In today’s hyper competitive job market, every skill you can add to your resume not only increases you chances of getting a job but can also boost your pay. The global economy and the ever-increasing reliance on computers has elevated some jobs skills to beyond “should have” to “must have” status. Acquiring these most-wanted skills can give you the edge over other candidates. So what are today’s hottest business skills?
The top 7:
- Working knowledge of Project Management software. You’ll need basic PM skills if you ever hope to get a manager’s job in virtually any company or industry. Some of the most popular PM programs include Microsoft Project, Matchware MindView (features a spreadsheet-layout, and a mind map option that visualizes projects in brainstorming bubbles), Project Kickstart (integrates with other apps like PowerPoint, Outlook, Excel, Word, Microsoft Project, and ACT!), and RationalPlan Multi Project (manages resources & budgets and features an interactive Gantt chart).
- Working knowledge of SAS software. This versatile software has become a powerful tool used by data analysts and “comer” managers. It vastly streamlines business forecasting functions, project management and statistical analysis tasks. Books and online forums will bring you up to speed on SAS.
- Working knowledge of Rails software. If you’re a software developer or work closely with one, you’ll need to know about this open-source framework. Using a programming language known as Ruby, Rails provides the structure code developers use to build web sites and applications. Books, classes and online tutorials will help you gain an understanding and some proficiency in the use of Rails.
- Working knowledge of Java. If you haven’t heard about Java, you shouldn’t be working around computers. De rigueur for computer systems analysts, the popular programming language allows software developers to create business applications, video games and much more. Literally billions of devices run Java. Books on Java abound. And classes are available on line and at your local junior college.
- Working knowledge of Data Modeling. A powerful tool for financial analysts and software engineers, data modeling processes data and numbers to define and analyze data requirements for information systems. Books and online classes will bring you up to speed.
- Working knowledge of Strategic Marketing. A must for any marketing manager. Some of the most popular Strategic Marketing tools include brand management and mapping, and Monte Carlo simulation software for risk analysis and process management.
- Working knowledge of foreign languages. The world of business is going global and foreign language skills can give you an edge. Rosetta Stone is one of the best ways to acquire this skill.
It’s all up to you. If you want to be just an “also ran” and watch others pick up the plum jobs and promotions, stay put with the skills you have; otherwise, you’ll have to “skill up” to move up.
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