The evolution of the job description: from traditional requirements to skills-based listings

Businesses are shifting gears to focus more on skills rather than old-school qualifications when it comes to job descriptions. We're seeing more and more job postings putting the spotlight on what skills employees have versus their traditional credentials.

What is the difference between soft and hard skills?

When we talk about soft and hard skills, we're breaking down the different types of abilities employees bring to the table.

• Soft skills

  These are all about personal attributes, communication abilities, and how employees work with others. This includes skills like teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and leadership.

• Hard skills

  These are practical, job-specific skills that are learned through training, education, or experience. Think of them as the technical skills needed to do a specific task or job, like coding, graphic design, or knowing how to operate certain machinery. 

Both soft and hard skills are crucial for running a successful business. While hard skills get employees in the door, soft skills are what create a thriving workplace with strong retention and engagement.

What are the most sought-after skills in job postings?

We're talking about things like ace communication and interpersonal skills to build solid relationships; heaps of motivation, flexibility, and empathy to bring your A-game to any role; and top-notch problem-solving abilities to tackle tricky challenges with some serious creativity.

• Communication skills

  These are the bread and butter of effective interaction and getting messages across. Some examples of communication skills commonly seen on job postings include demonstrating empathy, adapting your communication style for specific audiences, and presenting and public speaking.

• Problem-solving skills

  These skills are your ability to tackle complex challenges and come up with innovative solutions. If you’re looking to improve your team’s problem-solving skills, consider developing the technical skills required to perform a root cause and SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) analysis.

• Transferable skills

  These skills help demonstrate readiness and versatility to potential employers. Some of the most frequently sought after transferable skills are decision-making, creativity, leadership, adaptability, teamwork, and critical thinking.

For job-seekers: 3 tips to make your resume stand out.

1. Show, don't just tell: highlight specific achievements and projects that demonstrate your skills in action. Quantify your impact whenever possible - numbers speak volumes!

2. Add a skills section: Give your skills their moment in the spotlight by dedicating a section to them. Break it down into categories like Technical Skills, Soft Skills, and Languages, and pack it with the key skills relevant to your target roles.

3. Power of proof: Mention any certifications, courses, or projects that showcase your mastery of specific skills. These gems add serious sparkle to your skillset.

In today's changing job market, it's all about looking beyond traditional qualifications.

The shift to skills-based hiring is changing the recruitment game and providing businesses with the tools needed to source top hires based on skills that can be put into practice immediately. By recognizing and tapping into hidden transferable skills, employers can bridge skills gaps faster and more effectively.