(The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Al-Fanar Media).
The global job landscape has taken a sharp turn in the past few years. As a result, the requirements that employers have for job seekers have changed and will continue to evolve.
Education is just one aspect of any job requirement, and although it seems like the primary ask, there are many other criteria that a potential candidate needs to fulfill.
Frequently sought after skills normally relate to technology and years of experience, but we are now seeing the rise in importance of soft skills. Furthermore, the Covid-19 pandemic has sharpened this focus.
Some terms used to describe such skills are: transferable skills, workforce readiness skills, 21st-century skills, and non-cognitive skills. Specifically, when it comes to employing youth and individuals just entering the workforce, employers are increasingly looking for personnel that who flexible, adaptable, proactive, creative, and collaborative.
In addition, the pandemic has given rise to many more soft skills—empathy and resilience, for example.
Employers are increasingly looking for non-cognitive skills that will support the professional and personal growth of employees. The Covid-19 pandemic has revealed the need for a workforce that is entrepreneurial and can adapt to changes. Global lockdowns have also expanded the geographies that employees can be hired from, thereby widening the talent pool.