Essential skills which you need to get ahead in the working world

There are many things you do to prepare yourself for finding a good job. From university degrees to apprenticeships, there may already be much on your CV that you can use to land you your dream job. However, the road can become tricky at times due to the competitiveness of the job market. Standing out can be hard when people have similar qualifications. This is where you need special skills to help you stand out from the crowd and make your mark on your employer. Such skills can be built upon throughout your life, and will also give you some lifelong lessons that you can use outside the workplace.

Communication

Communication skills are some of the most important you can have. On job specifications, you will often find that they top the list of desired traits for candidates to have. They can be difficult to develop if you are low on confidence but can be a huge indicator of how well you can work in a team and individually. Ideally, you should remain friendly and understanding, but you should also know when to take the lead and guide other people. Mostly, the key is to listen to what the other person is saying, as this will show you are invested in what you are doing.

Languages

People are living in an increasingly globalised world, which means that having a knack for languages is becoming one of the most important traits you can have. You may know a small amount of French or Spanish from school, but languages like German and Chinese are fast becoming used in international workplaces and with clients around the world. Learning Chinese is daunting, but can be made a fun learning curve when you learn with schools such as Chineseschoollondon.com. Learning a language such as this shows initiative, but can also mean that travelling the world with work is much more likely.

Self-starter

There are many people in work who remain in the same position for year after year. This is usually because they don’t have the confidence to ask for a promotion, even if they deserve one. Being a self-starter means taking the initiative wherever you can, rather than following the status quo. To display such a skill, building your confidence is essential, as it can help you find creative solutions on the spot, and realise your own self-worth in the workplace. It can be tricky, but it will mean that people will recognise how much you are putting into your job.

Technology

Technology has come on in leaps and bounds in recent years, and workplaces are changing as a result. It means that you can rarely get by in your job without at least knowing the basics of certain software systems. For those without a mathematical brain, learning new technology can be difficult, but you will find it easier to learn if you complete the appropriate practical training. Even so, having a basic knowledge of coding under your belt will be an immediate advantage when you are searching for a new job-based in this sector.