Top 5 skills employers look for in 2021
By Paul Bollock
Here at TQUK, we understand that applying for jobs can be difficult. Industries are becoming more competitive and understanding the specific skills that are needed to get into a chosen sector can be complicated. According to the Office for National Statistics, the number of young people aged 18 – 24 years who were not in education, employment or training from January to March 2021 was at a record low of 679,000. With a record low that has been relatively flat since 2017, how do we continue to decrease the number of young people who are unemployed?
As an Ofqual regulated Awarding Organisation, we develop qualifications that will support you in gaining the knowledge and skills that you need to power forward in your career. In honour of World Youth Skills day, we want to help young people understand what employers look for when hiring.
World Youth Skills day aims to celebrate the resilience and creativity of young people who have experienced challenging times due to COVID-19. During 2020, global youth employment fell by 8.7% due to the pandemic.
That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the top five skills that employers are looking for in 2021. Not only will you gain a better understanding of what employers are seeking, but you’ll be able to see which TQUK qualifications will support you in building these skills.
Sit back, relax and be prepared to update your CV because we’ve got you covered.
Communication and Interpersonal Skills
Communication in the work place is key. Whether you’re communicating with your manager and colleagues or customers, you need to know how to clearly and concisely communicate with the people around you. Having the ability to build rapport, persuade and negotiate isn’t specific to one certain industry. You can build good communication skills by working in hospitality or hairdressing, or even from a presentation you did back in a Year 9 English lesson.
The TQUK Level 2 Certificate in Principles of Business Administration (RQF) qualification includes units that focus on principles of developing working relationships with colleagues and principles of communication in a business environment.
Leadership
Even if you aren’t applying for a role that’s specifically in management, it’s important to have this skill as it shows an employer that if the time comes, you’ll be ready to take the lead. A growing, successful team is underpinned by individuals who have the ability to motivate and lead others to achieve their goals.
But leadership isn’t only about managing others.
Self-management is important as it allows you to prioritise work, manage your time and control your actions, feelings and thoughts in a productive manner. Employers favour this skill as it showcases that regardless of the situation, you can show resilience and persistence in getting the job done.
We offer a range of Leading and Management qualifications, such as TQUK Level 2 Certificate in Principles of Team Leading (RQF). The qualification is available through The Skills Network, meaning that it’s fully funded and available online for learners to start when and wherever they want.
Computer and Social Media Skills
Social media is a big part of society. When it’s not being used for posting witty videos to Tik Tok and Twitter, businesses are using social media for many different reasons. From connecting with consumers and solving customer service queries to keep up with their competitors, businesses are advancing using social media.
World Skills UK reported in a study that 92% of businesses say that having a basic level of digital skills is important for employees. While social media may not be a big part of the role that you’re applying for, employers want individuals who can digitally help the business grow and reach the next level of success.
The TQUK Level 2 Certificate in Principles of Business Administration (RQF) contains the following units to help you with your social media skills:
- Exploring social media
- Understanding the safe use of online and social media platforms
- Principles of digital marketing
Again, this is available to study through The Skills Network, fully remote and funded.
Collaboration
The rise of remote working has seen many companies working from different locations. While your manager may be at home with their cat, your colleague may be in a coffee shop with a fresh cappuccino – COVID- 19 has introduced big changes to how companies work. Despite the different locations, it’s important that you can make the conscious effort to work as a team and produce projects that each team member has contributed towards.
The TQUK Level 4 Diploma in Management and Leadership (RQF) provides units covering the principles of building respectful and productive working relationships in organisations.
Resilience
Building up resilience in the work place is important. How well you deal with setbacks shows employers your true potential. Employers acknowledge that individuals may struggle but understand that it’s the ability to bounce back which is more important. It’s no secret that everyone makes mistakes, you just need the capability to address and rectify them in the workplace without it affecting your work or other team members.
The TQUK Level 3 Award in Developing Emotional Awareness and Resilience in the Workplace (RQF) helps individuals develop skills and strategies to make the workplace environment emotionally safe for themselves and others.
If you’re a centre of TQUK, why not branch out and start to offer some of these qualifications to your local communities?
For more information on the qualifications we offer, please feel free to send us your enquiry to office@tquk.hk
