatly benefits from having professionals with diverse skill sets.

Its development is constant, business is progressing, and there is a considerable increase in revenue, productivity, and the quality of services offered.

Professionals with these skills have a more competitive profile and stand out more easily in selection processes.

As a result, he is able to obtain better positions, salaries, and a structured career.  

What are the professional skills most in demand by the company?

There are many professional skills that companies look for in a candidate. However, some stand out for their versatility. 

That is, they can be used in different areas, companies, and placements, and can directly or indirectly affect the company's development. 

We've selected 7 of them to present to you below. Check them out!

1. Teamwork

THE teamwork It is a transformative tool in any company, and essential for achieving positive results. 

It unites different people with different thoughts and characteristics in pursuit of a common purpose.

Together, they pool their time, efforts, and resources, and share ideas and thoughts in order to find solutions or create something within an organization.

In Brazil, she is the second skill (38,4%) most valued by large companies, according to a survey conducted by PageGroup.

However, throughout Latin America, the Teamwork ranks first as the most valued skill among leaders of large companies, with a score of 47.51% (TP3T).

A professional who knows how to work in a team is always prepared to act in different scenarios where this skill is necessary.

That way, becomes more competitive and it is in high demand for to assemble teams for large companies. 

In the end, What is needed to learn how to work in a team? Here are some characteristics that will help you develop this skill.

• Self-control;
• Respect;
• Communication;
• Ethics;
• Empathy;
• Collaboration;
• Conflict management;
• Proactivity;
• Self-confidence;
• Collective trust;
• Commitment;
• Innovation;
• Flexibility.

2. Emotional Intelligence

This skill is essential in any area of our lives, and our careers and work environments are no exception. 

In the same survey by PageGroup, the emotional intelligence occupies the first position in the ranking of Skills most valued by leaders of large companies, such as 42.9% of the percentage.

In Latin America, it holds the second position, with a percentage of 33.8%.

However, when it comes to the most difficult skill to find in the market, emotional intelligence also occupies the top position with a percentage of 57%.

Therefore, if you possess this skill, you also have one of the skills professionals most in demand by large companies.

The good news is that, just like teamwork, emotional intelligence can be acquired through certain practices such as: 

• Control your reactions;
• Don't act on impulse;
• Be more rational;
• It develops self-awareness and self-confidence;
• Be resilient;
• Learn to prioritize;
• Observe their behavior and reactions.

3. Assertive communication

Regarding the survey mentioned earlier, the assertive communication It is the third most valued behavioral skill by leaders of large companies in Latin America. 

In Brazil, its percentage is 31.1%, while in all of Latin America, it is 28.8%. 

A professional who masters assertive communication stands out in different fields, with a more competitive profile.

THE Communication is an important tool in any type of relationship.Yes, normally it happens through words, but there are other ways to communicate; even your posture can say a lot.

It serves to resolve conflicts, persuade, avoid conflicts, convince, change ideas and points of view, clarify, pass on information, express opinions, etc.

A person with this skill knows how to express their ideas and can communicate in a clear and understandable way.

Furthermore, they know how and when to use words. Balance is certainly a characteristic that accompanies this skill.

This is because, in selection processes, while some candidates are rejected for talking too much, others are rejected for not saying anything at all; for not having assertive communication and being able to express their ideas.

As we have already mentioned, communication is reflected in different ways: in the tone of voice, posture, eye contact, gestures, etc.

Therefore, mastering this skill is essential in every area of our lives.

Below are some tips for those who wish to develop assertive communication in the workplace:

• Learn to listen;
• Think before you speak;
• Consider your words and the positive and negative impacts they can have.
• Target the audience;
• You also bear some responsibility for what the other person understands, so be clear and objective;
• Don't rush the communication;
• Don't be verbose;
• Ask if necessary.

4. Proficiency in a second or third language.

So far, we've only talked about behavioral skillsHowever, there are some skills techniques which are among the professional skills Most requested by large and small companies. 

The most important one, without a doubt, is proficiency in a second or third language. English, being the universal language today, is the most required language in selection processes.

A professional who masters this standard language and the other soft skills mentioned in this text has a powerful resume and... He stands out among the other candidates.

According to the research, this technical skill was cited by 36.81% of the leaders interviewed. Data processing came in second place with 32.80%, followed by statistical analysis with 32.71%.

78% of executives highlighted the importance of having a balance between behavioral and technical skills.

This is because the company has the opportunity to better handle times of uncertainty and crisis. 

Furthermore, 80% of them stated that they would not hire a candidate who met the technical competencies but lacked the necessary social skills. 

Therefore, this makes it clear that having the soft skills is important, but it is preferable to have a balance.

In short, a professional who possesses the technical and behavioral skills, as well as experience in the role, will ace the selection process.

5. Proactivity

A proactive professional acts and does their job without waiting for orders from others. They combine autonomy and confidence, and always take the lead in solving problems. 

Most problems show better results when solutions are implemented urgently.

To be a proactive professional, you need to have attitude, self-confidence, anticipate problems and solutions, identify opportunities, and think creatively.

Furthermore, you need to be organized to do one thing at a time. Stay in tune with the market to recognize opportunities and act promptly.

6. Organization

Organization is an important and indispensable skill in any work environment. 

It is of utmost importance that professionals are able to organize and plan their routine work activities. 

In tasks that require specific deadlines, organization is essential for the work to be completed on time and with quality.

To be more organized at work, start by:

• Organizing your schedule;
• Define your priorities for the day;
• Use a planner or spreadsheets to write down and distribute tasks;
• Use organizational tools to manage tasks;
• Eliminate distractions;
• Stay focused;
• Do one thing at a time.

7. Flexibility

Finally, our last suggestion is... professional skills One of the most sought-after qualities in the job market is flexibility.

A flexible professional is better able to adapt to changes and different scenarios in the workplace.

This individual also possesses the ability to develop opinions, but is always tolerant and respectful of ideas that differ from their own.

Like the other skills mentioned in this text, flexibility is a characteristic that can be developed in the workplace.

See below how to develop it:

• Be resilient;
• Seek and learn how to receive feedback;
• Do your work in different ways;
• Put aside your defensive posture;
• Listen carefully;
• Respect thoughts, positions, knowledge, history, and realities that differ from your own;
• Don't be afraid or ashamed to change;
• Estela is constantly evolving;
• Increase your knowledge;
• Be grateful;
• Reflect;
• Recognize your worth.

Conclusion

In such a competitive job market, it's important to know how to stand out. Therefore, develop the professional skills These are the ones mentioned here, as they will make all the difference in your career. 

Looking for a job? Check out some of the companies that are hiring!

Nara Sampaio

SEO writer, digital content creator, and virtual assistant. An introvert who found in writing a way to express herself and share knowledge!

April 7, 2023