5 Work Skills Every Employer Looks For

So you’ve decided it’s time for a job change! Maybe you’ve been at your current position for several years, and you’re seeking a new and bigger challenge. You’re pouring over your LinkedIn profile, and realize it’s long overdue for a makeover. You read all these blogs and tips from experts that say to include important keywords that potential employers may be searching for. But what are those keywords anyway? What types of work skills should you be talking about in your LinkedIn profile summary or professional bio?

Regardless of what industry you work in, there are certain phrases and keywords that hiring managers may look for. Some of these keywords circle back to your skill sets that qualify you for a position in your field. While each industry is different, there are generally several categories of work skills:

Communication skills: This covers the gamut of skills, such as speaking, empathizing, listening to others, and non-verbal communication such as body language and eye contact. Many hiring managers rank these skills as one of the most important in considering a candidate for a position.

Problem solving abilities: This skill set encompasses one of the most fundamental things you’ll do in a job, so having the confidence to come up with solutions will be critical to your success.

Team building skills: The ability to work and lead within a team in order to build a collaborative work environment is also a key factor hiring managers will look for when recruiting for positions, especially those in management. This is especially important since these type of collaborative work environments have been found to contribute to highly productive employees and improved relations with customers or clients.

Leadership skills: The ability to think strategically and long-term is a sure sign that leadership is in your DNA. It is also closely related to being able to problem solve and think on your feet. One also must have the ability to work well with others, displaying a positive attitude and be able to motivate others to do their best.

Adaptability: The ability to be flexible and change with the environment is also critical to success in the workplace. Your ability to work within a team, or solo to get a specific task done, shows the adaptability needed to be valuable in a work environment.

If you’re considering a revamp or makeover on your LinkedIn profile, why not go the full mile and spend the time improving your skill sets in these areas? Committing to an hour a day improving your abilities in each of these skill areas will not only make you better at your job, but will also enhance your confidence and project those exact qualities an employer is seeking when hiring. Dedicating this time to improving those skills that you may not have focused on during your career will actually make you a better leader, and put you in a position for better job opportunities.