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A skill set is a combination of skills that work together. So, which skill sets are in demand? Which sets give you that competitive edge? Let’s take a look at what will get you ahead of the game.
These days, there are so many jobs opportunities that you’re often left more confused than you were before you started. We often think that we need to pick a career and then try to develop ourselves around that. What if we rather develop our skills and then allow that to push us towards our calling?
There is great value in having a diversified skill set, but you’ll find that the job-related (or hard) skill sets that are most in demand include the skills pertaining to technology. Go figure. We are the digital generation, after all. People and situational skills? Those are a little harder to develop.[/vc_column_text][vc_cta h2=”SUGGESTED” h2_font_container=”font_size:12|line_height:2″ h2_use_theme_fonts=”yes” h4=”The Development of Self in Society: Get (Soft) Skilled” h4_font_container=”font_size:20|color:%23f1626e|line_height:2″ h4_google_fonts=”font_family:ABeeZee%3Aregular%2Citalic|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal” add_button=”right” btn_title=”READ MORE” btn_style=”outline-custom” btn_outline_custom_color=”#323b4b” btn_outline_custom_hover_background=”#ae4768″ btn_outline_custom_hover_text=”#ffffff” btn_align=”center” btn_i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-chevron-right” use_custom_fonts_h2=”true” use_custom_fonts_h4=”true” btn_add_icon=”true” btn_link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Ffundiconnect.co.za%2Fdevelopment-self-society-get-soft-skilled%2F||target:%20_blank|” css=”.vc_custom_1559647936805{border-top-width: 2px !important;border-right-width: 2px !important;border-bottom-width: 2px !important;border-left-width: 2px !important;padding-top: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;border-left-color: #ae4768 !important;border-right-color: #ae4768 !important;border-top-color: #ae4768 !important;border-bottom-color: #ae4768 !important;border-radius: 5px !important;}”]When applying for a job, most people prioritise their job-specific, hard skills. However, soft skills are just as important. Find out why here.[/vc_cta][vc_column_text]
The Skill Sets: Hard and Soft
We have done some research into the top skills that will give you a head start in the job market. As we’ve mentioned, hard skills are those that can be learned and can be specific to a job. While soft skills are transferable, meaning that they can be useful in a variety of jobs. We have listed a few of these trending skills with skills that complement them well enough to create a solid skill set.
Hard Skills
[/vc_column_text][ultimate_exp_section title=”1. Facebook Advertising (Click here)” new_title=”1. Facebook Advertising”][vc_column_text]As if we need more reason to spend time on social media. Did you know that you could do a Facebook Ads certification course? You’ll learn how to implement ads on Facebook’s platform, track user engagement, and optimise campaigns so that you can reach as many people as possible.
Complimentary skill: YouTube advertising would integrate well with this skill.[/vc_column_text][/ultimate_exp_section][ultimate_exp_section title=”2. Google Analytics (Click here)” new_title=”2. Google Analytics”][vc_column_text]Google Analytics provides essential data for anyone doing business online, and the Complete Google Analytics Course For Beginners shows you how to wield that power to maximise efficiency.
Complimentary skill: Pick up some data science skills and you have yourself a strong skill set.[/vc_column_text][/ultimate_exp_section][ultimate_exp_section title=”3. IOS App Development (Click here)” new_title=”3. IOS App Development”][vc_column_text]These days there is an app for just about everything. To start your own artisanal software shop and get in on the action, an iOS 11 and Xcode 9: Complete Swift 4 & Objective-C Course will have you building 25 fully functional apps.
Complimentary skill: Animation is a great skill to complement this.[/vc_column_text][/ultimate_exp_section][ultimate_exp_section title=”4. Network Penetration Testing (Click here)” new_title=”4. Network Penetration Testing”][vc_column_text]Getting into cyber security would make a lot of people who fear their data running out very happy. Fact.
Complimentary skill: Cloud computing would create a lethal combination of skills.[/vc_column_text][/ultimate_exp_section][ultimate_exp_section title=”5. Digital Marketing (Click here)” new_title=”5. Digital Marketing”][vc_column_text]Build an online client base quickly and efficiently with digital marketing tools and techniques.
Complimentary skill: Social media marketing is a skill that would combine with this well to form a solid skill set.[/vc_column_text][/ultimate_exp_section][ultimate_exp_section title=”6. Web Development (Click here)” new_title=”6. Web Development”][vc_column_text]Doing a web development course will have you building websites in no time.
Complimentary skill: Throw in UX design and you have a brilliant skill set.[/vc_column_text][/ultimate_exp_section][ultimate_exp_section title=”7. An MBA Education (Click here)” new_title=”7. An MBA Education”][vc_column_text]Sometimes it’s just not enough to have a bachelor’s degree. Particularly in business administration, where it’s all about the bottom line.
