With the economy recovering in post-COVID world, organisations have a skill-based approach while hiring workforce. Nikunj Sanghi lists must haves that will impact the job market

At the beginning of the year 2020, there were innumerous career predictions, most of which fell flat. Since the outbreak of the pandemic, a lot of careers have been impacted in one way or the other.

The year will be distinctively remembered because of the paradigm shift it has brought to the world. With this shift, business operations, jobs and various elements of the ecosystem have undergone fundamental changes.

There are many industries that incurred losses and witnessed slowdown, which directly impacted employment situation in many sectors. However, sector like  Healthcare, Pharmaceutical, E- commerce, Ed-Tech and FMCG  logged growth even during the pandemic and many opportunities were created within the industries.

The need for specific and advanced skills was already stemming up, but the pandemic further accelerated the need. From here on, agility and creativity will be the top preferences for organisations, along with digitisation, as organisations re-imagine operations to maintain continuity.

With this at the backdrop there are certain career and skill trends we see this year and will impact the job market.

Digital competencies: Counted amongst the most employable new age skills, digital skills are the most sought after. Considering the fact that work from is here to stay, employers will expect their employees to be digitally savvy and socially fit. Skilled labours in cyber security, web technology and social media will enjoy preferences of organisation.

Technology skills: Technology has influenced work world over. We have all come a long way from basic mechanisation to complex technologies. As the global supply chain suffered immensely due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with the trans-border restrictions; it further pushed companies to go local. With this accelerated adoption, companies have realised that these technologies ensure high productivity and is also cost effective. This accelerated adoption of technology, warrants niche domain knowledge of technical skills like mechatronics, robotics, data architect and networking software coders for designing platforms

Analytical skills: This is skills that has always been appreciated by employers, as it helps in future planning and decision making. Making the right decision although involves a lot of data crunching, but only an analytical mind can put it in the right perspective. Moreover these skills are also essential for various other functions such as financial planning, customer satisfaction, marketing strategies.

Communication and social skills: Along with the above mentioned technical skills, communication and social competencies to get along with colleagues are skills organisations are looking for to create a good work culture. In view of the uncertainties launched by the pandemic, employers are looking for proficiencies like ability to communicate eloquently with clarity of thoughts and the capability to align self with business objectives. Alongside, good social skills will be greatly appreciated as it encourages group and peer-to-peer learning.

Growth outlook: Continued learning mindset is one thing that every employer will be happy to hire. Despite being a very basic skillset, it is very important and relevant considering the current times, more so, to deal with after effects of the pandemic. Growth mindset reflects learnability and openness of mind for constructive criticism. Business growth and self-growth demands the capability and the willingness to adopt and adapt. Apart from willingness to learn, the growth mindset also speaks volumes of a person's risk-taking abilities, creativity and innovation.

Organisations across the world have relooked their HR strategies to ensure productivity, cost effectiveness and social engagement. Alongside, organizations are also investing in a supportive work environment that also encourages learning. Such investment and initiatives will continue over the next few years.

It is of utmost importance for an individual to keep upgrading skills in order to stay relevant to the corporates and work. In the post COVID world, the revival of economy will warrant organisation to have skill-based approach, while hiring their workforce.

The writer is Chairman, Automotive Skills Development Council