The COVID-19 pandemic caused a shift in how skills are viewed and assessed. According to 33% of recruiters, specific skill needs have changed since the pandemic began.
Right now, the role of technology in organizational performance is becoming more crucial. The development of artificial intelligence and automation gave soft skills – qualities that distinguish us from robotics and make us distinctly human – even more magnitude and value.
If you are an entry-level applicant, employers will understand that you do not have as many experiences; not everyone has had the same opportunities. And the job application process provides you with the right time to concentrate on what you haven't experienced and what you haven't had the chance to develop yet.
However, it is also the time to focus on what you can do by discovering your strengths, personal attributes, and the elements that make you authentic.
The seven skills listed below can help you as you begin building your career journey:
1. Flexibility and Openness to Feedback
Feedback is essential because it helps you break bad habits, reinforces positive behavior, and sanctions you to work more effectively with your new colleagues towards a common goal. It also helps improve your self-esteem and gives you more drive to learn and effectively, a learner's attainment. So, whether the feedback is positive or negative, always be mindful of responding in the most positive way possible and take the time to reflect.
2. Self-Awareness
Self-Awareness is another vital element to have as an entry-level applicant, as it gives you a conscious perspective of what you can and cannot do. It also requires you to be open-minded about your beliefs, emotions, motives, and values. When you possess an excellent sense of self, you become more grounded and can have an objective view of various situations. First, you can listen to feedback, as mentioned before, or take a personality test.
3. A Growth Mindset
Mindset is an excellent tool in helping us make sense of ourselves and the world around us. And fortunately for all of us, we can foster a growth mindset. A growth mindset is a convenient instrument in whatever learning process you engage in, and it helps you identify the gaps and problems in an issue and the best solutions to solve them. With this attribute, you can maximize your potential, and the career benefits will follow.
4. Adjusting to Ambivalence
The workplace possesses what some would call a VUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, and Ambiguous) climate that is always prone to constant and unpredictable change. There will be instances where you will need to accomplish a task, make a decision, or solve a problem in even the most unsettling circumstances.
Developing the calmness and patience for uncertain events can manifest in staying relaxed when habits or routines begin to feel off or taking action despite being unsure of the result. Accepting that you cannot control everything and focusing on the solutions instead of the issues are critical to navigating the complex nature of the workplace
5. Taking Responsibility
This concept is not synonymous with overloading yourself with tasks; instead, it means taking personal responsibility. It is expected that as an entry-level applicant, you will not know everything. However, you are expected to prioritize your tasks and manage your time; the capacity to complete activities without direct supervision or instruction is a priceless professional strength.
This could entail proactively being open about your progress, asking for help, seeking clarification, and driving your development. Remember, asking is an act of strength, not weakness.
6. Building Professional Network
As a fresh graduate, diligently building your network and personal brand is an important step. With a solid network, you can learn new things, broaden your reach, and gain support.
However, with the hybrid work arrangement today, you may need to create new ways to network. Networking can be challenging now due to the fewer opportunities for spontaneous in-person interactions. And as a result, it can be challenging to pick up some behaviors and skills that you might otherwise cultivate in the workplace. Be deliberate about creating connections by participating in extra opportunities and taking an active role in meetings. From there, you can watch your network expand!
7. Effective Communication Skills
You can work well in a team and establish enduring connections by developing excellent communication skills. Being a successful communicator requires you to be a good listener, a good questioner, and a clear speaker. You'll need to establish a rapport with your colleagues, which might be difficult in a hybrid workplace. It's crucial to speak out and never be embarrassed to ask for assistance. The job application process can be pretty overwhelming, from figuring out your most valuable skills to what employers look for the most. But regardless of the position or employer you seek, these seven simple skills can boost your application almost anywhere. Add them to your resume and get ready for your application to go to the next level.
