Communication and interpersonal
skills came up tops across various sectors and functions in an
evaluation study done by STJobs.
STJobs's evaluation consisted of
employers who posted at least one job via the portal this
year.
Although some of these skills are
directly related to the job scopes and types of jobs posted, the
top most in-demand attribute is one that unanimously straddles
across varied positions, regardless of entry levels and/or
industries.
No. 1 -
Communication and Interpersonal Skills
No. of mentions in job postings:
24,328
Excellent communication and
interpersonal communication skills are vital to workplace success.
Being able to communicate concisely and with clarity - whether in
writing or verbally - in a confident and
effective manner is a key skill and requirement.
Good communication skills help to
reduce barriers due to language and cultural differences, and avoid
miscommunication as result.
Interpersonal skills enable people
to successfully interact within the constantly changing and
challenging landscape of the workplace, in which they are the key
component of conflict management and resolution within the
organisation.
No. 2 - Microsoft
Office and Office Administration
No. of mentions in job postings:
11,531
Competency in administrative skills
is a standard requirement in most businesses. Due to business
processes, documentation and communication becoming increasingly
complicated, it is important that job seekers have such skills in
order to be able to do their work effectively. Microsoft Office
remains as one of the world's most popular work programme to be
used in offices globally.
No. 3 - Customer
Service
No. of mentions in job postings:
5,572
Good customer
service is essential in keeping loyal customers and
developing referrals for future customers in a healthy business
organisation. Good people skills increase the chances for a
positive first impression and good customer service goes beyond the
initial contact.
The most important customer service
skill is the ability to deal with people, whether it is
face-to-face, on the telephone or through written correspondence.
Listening skills are also deemed as important for a good customer
service experience.
Customers are the lifeblood of any
organisation so many companies will go the distance to make sure
they engage competent customer service staff that can maintain good
relations with clients.
No. 4 -
Sales
No. of mentions in job postings:
2,899
Aside from the fact that a business
needs a good service or product to sell, employees with the ability
to sell is
one of the most important talents an organisation should have. A
good sales person is aware of the wants, needs and expectations of
the prospective customer and able to ask and questions plus build a
sound relationship with him.
Companies are primarily concerned
with bottom lines and P&L, so it's of no surprise that they are
always in need of revenue generators at the frontline in order to
thrive.
No. 5 -
Accounting
No. of mentions in job postings:
1,136
Registered companies are required
to produce financial statements by law. The balance sheet also
reveals the economic performance of the business. A
healthy financial
statement may even attract parties to invest in a
business. So it's no wonder that this skill is a highly sought
after one in most firms.
ST JOBS