Secret Job Skills: What Employers Won’t Tell You

Last Updated on March 10, 2023

Employers may not intend to deceive, but they often leave out crucial details in job listings. They don’t just want someone who can follow instructions, they want employees who are independent thinkers with drive, ambition, and common sense. That’s why it’s important to read between the lines and uncover the secret essential skills they’re looking for. Don’t be caught off guard by hidden job requirements – learn how to identify and develop these skills to land the job of your dreams.

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Essential Skills

To help you out, here are the skills they are looking for without saying a word.

Driver’s License

Employers rarely mention it in their job listings, but reliable transportation is a must-have for most positions. You may not see it in writing, but you can be sure it will come up in the interview. Showing up to work on time and being able to meet with clients and attend meetings is essential for success. Public transport is not always reliable, and having your own car is often seen as a sign of responsibility and commitment. Keep in mind, there is a difference between a general driver’s license and a CDL for specialized driving positions.

Storytelling

A marketing firm will probably say something like “has to be able to weave compelling stories across multiple channels.” For the most part, there is nothing as pretentious in a typical job listing. Still, it doesn’t mean employers aren’t looking for storytellers – they’re just searching for a different type. Data analysts among you, for example, should be able to condense and present info in the simplest form. IT technicians have to figure out the business’s needs and convince bosses to invest. Both of these are a form of storytelling in their own right.

Teamwork

Although it may not be a secret, it’s still important to highlight the need for collaboration skills in today’s tech-savvy workplace. While technology skills are highly valued, they aren’t everything. Companies need employees who can work well with others and contribute to the team. Job applicants should showcase their collaboration skills, as well as provide examples of how they’ve worked with a team in the past. Simply being proficient in Microsoft Office isn’t enough; employers want to know how an applicant’s skills can benefit the team as a whole.

Conflict Resolution

There is no hard evidence to back up the claim, yet there is feeling employees are hypersensitive. One misunderstood word can fly into a spiral of anger and hate. Once HR gets involved, the situation escalates out of the hands of the business, and that’s dangerous. Therefore, employers want people that can resolve issues without putting morals at risk. It may be as simple as finding a way to deal with feedback or talking respectfully to peers and colleagues.

Can you think of any skills which weren’t on the listing but that popped up regardless?

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