For candidates who are looking for a job, they may be wondering what types of skills would be beneficial to cultivate and list on a resume or LinkedIn page. We work with companies in a variety of industries, including accounting, finance, information technology, marketing, digital, creative, human resources, and corporate support. While these verticals differ in some ways, there are certain skills that employers across diverse industries are looking for, like the following.

1. Technical Skills

Ease of use with technology is the most in-demand skill across industries today. In July 2021, Indeed posted a list of the 20 most in-demand skills the site is seeing in job postings. Technical skills dominated workforce postings, with examples including:

• Cloud computing
• Artificial intelligence
• Mobile app development
• Video production
• Audio production
• UX design
• Blockchain

Even if you don’t directly work in information technology, familiarity and competency with software and connected systems can help you in a variety of roles.

For example, “Forbes” reported the percentage of workers permanently working from home is expected to double in 2021. By 2025, an estimated 70% of workers are expected to work from home at least 5 days per month.

For professionals who use computers or who currently work in offices, comfort with online project management and video conferencing tools can help candidates stand out as more companies adopt remote work.

If you’re interested in upskilling or reskilling, [NE1] consider learning a technology-focused skill. There are online bootcamps and free courses on sites like Coursera where you can master a new skill, get a certificate, and use it to enhance your profile as a candidate.

2. Digital Marketing Skills

Digital marketing skills help professionals beyond those in marketing, digital and creative jobs. These days, employees represent their companies online via social media channels like LinkedIn. Companies recognize the value in employee advocacy, which translates to the digital landscape.

Indeed listed search engine optimization and search engine marketing, as well as digital journalism, in its top 20 in-demand skills list. Digital marketing skills like social media are especially helpful for those who work in sales. A survey by Aberdeen Group found 73% of salespeople who used social selling as part of their sales strategy outperformed their sales peers and beat their quota 23% more often.

Social media is also an essential form of customer service and public relations. Companies that want to hire employees to be brand advocates for their business and represent them positively online may be looking for digital marketing skills like blogging and social media.

3. Business Skills

General business knowledge is helpful for employees in a variety of positions. Business skills help a professional align the work they’re doing with how it affects business outcomes for a company. 

Sales leadership, people management and persuasion were also listed in Indeed’s recent in-demand skills list. Those skills are used in sales and within operations, as well as in client meetings and customer interactions.

Other in-demand skills related to business operations include:

• Strategic thinking
• Data analysis
• Finance

Since business skills apply to any company, it makes sense the National Center for Education Statistics reports business degrees were the most popular master’s degree field of study in 2018-2019, with 24% of graduate students studying for business degrees like MBAs. If you want to sharpen your business skills, check out sites like EdX, which offers free courses on business topics like negotiation and management.

4. Soft Skills

Finally, soft skills that facilitate teamwork are also in-demand across industries. Indeed and a report on LinkedIn list the following in their most in-demand skills of 2021.

• Problem solving
• Critical thinking
• Innovation
• Active listening
• Communication
• Creativity
• Collaboration
• Adaptability
• Time management

Unless a professional works completely independently, they’re going to have to work with other employees and will need to collaborate effectively. Professionals who have effective communication skills, who are emotionally intelligent and who inspire and motivate their coworkers will continue to be in high demand.

Research has shown leaders with soft skills can increase their team’s performance by 30%.

Matching Employers with Skilled Employees