Job searching for recent and older grads is becoming increasingly competitive. In addition to having a great resume, relevant experience, and a good attitude, you also need to have your own unique skills.
Whether you’re a Photoshop whiz or have years of customer service experience, these specialty skills can help set you apart from all the other applicants.
Here are three important skills that I feel every professional should have.
1. Public speaking
Although it’s a top fear, public speaking is crucial in most jobs. Whether it’s speaking to a large audience as a public relations representative or just speaking to fellow employees as a Human Resources generalist, being able to effectively communicate is key.
At my college, all communications and business students were required to take a basic public speaking class during their freshman year. I think this should have even been taken up a notch. I believe that all students, regardless of their major of study, should take this course. In any career, there will be a time when public speaking will come in handy. It not only helps you project information to a large audience, but helps your one-on-one conversations and interactions with fellow employees, bosses, clients, and customers.
2. Technology
I firmly believe that having some sort of technological skill will help set you apart from the rest. For example, having experience in search engine optimization will greatly help you as a writer. Having web or graphic design skills is always a plus, since a client may need you to create something in a pinch, even if it’s out of your comfort zone. Having a personal blog, regardless of your field of study, shows that you not only know how to write and create webpages, but that you can market yourself and plan content accordingly. So if you have some free time, enroll in a HTML class or ask your friend to explain Excel to you — it will help in the long run.
3. Analytics
Being good with numbers in general will always help you in your future jobs. The ability to analyze data and make conclusions from that data will benefit your clients and company — and maybe even impress your boss. Instead of writing boring statements on your resume like, “Helped clients get more page views,” you can explain that you, “Increased campaign’s clicks by 40% through blogger outreach program.” The latter looks more professional and impressive, right?