Are you looking for a career change? How about a new job that’s more accommodating to your life? Navigating the job market can sometimes feel like trying to stand out in a crowded room. While technical expertise and solid experience form the backbone of your resume, sprinkling in some unique skills can truly make you shine in the eyes of potential employers. Find the ten unique skills that will make you a standout candidate for a job interview.
“Seriously, nowadays, it can be tough to look for a job; many companies have high expectations.”
(10 years of experience for an entry-level position, for example).
On top of that, AI has unfortunately killed off some jobs and businesses, meaning more people are on the hunt. So, with that said, it’s going to take unique skills to make sure you can win over your competition. Here are some unique skills you can acquire now.
Advanced Digital Literacy
As you already know, we’re currently living in a tech-savvy world; a basic understanding of digital tools isn’t enough to set you apart. Maybe a decade ago, it was, but definitely not anymore. So, that’s why elevating your digital skills—this could be something like mastering advanced Excel functions, getting to grips with digital marketing tools like Google Analytics, or learning to manipulate data with Tableau—can open doors to new opportunities.
Digital skills are increasingly in demand across various sectors, not just in tech-heavy roles.
Cross-Cultural Competence
Globalization is now a thing, and you have to be aware of it, too. Just think about it: navigating and respecting diverse cultural landscapes is invaluable, especially in workplaces that span the globe. It could actually help if you’ve traveled extensively, worked in diverse team settings, or dedicated time to learning new languages. All of these experiences can enrich your professional interactions and enhance team dynamics. Skills and cross-border experiences you have learned previously are particularly attractive to organizations with international clients or teams.
Green Skills
Nowadays, sustainability is the number one factor for most companies. But what does this have to do with you? Well, as more companies commit to reducing their carbon footprints, having sustainability and environmental awareness skills can make you a key player.
For example, you could have experience with eco-friendly project initiatives, knowledge of sustainability compliance, or skills in green technology—any of these can be handy for beating the competition in the job search. Plus, these competencies can align you with the needs of modern, environmentally conscious businesses.
Flexibility
Alright, so this might not be too unique; in fact, it’s becoming more expected—slowly, at least. But you can still use this to your advantage. You must keep in mind that today’s business landscape is ever-changing, and the ability to adapt quickly is a priceless skill. Just think about AI, for example, which has totally changed the game! Everyone needs to adapt to AI as quickly as possible and make use of it. Being adaptable to different situations is an amazing benefit and one that potential employers look for in this current economic climate.
“Being adaptable means you can think on your feet!”
Navigating Life’s Storms: Finding Calm in the Chaos
By Rae A. Stonehouse
So, if you’ve ever had to pivot project directions at a moment’s notice or juggle multiple tasks efficiently under pressure, these are stories worth sharing with potential employers. They show that you’re not only resilient but also versatile and resourceful—qualities that every employer values.
Handling Medical Emergencies
You don’t have to work in the medical industry to need a BLS renewal. In fact, more businesses need safety officers and employees who have emergency medical training. No one knows when an emergency might strike, and you can’t always call 911 and just wait. Sometimes, the emergency needs to be tackled right then and there. Employers don’t always outright ask for this, but you should definitely put it on your resume.
Creative Problem-Solving
Being a creative problem-solver is similar to having critical thinking (which is unique within itself) but goes a different route. Creativity isn’t just for artists and designers. It’s for anyone who can think outside the traditional box to solve problems. If you’ve spearheaded a project that broke the mold or came up with a solution that was outside the typical scope of your job, these instances highlight your ability to innovate and bring fresh ideas to the table, no matter what your role.
Emotional Intelligence
It’s not always just about your IQ; your EQ matters, too! Empathy and interpersonal skills matter greatly in the workplace and life in general. Emotional intelligence means looking at situations from a unique perspective. Therefore, having a high EQ can transform the way you work, from how you handle stress to how you interact with colleagues. At first glance, it might not seem like it, but employers look for and value employees with emotional intelligence; it means they have a larger measure of common sense, as well, and this trait can be priceless.
An employee who exhibits a good degree of emotional intelligence brings an intrinsic presence to the job, enhancing team harmony and productivity. So, it might help to highlight times when your emotional intelligence has helped defuse conflicts, foster strong relationships, or lead teams with empathy and understanding.
Commitment to Continous Learning
Being open to continuous learning and re-training can seem like a pain to some, but it’s much needed and also an expectation. Time is not standing still; we live in an ever faster-paced environment. Employers expect their employees to grow and develop constantly. But showing that you’re committed to your own growth through courses, workshops, or self-improvement skills demonstrates your drive to keep improving. It’s a trait that employers love because it means you’re likely to bring new ideas and energy to the team.
Effective Storytelling
Did you know that the ability to craft compelling stories isn’t just for writers or marketers? It’s a skill that enhances how you communicate projects, ideas, and results. So, this unique ability usually throws people by surprise (which is understandable), but it can help when you want and need to stand out from the crowd. Here are a couple of examples: explaining data in a way that captivates and convinces you, and another would be pitching a project idea that gets everyone on board; being a good storyteller can significantly boost your influence at work.
Often, people don’t realize how valuable storytelling can be in sales, marketing, and public relations. Storytelling is basically illustrating a point through an experience. Why not practice storytelling in your everyday life? It is one way to win friends and influence people. Then, when you are at a job interview, it will be natural to pivot from giving a dry answer to a question to illustrating one of your relevant experiences by telling a colorful account of it. Now, that is storytelling!
Personal Branding
How you present yourself online can influence your job prospects. So, you need to think of yourself as a brand. A strong personal brand that aligns with your professional path can make you a more attractive candidate. It’s about selling yourself, after all. If you’ve cultivated a professional presence on social media, run a blog related to your field, or engaged with your industry on public platforms, these are all testaments to your proactive nature and passion for your work.
