Getting a job can seem like a very challenging experience. When searching for a new job, you will find that there are a wide variety of skills that employers are seeking. Before you are ready to start looking for your next job, it is important to consider which skills employers are most coveting today.

If you are lacking in any of the following areas, think of ways you can learn or develop in them. This will then allow you to better prepare for job interviews to attract the most amount of potential employers. They will see you as a valuable asset to their company, and, as such, indispensable.

Here are five essential tools you should make sure you have in your toolbelt.

1. Communication

While much of the professional world has become more automated and digitized, having good communications skills continues to be very important. when an employer is looking for someone to hire, they will want to find somebody that has the ability to communicate both verbally and written. This will ensure that the employee is able to communicate issues at work with management, fellow employees, and clients. 

When you are applying for a job, the employer will try to gauge your communication skills during the application/interview process. Do your best to be articulate both in your written cover letter and when you are meeting with the interviewers. There are some great ways in which you can build your communication skills beforehand as well. One green option would be to join an organization that practices public speaking. This will give you an opportunity to receive constructive criticism on your communication skills and ultimately become a better speaker.

2. Math

Over the past decade, our reliance on computer programs has increased. While this means that complicated math formulas don’t need to be memorized anymore, it is still very important to have a basic understanding of math. If you have basic mathematics skills, you will have an advantage in the workforce.

At times, it can seem challenging to demonstrate your math skills to an employer. Depending on the type of job you have, the employer may provide you with some sort of examination to test your math and analysis skills. The ability to analyze the information you receive is extremely valuable for an organization as it will allow you to identify trends, risk, and ultimately help protect the company.

3. Computer and Software Skills

When you are looking to improve your job skills, another area to focus on are your computer skills. While you don’t need to be an expert in the area, having some level of experience would be very beneficial. When focusing on web development vs software development skills, it is important to consider the type of job that you would like to have. Having some experience in both will give you a more impressive skill set when looking for your next job.

When looking to improve your computer programming or software skills, there are many routes you could take. One of the best things that you could do is take a class that will provide you with certification. This is something that you can often do on the side and will give you the most current information and skills possible. This is particularly important if you are trying to get into a computer or software job and have not had actual job experience in the past.

4. Team Work

Over the past decade, the professional job market and workplace has continued to evolve the point where working in teams is now commonplace. Today, several individuals will work together with a common goal and will off and work on the same project. Because of this, you will need to be able to show that you have good team skills that will allow you to not only work well with others but also contribute to a common goal. This will also require you to show that you have the ability to follow directions and meet deadlines in order to help keep a project on schedule and keep the company moving in the right direction.

5. Self Motivation

Employers today want to provide their employees with the opportunity to work and enjoy autonomy. This often means that a manager will not micromanage employees too much. While many people like this employment strategy, it does require for an employee to be more self-motivated. Those that are not self-motivated will find that their work will fall behind schedule and that they might prove unsuccessful. Employers will want evidence that an applicant has worked in an environment where they were self-motivated, organized, and successful.

When you start looking for a new job, it is important to look for ways to make yourself more marketable. However, it is also important that you spend time thinking about what you want to find in a company. Since you will be dedicating yourself to this job, make sure that the company aligns with your professional goals.