67 per cent of Brits are confident they have the skills required for their next job – recruiters think otherwise

young graduate woman being interviewed for a job

67 per cent of British workers are confident that they have the skills needed for their next job – however, recruiters think otherwise.

According to new data from global recruitment firm, Michael Page, the skills British employees believe will be important to their careers in 2018, and those recruiters deem most valuable, differ dramatically.

When asked to choose which transferrable job skills they consider valuable to their career for 2018, the ability to problem-solve came out on top for workers, whereas recruiters labelled adaptability the most valuable skill.

The survey of 1,196 British workers and 240 UK recruiters, found that the most valuable career skills for 2018 are adaptability; commercial awareness; proactivity; concise communication; and teamwork.

The survey also revealed that the most underestimated career skills for the year are commercial awareness; stakeholder management; calculating and communicating ROI; concise communication; and strategy and change.

Corinne Mills, careers coach and MD at Personal Career Management, said, “In the current competitive job market, it’s not only important for candidates to show they can do the job today, they must also show they are likely to be an asset for the future.”

“Demonstrating that their input can create long-term value for the organisation, whether it is by identifying new ways to improve business performance, make customers happier or generate more sales is key.”

“Ultimately, recruiting staff is a business decision and this survey is a useful reminder to candidates that they are more likely to be appointed if they are attuned to an organisation’s business imperatives, and have the commercial skills to succeed.”

Oliver Watson, Executive Board Director, UK and NA, at PageGroup, added, “January is always a good time to take stock of your career.”

“Assessing your goals and identifying the skills you’ll need to achieve them – as well as those that will set you apart – is a great way to ensure continued professional development.”

“Understanding the expertise businesses and recruiters are seeking is equally important – enabling you to highlight the skills they want to see, and recognise the areas you should invest time in developing.”

“After all, with skills requirements constantly changing in today’s fast-paced business environment, the expertise candidates consider important isn’t always guaranteed to secure them their next career move.”

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