Apart from your field of study or your highest level of education, there are still some inherent skills employers look for in job applicants. These skills are essential skills which every employee must possess no matter the field or department they are posted to work in.
Here are some of the basic skills:
1. A POSITIVE OUTLOOK/MINDSET/ATTITUDE
Nobody wants to work in an atmosphere ridden with negativity. For the work atmosphere to be conducive, it means individuals must have a positive attitude to work. Therefore, for you to be incorporated into any functional working environment, you must exude positive vibes only. Even when the odds are against the effort, you should not do the type of person to easily give in to despair.
2. COMMUNICATION SKILLS
This encompasses your speaking, reading, and writing skills. A working environment is an interactive environment. The ability to express your thoughts coherently and also comprehend others is a very essential skill to possess.
3. TEAMWORK
This skill involves your ability to work with and bring out the best in others (your colleagues). No man is an island; everyone needs help to get what they want or achieve goals in an organization. You should also have respect for boundaries set by others in teamwork.
4. DECISION MAKING AND PROBLEM-SOLVING SKILLS
When you encounter an obstacle while carrying out your duties, can you think of ways to fix the problem? Can you think carefully about things before you make choices? This skill is highly important in the workplace.
5. WILLINGNESS TO LEARN AND ACCEPT CORRECTIONS
This shows your enthusiasm to learn new things you need to do your job well. Even when you do not do things correctly and you are advised or criticized by your superiors or colleagues, you do not pick offense but rather accept it positively and in good cheer. Most people are not amenable to correction. The ability to take correction very well can pass off as a skill.
6. IT SKILLS
Everyone in this day and age should possess this particular skill in order to work anywhere today. Even small scale businesses use IT skills to advertise and advance their businesses. It is very important to be internet savvy. Every employer wants a computer literate person.
7. ORGANIZATION
This has to do with your ability to sort, order or prioritize your time, tasks information and tools to ensure that you deliver what you need to on time. Nobody wants to employ an unorganized person.
8. CONFIDENCE
Do not mistake this for arrogance. Be confident in yourself, your colleagues and the company you work for. If you are enthusiastic about something, confidence should also come easily.
9. ABILITY TO WORK UNDER PRESSURE
This has to do with a person’s ability to be calm in cases of crises and not be too overwhelmed.
10. LEADERSHIP SKILLS
The ability to motivate yourself and your colleagues in other to get things done is a leadership skill. You must, however, be self-motivated before you can motivate others. You must have a passion for the job and something that drives you in other to be a motivation to yourself and others. Employers need someone who will find a way through difficult situations and be cheerful while doing so and helping others through.
These 10 skills are a must-have for anyone who is job hunting in a functional organization.