The values and cultures of the modern workplace often differ greatly from those of the past. Newer entrants to the workforce and younger employees may possess—or at least have working knowledge of—many of the skills employers seek today. But some older, midcareer professionals are finding unforeseen gaps in their skill sets, no matter how experienced and qualified they may be otherwise.
Upskilling to gain or enhance certain skills and practices that are currently in demand can help streamline a midcareer transition by making a professional looking to make a change a more attractive candidate to potential employers. Below, 15 members of Forbes Coaches Council explore skills employers are seeking in applicants today and how midcareer professionals can gain them.
1. Empathetic Listening
Empathetic listening is critically important, not only for your own success but also for team cohesion, performance and organizational culture. This means listening not simply to react or respond but rather to connect with what matters to other human beings. Ask open-ended questions. Seek to understand. This can be practiced today in your everyday work and interactions at home. - Shelli Hendricks, Blue Horizon Solutions
2. Agility, Flexibility And Adaptability
Agility, flexibility and adaptability are three skills in demand. If you can adapt to change fast, what a great skill to have these days. Being flexible makes it easier to work with everyone, and being agile in navigating an organization and external stakeholders will only add to your desirability. - Lyne Desormeaux, Desormeaux Leadership Consulting
3. Modern Communication
Modern communication is an essential skill. Soon to be gone are days of long, boring PowerPoints and PDFs. Skills in micro-learning, video production/editing and using pictures to tell stories are skills needed today. This is an age where people are learning and shifting fast. Younger generations are accustomed to video games and video-based instruction (think TikTok/YouTube), and attention spans are condensed. - Denise Russo, Maxwell Leadership
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4. Emotional Intelligence
Emotional intelligence is the most predictable skill set that is shown to increase income and job title and gain a competitive advantage. All emotional intelligence competencies, including self- and social awareness, assertiveness, social responsibility and empathy, can be acquired by working with a coach using an EQi assessment. First, choose development goals. Second, create action steps to increase competencies. - Michelle Anne, MichelleAnne
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5. Creative Thinking
A key skill is creative thinking. Too many people associate creativity with the arts when, in fact, it is the ability to do something with your imagination. This means not being limited by successes of the past, being open to new ideas from experts and front-line team members, being comfortable brainstorming with a team, always learning and then having the organization to develop a plan and communicate it clearly. - Shane Green, SGEi
6. Networking Skills
The ability to work with and through others is critical, especially in our remote working world. Midcareer professionals tend to undervalue this skill or not make it a conscious practice. As you join a new company, you’ll need to learn the business and know who can help you succeed. Build a stakeholder map and make networking a regular practice—even before you change roles. - Kathleen Woodhouse, Nova Leadership
7. Data Analysis
Having the ability to analyze data quickly, understand the trends in the data and then communicate a solution is highly desirable in all industries. There are many ways professionals can conduct research and compile data. Online courses can help midcareer folks expand their ability to work with data and develop conclusions. These important technology skills are résumé boosters at any point in a career. - Cindy Stack, CLS Squared
8. Objective Self-Recognition
Clearly knowing and truly owning your unique talents (as well as self-limiting patterns), life purpose, core values and true passions helps you unleash your potential, not only when making a career change but also in a current job. Gathering quality data points since childhood, including past jobs and well-established tests and objectively reflecting on them helps crystallize self-awareness. - Amy Nguyen, Happiness Infinity LLC
9. Critical Thinking
Midcareer professionals may have acquired a series of beliefs that may not be useful for decision making. Critical thinking is a skill that can be developed with training. It allows professionals to think rationally and clearly about what they should or should not believe. Accepting that you’re not always right and the consequences of your options are the first steps in critical thinking. - Maria Ines Moran, Action Coach
10. Hybrid/Remote Teamwork
It may seem obvious, but team skills for hybrid/remote/dispersed teams are becoming increasingly important, since we are not likely to ever go back to completely on-site jobs in many industries. While team leader skills are more obvious, being an effective team member in one of these scenarios also requires a unique skill set. It’s not rocket science but does require being intentional. - Kathy Bernhard, KFB Leadership Solutions
11. Public Speaking
The ability to speak in public is essential. Is it still people’s No. 1 professional fear? I hear rumors, but cannot provide proof here. Suffice it to say, it is a tough and misunderstood skill, but here is the rub: Whether you are a technical, introverted professional or an outgoing salesperson, you need to have the competence and confidence to speak well and communicate with groups. Do not underestimate it. - John M. O’Connor, Career Pro Inc.
12. Vulnerability And Authenticity
Vulnerability and authenticity are emotional intelligence skills that employers need in their future leaders. At the leadership level, your future employer wants leaders who can give and receive honest feedback and who will model psychological safety with their teams. They want to know you’re able to relate to team members, support their learning and accept challenges that can fuel innovation. - Christine Rose, CEOAccel
13. Remote Team Management
Managing teams remotely is a highly desirable skill in today’s market. The ability to keep teams engaged and productive is a differentiator, and those candidates who can demonstrate their ability to do this stand apart. If this is not a part of the current role, ask your manager or HR if there are teams to join, managers to shadow or tasks within your current team that can provide this opportunity. - Jill Helmer, Jill Helmer Consulting
14. Enthusiasm
The No. 1 skill predictive of success is enthusiasm. Yet midcareer professionals who want change may be dissatisfied and disengaged. Reconnecting with someone they haven’t talked with lately, learning something new online—even something as simple as some new vocabulary —or making a quick getaway to a new locale, even locally, are ways to remind yourself of your positive past and gain enthusiasm for what’s ahead. - Kathy Morris, Under Advisem*nt, Ltd.
15. DEI Experience
Experience in diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives is becoming increasingly high in demand. This means you have sought and engaged in DEI training, implemented DEI approaches in your work, and continue to pursue professional objectives through a DEI lens. DEI is not just a trend, nor just applicable to certain roles. It has quickly become a priority for most companies at all levels. - April Willis, April Willis Consulting, LLC
