The world changes rapidly these days and the job market is no exception. Some experts argue it’s more important than ever to remain up-to-date with your skill-set as we reflect on a wildly different past and look to navigate potentially turbulent times ahead.
“Over the last couple of years, we’ve seen the world of work evolve in a way no one could’ve predicted,” explains Monica Lewis, Senior Director of Product at LinkedIn.
LinkedIn data shows that skills for today’s jobs have changed by 25% since 2015 and that number is expected to double by 2027.
“Keeping your skills sharp has become more important than ever in landing opportunities,” believes Lewis.
LinkedIn identified 20 skills that make people highly employable. Most would be considered basic or common, not esoteric or special. Yet truly mastering even a couple of these skills can make someone employable for life. Building up an entire “talent stack,” as Scott Adams would say, can become a downright superpower.
The top five skills to know are Customer Service, Sales, Accounting, Business Development, and Marketing.
To help job seekers future-proof their careers, LinkedIn Learning is offering free courses for the month of September in these growing areas: Serving Customers in a Continuously Changing World; Asking Great Sales Questions; Lean Accounting Foundations; Business Development: Strategic Planning; and Marketing Foundations: The Marketing Funnel.
“In-demand hard skills include customer service, sales, and accounting, and the top soft skills that are important, no matter your role, include leadership, communication and problem solving,” Lewis says.
Those with skills to pay the bills are encouraged to scope out the free, year-round Tech Talent Canada Job Board to put their talent stack to good use. We also suggest attending a Tech Talent Canada Job Fair to engage with the hottest growing firms across the country. Also free, of course.