The Swiss job market has never before been in such a state of upheaval. And this is clearly evident in the skills that experts currently believe are necessary to compete in the job market.
The coronavirus, demographic change and digitalisation are dominating our working world. If you want to be prepared for the future, you need top skills. Sound expertise – acquired through training or study – is certainly useful. But the requirements go further than that. What are the skills that will be in demand in 2022?
Flexibility, the ability to work in a team, a sense of responsibility and determination are required in almost all sectors in Switzerland, whether in the office, in the field or in production. Depending on the industry and profession, decision-making and digital skills are also essential. These skills will continue to be important in the future. Nevertheless, there are other specific skills with which you can score particularly well with HR managers:
Emotional intelligence
Strength lies in the ability to recognise, respond to and address other people's emotions and needs. When it comes to using emotional intelligence as a top skill, it's important that you're able to handle your own emotions and the feelings of others in an appropriate manner. This is extremely difficult to do, especially in a remote environment. Interpersonal skills are an area that has tended to be largely overlooked in the professional world.
Rapid problem-solving
This skill is particularly sought after in industry and production, given the huge uncertainty that supply bottlenecks or disruption in supply chains can cause. In troubled times, unconventional solutions are sometimes needed. Agility instead of rigid adherence to paper-based processes is essential. So, if you're able to think quickly and keep an open mind, you'll be successful even in times of upheaval.
Willingness to learn
‘I've been doing my job well for decades, why should I change? Let the young people adapt.’ We live in a world where demands, tasks and tools are changing at breakneck speed. The knowledge we acquired yesterday may no longer be needed tomorrow. In addition, the pandemic is accelerating the pace of digitalisation. For employees, this means being willing to learn – otherwise you might soon find yourself being left behind. There are now more opportunities than ever to do this, for example through online training. Knowledge is developing rapidly, especially in areas such as marketing and software development.
Critical thinking
This has become a hugely important top skill in recent years. It is becoming increasingly difficult to separate facts from mere opinion or targeted disinformation. Experts must also learn to identify their own impulses in order to prevent wrong decisions.
Communication skills
With employees no longer meeting face-to-face as often, communication is becoming all the more important, especially in written form. Communication is the basis for successful cooperation with colleagues and customers. In 2022, communication will primarily be digital and will require even greater sensitivity.
Creativity
This is another skill that machines can't compete with. It also includes techniques for generating new ideas or brainstorming. Contrary to popular opinion, creativity can be encouraged and learned.
Resistance to stress
If your everyday work is in chaos, it's useful to be able to organise yourself independently – otherwise you risk getting bogged down and causing unnecessary stress for yourself and others. It also helps to show organisational skills, i.e. the ability to arrange and plan tasks, deadlines and processes in such a way that resources are used as efficiently as possible and the right priorities are set.
Do you already have the skills we are looking for and are ready for a new challenge? Then browse through our vacancies and find your next dream job!
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