Future Skills to get Ahead in the Job Market

Ask any job seeker right now or from the last 12 months and I think there is a unanimous awareness that the landscape is evolving. Not just from the emergence of AI but also around the core skills hiring managers and teams are evaluating to help future proof their own business. We see it first hand through the roles (I'm Looking for a Job | Peritus Partners) we’re hiring for, a new set of skills are coming through. To explore these emerging trends, we spoke with two brilliant talent professionals Jackie Pokrant, a seasoned recruiter at ConcertAI, and Simon Werkhausen, Head of Talent Acquisition at Auto1, offering insights into what you as a job seeker should be paying attention to.

Key Technical Skills on the Rise

One of the most significant trends shaping the job landscape is the increasing demand for generative AI skills. Both Jackie and Simon brought up that depending on the position you are applying for, the level to which you understand the usage of AI will differ but one thing that remains is that candidates must be prepared to articulate the direct impact the tools they adopt have on their productivity and output.

Simply sharing that you use ChatGPT is no longer enough, organisations are evaluating the value of specific example where AI has been integrated into your daily workflows. Being able to not only take someone through the story of the tool you are using but the direct impact will allow them to better understand if they as a business could benefit from such implementation.

Simon also added that even with the rise of new age technology, job seekers should not overlook foundational tools such as Excel, PowerPoint or Google Sheets. Proficiency in these applications remains vital for day-to-day efficiency and being able to blend technologies showcases a someone’s versatility and readiness to navigate complex work environments.

We focused a lot more into how you can express your technical ability in an interview process in a previous blog (How to really show your value during a technical interview), go check it out!

The Importance of Soft Skills

Moving away from the hard coded tech skills as they differ from reader to reader, what is becoming increasingly apparent is that the soft skills are driving decisions and are recognised as a critical element for success in the workplace.

Jackie highlights effective communication as a key area of focus. Communication covers a broad aspect for the type of questions you might ask in an interview (What questions should you ask during an interview?), your ability to structure clear and concise answers through to how you might be able to share and teach others.

Communication is fundamental cornerstone to a modern hiring process, particularly in remote work settings where nuances in cross-cultural interactions can lead to misunderstandings as Simon highlighted. Job seekers therefore should strive to cultivate communication skills that enable them to engage meaningfully with diverse teams, utilising active listening techniques and asking clarifying questions to ensure comprehensive understanding.

Jackie also shared the value of emotional intelligence, noting that the capacity to perceive, interpret, and respond to the emotions of others can significantly differentiate candidates. Those who can foster collaborative environments by encouraging team members and acknowledging diverse perspectives will be especially sought after not just today but to help future proof organisations.

Adaptability and Continuous Learning

When it comes to showing adaptability and a commitment to learning, Jackie and Simon both have a similar outlook and stress the importance of storytelling in interviews. Sharing real examples of how you’ve applied new skills to projects and the impact they had, rather than just listing certifications is what will help set you apart, remember employers want to see how your growth translates into results.

Simon added the importance of a growth mindset in general. He encourages job seekers to highlight moments in an interview where they faced challenges, adapted, and found solutions. Instead of just stating what happened, focus on how you navigated the situation and what positive changes came from it.

Transitioning into New Fields

For those considering a career change or looking to upskill for a new path, our guests highlighted the importance of thorough research in two key areas.

First, take stock of your own skills, strengths, and areas for improvement. Self-awareness is a highly valued trait in organisations, particularly when paired with a growth mindset. When you understand your capabilities, hiring teams can better support your development and identify where you can add value within their business.

Second, research the prospective company’s objectives, culture, and industry trends. By identifying how your transferable skills align with the company’s goals, you can present yourself more effectively, both in your resume and throughout the hiring process. Hiring teams are shifting away from the traditional mindset of prioritising only candidates with direct experience and are instead focusing on skill stacking, the ability to apply diverse skills from past roles to new contexts.

To stand out from the start, strategically incorporate relevant skills from the job description into your resume while also highlighting complementary skills that may not be explicitly requested. This approach not only strengthens your connection with potential employers but also demonstrates your understanding of their needs and your ability to bring fresh value to the role.

Unless you have a friend with a pulse on the recruiting industry, it is a big challenge trying to understand what hiring teams look out for when competition is at an all time high. The fact is when it comes to emerging skills and future workforce trends, organisations are moving in a direction that favours softer skills. If you have a strong grasp of the hard skills for your niche already but not landing the jobs you are after, then the first action would be to evaluate where your soft skills are today and create a plan of action based on the insights from both Jackie and Simon.

Will the market change? Not in 2025 is our prediction. Therefore, stay focused, continue learning and check back weekly for a new Peritus Partners (link to the landing page) blog.

A big thank you to both Jackie Pokrant and Simon Werkhausen for their support and guidance on this article!

Peritus Partners is a next generation recruitment team that focuses on blending education, business and community together. Interested to see how we can help find the best talent for your team or interested in finding a new job? Reach out today 😎