In today’s competitive job market, having the right skills is crucial for standing out and securing the job you want. With the changing landscape of work and the increasing demand for specific skill sets, it’s important to understand what employers are looking for in 2023. This article will explore the top skills employers look for and provide guidance on how to showcase them effectively on your resume.

The evolving job market

The job market is constantly evolving, and employers are seeking candidates with a combination of technical and soft skills. According to LinkedIn’s annual report, talent shortages have reached a 16-year high, with 75% of employers struggling to find candidates with the right skill set. This makes it even more essential for job seekers to focus on developing and highlighting the skills that employers are seeking.

Top skills employers look for in 2023

Based on LinkedIn’s data, the top skills employers are seeking in 2023 include management, communication, customer service, leadership, sales, project management, research, analytical skills, marketing, and teamwork. These skills span a range of industries and are applicable to various job roles.

Management

As companies continue to grow and expand, the need for skilled managers becomes increasingly important. Employers seek candidates who can effectively oversee teams, projects, and operations. Highlighting your management skills on your resume can include showcasing previous experience in leading teams, managing budgets, and implementing successful strategies.

Communication

Effective communication is crucial in today’s workplace, especially as teams become more geographically dispersed. Employers value candidates who can communicate ideas and information clearly across various channels and platforms. On your resume, emphasize your communication skills by highlighting experiences in public speaking, written communication, and collaboration with colleagues.

Customer service

Delivering an outstanding customer experience is a top priority for companies looking to build brand loyalty and drive long-term growth. Employers are seeking candidates who can provide exceptional customer service and handle customer concerns with professionalism and empathy. When showcasing your customer service skills on your resume, highlight experiences that demonstrate your ability to handle challenging situations and provide excellent service.

Leadership

Leadership skills are highly valued by employers, whether you’re leading a small team or an entire organization. Employers seek candidates who can provide guidance, direction, and inspiration to their colleagues. On your resume, highlight leadership experiences, such as leading projects, mentoring team members, and driving positive change within an organization.

Sales

With the rise of e-commerce and the importance of digital channels, sales skills remain in high demand. Employers value candidates who can effectively sell products or services, both in person and online. When showcasing your sales skills on your resume, highlight achievements in meeting sales targets, building client relationships, and implementing successful sales strategies.

Project management

Project management skills are essential for overseeing and successfully completing projects within organizations. Employers seek candidates who can effectively plan, organize, and execute projects while managing resources and timelines. When highlighting your project management skills on your resume, emphasize your experience in managing and delivering projects on time and within budget.

Research

Research skills are highly valued in many industries, as employers seek candidates who can gather and analyze data to inform decision-making. Highlight experiences on your resume that demonstrate your ability to conduct research, analyze information, and present findings effectively.

Analytical skills

Analytical skills are increasingly important as companies rely on data-driven insights to make informed business decisions. Employers seek candidates who can analyze complex information, identify trends, and provide actionable recommendations. On your resume, highlight experiences that showcase your analytical abilities, such as data analysis, problem-solving, and critical thinking.

Marketing

In the digital age, marketing skills are highly sought after by employers. Companies need candidates who can create effective marketing strategies, utilize digital marketing channels, and analyze marketing data. When showcasing your marketing skills on your resume, highlight experiences in developing marketing campaigns, managing social media platforms, and utilizing analytics to measure campaign success.

Teamwork

Collaboration and teamwork are essential skills in today’s workplace. Employers value candidates who can work effectively in teams, contribute ideas, and build positive working relationships. On your resume, highlight experiences that demonstrate your ability to work collaboratively, such as team projects, cross-functional collaborations, and successful team outcomes.

How to showcase skills on your resume

Now that you understand the top skills employers are seeking, it’s essential to showcase them effectively on your resume.

Tailor your resume to the job description

Carefully review the job description and identify the skills that the employer is looking for. Customize your resume to highlight those specific skills and experiences that align with the job requirements. Use keywords and phrases from the job description to demonstrate your qualifications.

Use a skills section

Create a dedicated skills section on your resume to showcase your relevant skills. Group them into categories, such as technical and soft skills, to make it easy for the employer to identify your strengths. Be specific in describing your skills and provide examples of how you have utilized them in previous roles.

Provide concrete examples

When describing your experiences and accomplishments, include specific examples that demonstrate your skills in action. Use metrics and numbers whenever possible to quantify your achievements and provide tangible evidence of your capabilities.

Include relevant training and certifications

If you have completed any relevant training courses or obtained certifications that demonstrate your skills, include them on your resume. This can further enhance your credibility and showcase your commitment to professional development.

Highlight soft skills in context

When highlighting soft skills, provide context and examples of how you have demonstrated those skills in real-world situations. Describe challenges you have faced and how your soft skills have enabled you to overcome them and achieve success.

Utilize action verbs

Use strong action verbs to describe your skills and experiences. This adds impact and demonstrates your proactive approach. Examples of action verbs include “managed,” “coordinated,” “implemented,” “analyzed,” and “collaborated.”

Proofread and format carefully

Ensure that your resume is free of errors and typos. A well-formatted and visually appealing resume will make a positive impression on employers. Use headings, bullet points, and white space to organize information and make it easy to read.

Conclusion

In today’s competitive job market, showcasing the skills employers are looking for is crucial for success. By understanding the top skills in demand and effectively highlighting them on your resume, you can stand out from the competition and increase your chances of landing the desired job. Tailor your resume to the job description, include a dedicated skills section, provide concrete examples, and utilize action verbs to showcase your qualifications. With a well-crafted resume that showcases your skills, you can impress employers and position yourself as a strong candidate in the job market of 2023.

Photo by Edmond Dantès