ESSENTIAL SKILLS FOR ENTRY-LEVEL WORKERS

It can be daunting to try to decipher what exactly it is that hiring managers want from your resume when you're just starting out. Because there are so many different kinds of businesses, markets, and jobs, no one solution can work for everyone. Even the most talented computer programmer may not be suited for a career in sales.

However, there are a few abilities, both soft and hard, that will help your application stand out regardless of the position or employer you're seeking. As part of our research, we surveyed over 300 career counselors, recruiters, HR professionals, and business owners to learn more about the skills and qualities they value most in potential employees. Include them on your resume, and get ready to advance your application.

Communication

Experts in human resources and other areas of work all agreed that communication skills are the most important.

When it comes to your career, every decision you make is influenced by your ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and nonverbally. The ability to effectively convey your thoughts and interact with your coworkers is crucial.

The best way to get better at these skills is to think about your own strengths and weaknesses, ask for and act on constructive feedback, study the techniques of people who are naturally good at getting along with others, and then use what you've learned in all of your relationships.

You've never worked in an office before. Etiquette training in the workplace is another thing that may help new professionals get used to the way things work. If you want to improve your oral communication skills, enrolling in a public speaking course or joining a group like Toastmasters is a good idea. If you want to get better at writing, you might want to take a creative writing class and read a lot.

Relevant background knowledge and experience

These days, even entry-level workers are expected to have some sort of professional experience under their belts, be it from an internship, an externship, a part-time job, etc. You can also stand out from the crowd through extracurricular activities, volunteer work, and leadership roles.

Also, don't overlook the importance of relevant coursework, it's a lot easier to say, "I have an interest in being a financial adviser, as shown by my relevant coursework in my finance program at X school," rather than saying you have an interest in being a financial adviser but have no factual support to back up that interest.

Analytics

Once upon a time, only the most technical jobs needed to know anything about analytics. However, in today's information age, it's not just data scientists, marketers, and HR professionals who need to understand the importance of data to their organization.

When I interview people who say they work in those fields but show they don't know much about them by asking questions about conversion rates, click-through rates, and the analytical tools needed for the job, companies are turned off.

In order to get a feel for what metrics and analytics platforms will be most useful to your field, a quick Google search will do the trick. When you know what you want to learn, it's easy to find online courses that cover that subject.

Capability for Rapid Learning

While having technical expertise is certainly advantageous, technology is constantly evolving. Employers want to know that they can count on you to adapt to new circumstances, such as when the technology you're using becomes obsolete. Proof of quick learning is often more valuable than expertise in a single program.

Collaborative effort

You may have gotten used to being the center of attention in school, but to be successful in the workplace, you need to put your individual achievements aside and work with others.

Working in groups and teams is becoming more common. Employees must get along with others, contribute constructively, and provide motivational boosts. The best way to get these skills is to watch people who already have them and try to be like them. Think about the successful people in your life and watch how they deal with other people and groups. Focus on enhancing the bonds you already have with people, working more closely with those you already know, expanding your social circle, and making new friends.

Ability to organize

Some students can get by academically on their wits alone, despite having poor organizational skills. But order is a must at work. If you're not yet adept at updating and prioritizing your to-do list, managing your inbox, storing and retrieving important documents, or directing projects, now is the time to start.

Service-oriented

Customer service is an important skill to highlight on a resume because many entry-level jobs require interaction with the public.

Hiring managers appreciate candidates who can think on their feet and consistently provide outstanding service to their clients and coworkers. Putting in the time to practice will yield the best results. Talking to friends and coworkers will give you plenty of opportunities to practice being helpful and offering solutions to their issues.

However, don't be afraid to borrow ideas from successful businesses.

There are also a lot of great blogs and articles about what makes for good customer service. It's a good idea to begin by learning about Disney and Nordstrom's methods of customer service through articles.

Optimistic perspective

Skills are important, but your attitude will determine whether you get the job or another young person with similar skills does. This includes things like being happy and not being sad. You don't have to crack jokes all the time, but you should always be in a good mood. You should also be honest and do what you say you'll do, no matter what. You should also be confident, even if you don't feel it. No one is always sure of themselves; they are just good at hiding their doubts. You should do the same.

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