Complimentary skill: A double major of strategy, entrepreneurship or corporate finance.[/vc_column_text][/ultimate_exp_section][ultimate_exp_section title=”8. MS Excel Expertise (Click here)” new_title=”8. MS Excel Expertise”][vc_column_text]Most people can figure this out as they go and don’t always need to do a course. However, you’ll learn a lot faster if you do one. You’ll need it for all those board meeting presentations. Throw in some MS Powerpoint, while you’re at it.
Complimentary skill: In addition to MS Powerpoint, Google sheets, Apache OpenOffice, Bime, ThinkFree, Spread32 and many other similar Excel-like programmes are useful to become proficient in.[/vc_column_text][/ultimate_exp_section][vc_column_text]
Soft Skills
[/vc_column_text][ultimate_exp_section title=”1. Communication skills (Click here)” new_title=”1. Communication skills”][vc_column_text]If you can communicate well and avoid misunderstandings by listening intently, you will automatically make the work environment more pleasant.
Complimentary skill: Active listening which works in tandem with this skill to create a strong skill set.[/vc_column_text][/ultimate_exp_section][ultimate_exp_section title=”2. Decision-making (Click here)” new_title=”2. Decision-making”][vc_column_text]Sometimes we need to just get a move on with it and there’s no one in sight to ask for help. The ability to make decisions will come in handy when faced with problems and assist in avoiding delays.
Complimentary skill: Critical thinking complements this skill well.[/vc_column_text][/ultimate_exp_section][ultimate_exp_section title=”3. Self-motivation (Click here)” new_title=”3. Self-motivation”][vc_column_text]Let’s face it, employers don’t have time to coddle their staff. Being able to motivate yourself will leave your boss free to pat you on the back when you’ve done something well.
Complimentary skill: If you have a strong work ethic, you have a winning skill set.[/vc_column_text][/ultimate_exp_section][ultimate_exp_section title=”4. Leadership (Click here)” new_title=”4. Leadership”][vc_column_text]This includes the ability to manage and motivate others. Good leaders don’t just dish out orders, but also encourage others in a way that makes them want to do the task at hand and do it well.
Complimentary skill: Self-confidence will integrate well with this skill.[/vc_column_text][/ultimate_exp_section][ultimate_exp_section title=”5. Team-working skills (Click here)” new_title=”5. Team-working skills”][vc_column_text]No man is an island and we will all need to link arms with our colleagues to do things from time to time. This includes good communication and listening skills.
Complimentary skill: Flexibility is a skill that works well with this to form a good skill set.[/vc_column_text][/ultimate_exp_section][ultimate_exp_section title=”6. Time Management (Click here)” new_title=”6. Time Management”][vc_column_text]This includes the ability to work under pressure. We often feel pulled in many different directions, but the ability to prioritise and get things done is valuable when we need to get things done efficiently.
Complimentary skill: Coolness under pressure will be a great value add to your skill set.[/vc_column_text][/ultimate_exp_section][ultimate_exp_section title=”7. Problem-solving (Click here)” new_title=”7. Problem-solving”][vc_column_text]Goes hand-in-hand with decision making. Sitting on a problem instead of looking for solutions is not going to go over well with your boss when you’re on a deadline. Also, being able to remain calm in a crisis is important too.
Complimentary skill: Decision-making/critical thinking will complement this skill well.[/vc_column_text][/ultimate_exp_section][ultimate_exp_section title=”8. Positive attitude (Click here)” new_title=”8. Positive attitude”][vc_column_text]Sometimes life is simply how you view it, and when your boss is going off on a tangent about something, having someone who can keep the team spirit up and point out the silver lining will become incredibly valuable to them.
Complimentary skill: Ability to accept constructive criticism will work well in establishing a firm skill set.[/vc_column_text][/ultimate_exp_section][vc_column_text]
Lethal Skill Sets
Skill sets can be combinations of not just hard skills but soft skills. These skill combinations will give you the edge. That being said, some are more likely to get you ahead of the game than others. It’s common knowledge that anything computer-related is always in demand. Technology is the way of the future. Artificial Intelligence is ranked in the top three hard skill sets that are in demand for 2019. Ironically, it is right above people management. Soft skills that complement this include persuasion, collaboration, and adaptability. If you can combine tech-savvy skills with the ability to manage and get on well with people, there isn’t an employer who would be able to say “no” to you.
FundiConnect 2Cents
There you have it. Maybe reading this has awakened your inner geek or propelled you to want to re-study Dale Carnegie’s ‘How to Win Friends and Influence People’. What we can say is that while hard skills are important, soft skills are equally valuable, because you encounter people, problems and pressure in every working environment and no matter your mad tech skills, scarcely being able to grunt at someone just isn’t going to cut it. If you can work on getting both sets to glide together seamlessly, you’re A-for-away. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
