Top 10 Essential Technical Skills Every Job Seeker Should have

09-Sep-2024

The job market at present is incredibly competitive, with several graduates entering the workforce each year. To stand out from the crowd, job seekers need to differentiate themselves. Even for those who have secured a great position, continued success requires ongoing excellence and skill development. In today's professional landscape, technical skills are no longer optional - they are essential. Fortunately, with the abundance of online platforms offering a wide range of technical courses, upgrading your skills has never been more accessible. Embracing these opportunities can help you advance and prosper in your career. 

Why should we learn technical skills?

Technological advancements have transformed industries that once didn't prioritize technical skills, making them essential across various fields today. Here are some key benefits of possessing technical skills for job seekers and employees:

• Promising career opportunities

Technical skills can significantly enhance your job prospects. Candidates with specialized technical knowledge are often more attractive to potential employers, opening doors to exciting and lucrative career paths. 

• Facilitates Professional Growth

Equipped with the right technical skills, you can accelerate your career progression. Employees who possess these skills are better positioned for promotions and increased responsibilities, leading to higher salaries and more comprehensive benefits.

• Broadens the Scope of Your Work

With technical expertise, you can handle a wider range of tasks efficiently. For example, a content writer with basic SEO knowledge can create optimized content more quickly, reducing the time spent on revisions and allowing for greater focus on other important tasks. Incorporating technical skills into your repertoire not only makes you a more valuable team member but also positions you for long-term career success and growth. 

Top technical skills you should list on your resume 

Here are some of the top technical skills essential for increased productivity and competitive advantage.

1. Professional use of Microsoft Office / Open Office suite

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite includes the ability to effectively use word, excel, powerpoint, and outlook for a variety of business tasks. You should develop proficiency on:

• MS Word - Skills in document formatting, creating templates, and using advanced features such as mail merge and track changes.

• MS Excel - Proficiency in using formulas, pivot tables, charts, and advanced data analysis features to manage and analyze data.

• MS PowerPoint - Ability to design effective presentations using slides, multimedia, and animations to communicate ideas with clarity.

• MS Outlook - Efficient use of email management, calendar scheduling, and task organization to enhance productivity.

2. Analytical skill

Analytics skills encompass the ability to collect, process, and analyze data to provide actionable insights. This includes data analysis, statistical methods, and business intelligence. Analytics skills encompass the ability to collect, process, and analyze data to provide actionable insights. Focus areas include data analysis, business intelligence, statistical methods.

3. Programming skill

Programming is fundamental for developing software, automating tasks, and solving technical problems. These skills are in demand across many sectors, from tech startups to financial institutions, and are essential for roles in software development, data analysis, and more. Learn key programming skills such as Python for data analytics and machine learning, SQL for database management and basics of C and C# for application development. 

4. Visualization skill

Visualization skills involve the ability to create visual representations of data to help communicate insights and facilitate understanding. Effective data visualization helps stakeholders quickly grasp complex information and make informed decisions. This skill is valuable for roles involving data analysis, reporting, and strategic planning. You should develop familiarity with tools such as tableau, power BI, or google data studio for creating interactive and static visualizations. 

5. Graphic Design 

Graphic design involves creating visual content to communicate messages effectively. These skills are important for roles in marketing, branding, and communications. Well-designed graphics can enhance brand identity, engage audiences, and effectively convey information. You can learn the tricks of graphic design using free online tools such as Canva, Adobe Express and many more. 

6. Data Entry and Management

Data entry involves inputting information into databases or spreadsheets, while data management encompasses organizing and maintaining data effectively. Accurate data entry and management are crucial for maintaining records, generating reports, and making data-driven decisions. You should focus on learning spreadsheets, database concepts and data entry systems.

7. Troubleshooting

Basic troubleshooting involves diagnosing and resolving common technical issues related to hardware or software. Being able to address and resolve minor issues independently can increase productivity and reduce downtime. The key areas to focus on here include identification and handling software and hardware issues, developing skills in diagnostic tools and resources to troubleshoot, and applying logical steps to isolate and fix problems.

8. Technical writing

Technical writing competence is important for creating clear, precise documentation and communication. In many technical and business roles, the ability to convey complex information effectively is key to successful project execution and stakeholder engagement. Develop your technical knowledge, grammar and proofreading skills to become proficient in technical writing.

9. Basics of cybersecurity 

With increasing cyber threats, having a foundational understanding of cybersecurity helps protect both personal and organizational data from breaches and attacks. Key focus areas should be to learn password management, Phishing and malware awareness and best practices for online safety such as secure browsing and regular software updates.

10. Video editing skill

Video editing is a creative skill that requires a combination of artistic vision, storytelling, and technical proficiency to build a coherent product. These skills are valuable as multimedia content becomes increasingly important in marketing, training, and communication. This includes understanding your editing software, cutting and arranging clips, adding transitions, sound editing, color grading, and exporting the final product in the desired format.

Conclusion

It is pertinent for you to develop some if not all, the technical competence to secure a profession and perform effectively in your organization. Developing and honing the technical skills mentioned in this article will not only enhance your employability but also help you adapt to various job functions and industry demands.

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