January 2, 2024
A new year brings a new outlook, and that often leads to a desire for a new job opportunity. If you’re in this position, there are a number of things you can do to boost your chances of success. One of these is to ensure your CV accurately reflects the types of skills that are sought-after in this market. And according to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report, transferable skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving and flexibility are at the top of the list.
Here, we will delve a little deeper into six of these top skills for 2022, alongside providing you with a few keyword suggestions to use in your resume for each skillset – an effective way to get your CV noticed.
1. Communication Skills
Top-notch communication skills are a must, no matter your industry. Employers will be looking for evidence of this across the full spectrum of the recruitment cycle, from your application to your interview and beyond.
With remote work firmly entrenched in many businesses today, it’s also a savvy move to highlight your proficiency with online communication platforms (such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams or Slack).
Suggested CV keywords
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Collaboration
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Active listener
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Explanation
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Interpersonal
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Teamwork
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Reflection
2. Problem-Solving
There aren’t many managers who wouldn’t want a great problem-solver on their team! If you can demonstrate you have this skill in spades, it may be the thing that gets your application to the top of the pile.
Critical thinking is an essential component of problem-solving. This involves not just questioning but analysing, evaluating, reasoning and reflecting to come up with the right solution. Think about ways you can emphasise your problem-solving prowess in your CV, with a focus on creativity or innovation if possible.
Suggested CV keywords
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Clarification
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Evaluation
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Identifying patterns
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Innovation
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Critical thinker
3. Adaptability
In recent times, companies have been forced to adapt the way they do business. The employees who stood out are the ones who rolled with the punches, demonstrating flexibility in the face of challenge. And this is precisely why adaptability is a highly attractive quality in a potential employee, and something you should try to showcase in your CV.
Suggested CV keywords
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Multi-skilled
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Creative
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Flexible
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Resilient
4. Project Management
This skill no longer resides solely in the domain of those in leadership (or Project Managers themselves). It’s imperative for all employees. Many tasks have interdependencies and are often part of a large project, so showing you’re capable of managing from initial concept to completion is paramount.
Think about how you can illustrate your understanding of the crucial components of project management in your resume. This includes workflows, processes, managing multiple needs, juggling deadlines, conducting risk analysis and debriefing.
Suggested CV keywords
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Strategic thinking
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Scheduling
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Prioritising
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Analysis
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Research
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Assessment
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Estimating
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Mitigation
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Risk management
5. Emotional Intelligence
Emotional intelligence is your ability to understand and manage your emotions in positive ways to communicate effectively, deal with stress or conflict, overcome challenges, as well as empathise with others.
Employees who are adept in this area are a joy for managers and co-workers alike, remaining calm in times of high stress and effectively smoothing ruffled feathers after disagreements. If you’ve got your eye on a leadership position, this is certainly a skill you’ll want to highlight.
Suggested CV keywords
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Empathy
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Fair
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Inclusive
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Diplomacy
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Good at establishing rapport
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Open-minded
6. Technical Know-How
Technology is firmly embedded in today’s workforce and your proficiency in this area might be what sets you apart from other applicants.
You’ll likely have great digital foundation skills (knowing how to use different operating systems, effectively using the internet, communicating online with colleagues and stakeholders, understanding best practices around data storage and security). But there are a host of others that are extremely enticing for employers for 2022 and beyond. This includes expertise in digital marketing, social media, user experience, data analytics or artificial intelligence.
If you don’t have experience in these areas, you could consider using your holiday downtime to enrol in an online course.
Extra Help With ‘Skilling Up’ Your CV for 2022
That covers six of the top skills for 2022 that employers will focus upon – by including skills in your CV that are sought-after in your industry, you can boost your chances of landing your ideal job.
If you’d like some extra assistance in ensuring your resume is up to scratch for 2022, we’d love to lend you our expert eyes (and ears). As a leading Sydney recruitment agency, our consultants are adept at helping candidates position themselves to secure new opportunities, so please let us know if we can support you further.
