Professional skills acquire special visibility in a curriculum vitae that shows a synthesis of skills, abilities, skills and knowledge. They can also be perceived in a job interview or in a cover letter. Academic training prior to the start of working life feeds talent long term.
It provides a level of preparation that positively influences the job search process. Although it should be noted that professional skills cannot only be acquired through specialized training (either in a university itinerary, in a FP program or in a specialized course). What are professional skills and what are they for?
Professional skills are practices in the workplace
The practical experience acquired over a long career in one or several sectors is an example of this. Professional skills are important for job seekers or people who want to access new opportunities. They are also key for companies, since they take this perspective into account in talent management. For example, The human resources department performs an analysis of the competencies that are inherent to a job position with the aim of choosing the most qualified profile for the position during the selection process.
The number of professional skills that a candidate possesses is not static (it is important not to remain stagnant). Keep in mind that, nowadays, it is advisable to expand the curriculum with new skills and abilities. Digital skills are a good example as they can determine access to many jobs. In the same way, many professionals need to update their preparation and knowledge if they are not familiar with the use of digital resources. It should be pointed out that these skills are decisive, even in the job search itself. Currently, sending a cover letter over the Internet, creating an online resume or consulting new offers on specialized portals are some examples of procedures that are carried out online. It is also possible to study at a distance thanks to the quality that training has achieved through the Internet.
Professional skills enhance the talent of workers
But professional skills go beyond the technological field. There are many other skills that influence a candidate's personal brand: the ability to teamwork, English speaking skills, adaptation to change, self-confidence to make a public presentation, assertive communication, proactive behavior, punctuality and time management are also important in the professional field. There are other skills that align with the needs of the environment, such as flexibility and resilience. They are factors that reduce uncertainty at a time when change is a constant variable.
Professional skills have a practical purpose in the company and in the labor market. They align with the tasks and functions of different job positions. Some skills have a more technical or specialized component, that is, they are contextualized in a specific sector. And, therefore, they improve employability in this area. On the contrary, there are other skills that are necessary in any profession, such as communication skills. Communication in the professional field is developed through different channels.
Do you want to boost your professional career by meeting those goals that you set yourself at the beginning of the year? Some of those objectives are likely to be linked to key competencies. For example, a person who wants to direct their job search towards another sector must prepare to develop new skills and get out of their comfort zone.