Recruiters reveal: the skills and traits they are looking for right now
Careers’ panel of expert recruiters answer the question: What skills or traits are employers looking for in particular right now?
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“What skills or traits are employers looking for in particular right now?”
Careers’ panel of expert recruiters answers a reader’s question each week. Have a question? Email careers_qs@news.com.au
Alexandra Rosser
Head of Organisational Psychology Consulting, Stillwell Management Consultants
It depends on the industry but across the board, abstract intelligence and critical reasoning are valued as employers are increasingly needing people who are able to discern important from irrelevant information and respond with logical, lateral and creative solutions. While I dislike the term: “soft skills”, it is also these that are particularly in demand by employers, including emotional intelligence – particularly the ability to understand our own and others’ natural behavioural inclinations and adapt one’s style to work effectively with others – resilience, adaptability and initiative. Advanced digital literacy and superior command of whatever technologies are dominating your chosen line of work remains important.
Lisa Morris
Director, Hays
When they recruit, employers look for candidates with relevant industry experience and skills. They are less willing to take a chance on someone right now, so make sure you highlight relevant applicable experience on your CV. But saying you have the skills is not enough – employers also want proof, so add quantifiable evidence to demonstrate the relevance of your experience. Soft skills are more important, too. Employers today look for a candidate who is adaptable with strong communication and team work skills.
A willingness to learn and a desire to stay on top of current trends and changes relevant to your profession is also valued, as are good organisation skills that will see you maximise productivity at a time when budgets are tight. Therefore, make sure you share in an interview examples of situations where these soft skills shone through. Cultural fit is also essential, so research a hiring organisation’s culture and values then share in your CV and in an interview examples that demonstrate how your way of working is aligned with theirs.
Andrew Sullivan
Managing director, Sullivan Consulting
Adaptability and resilience are, understandably, highly sought-after skills right now. The ability to build strong and lasting relationships is also something employers look for in candidates. Relationship building is a highly transferable skill since every role relies on successful relationships, whether they are with clients, colleagues, suppliers or other stakeholders. The changing career landscape right now also means a preparedness to upskill and continually learn is another trait employers look for and that is worth developing. Ongoing growth can put you in a good position to consolidate a current position, secure a new role or take your career further.
Justin Hinora
Executive consultant, Hender Consulting
Self-awareness, authenticity, integrity, humility, proactivity and adaptability are just a few of the key traits we look for in professionals no matter what the role – above and beyond technical competence. The ability to navigate ambiguity, effectively manage competing priorities and self, and respond to changing circumstances are just some of the important skills required, particularly in these unprecedented times. Providing examples and not simply using adjectives, is the best way candidates can demonstrate the skills and traits they bring. Simply declaring that you are self-aware is not enough.
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News Corp has partnered with HR technology company Shortlyster to develop the Australian National Talent Registry, an initiative to help get Australians back to work, as COVID-19 has left hundreds of thousands of people either jobless or with reduced working hours.
The registry aims to connect jobseekers, whose employment does not have to have been directly affected by the coronavirus pandemic to participate, with employers on cultural-fit and psychological level, not just qualifications and experience.
It is free for jobseekers to sign up:CLICK HERE
Originally published as Recruiters reveal: the skills and traits they are looking for right now