Recruiters reveal: Top 5 in demand skills and why

As the workforce continues to evolve, employers are placing a premium on people with skills that will help secure their success in the future. But, what exactly are they looking for?

We spoke to some of New Zealand’s leading recruiters to reveal the five skills in high demand and how you can show that you have exactly what employers are looking for.

1. Adaptability

In a fast-changing work environment, no one can afford to stand still. Technology is evolving, industries are shifting, and new market trends require a quick response. Employers value candidates who can demonstrate an ability to adapt to these changes.

‘‘Employers want their people to be able to pivot to a new role or area of responsibility as things change and to upskill to remain on top of new trends relevant to their job function or industry,’’ says Nick Deligiannis, Managing Director of Hays in Australia & New Zealand.

How to demonstrate adaptability

Deligiannis says the best way to demonstrate your adaptability is by citing examples from previous roles. This may include recent courses you have undertaken to broaden your skill set, or instances when you have adapted to new technology or new client expectations. ‘‘Using examples allows you to prove your skills while clearly demonstrating to the interviewer how you could add value to their team or department,’’ says Deligiannis.

2. Project management

New Zealand is experiencing an unprecedented level of infrastructure spending and an estimated $129 billion is expected to be spent on capital projects between 2019 and 2029. Iain MacGibbon, Managing Director of Farrow Jamieson, says the boom in infrastructure projects is leading to highdemand for project management skills.

‘‘These include a range of soft skills, such as communication skills, and hard skills like budgeting and risk management,’’ he says.

How to demonstrate project management

To demonstrate your project management skills, include examples such as how you foster a team environment, how you have dealt with challenges and how you manage stakeholders. MacGibbon also suggests making your resume clear and to-the-point.

‘‘Don’t expect people to be mind readers,’’ he says.

‘‘Be sure to include tangible results of projects to prove your management skills.’’

3. Positivity

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by change, but employers value candidates who can approach transformation with a positive mindset.

‘‘Employers are assessing your presentation and attitude just as much, if not more, than your technical skills,’’ says Kelly Ashford, Marketing Manager at Adecco New Zealand.

‘‘As tasks are automated and job roles and responsibilities evolve, soft skills are the new essential for the workforce and the workplace.’’

How to demonstrate positivity

Express enthusiasm in your cover letter – rather than writing that you are ‘interested in the role’, write that you are ‘excited about the opportunity’. During an interview, avoid negative comments about previous employers and prepare questions to ask about the role and the organisation to show a high level of interest.

Positivity is tough to fake, so Ashford says the best way to show it is by being yourself.

‘‘Take the time to research the role and investigate the organisation before your interview,’’ she says.

‘‘Then relax, be yourself and remain positive.’’ 4. Agile skills

‘Agile’ has become a popular business term. It means the ability to move quickly and easily. It started as a set of principles for developing and delivering software and has now expanded to include a nimble and collaborative approach to problem solving.

As the digital revolution continues to roll out across industries in New Zealand, Bianca Jones, Country Manager – NZ of Talent International, says agile skills are high on the agenda.

‘‘There is high demand for people with these skills from organisations going through transformational change,’’ she says.

How to demonstrate agility

To demonstrate these skills, Jones suggests specifying the technology you have used.

‘‘You should also provide detail around the specific tasks or projects you’ve have worked on and explain your role,’’ she says.

Another great way to demonstrate agility is to refer to experiences or times when you have successfully changed your approach in order to find efficiencies and improve business operations.

5. A customer focus

People are now empowered by unprecedented access to information and digital technologies are fostering new customer expectations. As a result, more organisations are placing the customer at the very centre of their operations and this calls for people with the skills to deliver outstanding customer experiences.

Ben Pearson, General Manager – Wellington at Beyond Recruitment, says ‘customer experience’ is an emerging role that calls for a blend of skills, including digital, marketing and business intelligence. However, a customer-focused attitude will help to get you across the line.

How to demonstrate a customer focus

When describing your skills in your resume, include terms such as ‘customer-oriented’. During an interview, include examples of how you have solved customer problems, gone the extra mile for your customers or helped increase customer satisfaction scores.

‘‘Be keen, know what you are talking about and exude passion, interest, enthusiasm and authenticity,’’ says Pearson.

As the workplace continues to evolve, the recruitment focus is shifting away from talent and towards key skills.

If you possess any of the skills on this list, you’re officially in demand.

For more information visit www.seek.co.nz.

‘‘Employers want their people to be able to pivot to a new role or area of responsibility as things change and to upskill to remain on top of new trends relevant to their job function or industry.’’ Nick Deligiannis, Managing Director of Hays in Australia & New Zealand.