Adaptability is Number 1 Skill
CV-Library study shows impact of pandemic on employer’s wish list.
A study from CV-Library has revealed that adaptability is now the number one skill required in the workplace. Pre COVID-19, 48.3 per cent of candidates surveyed believed that communication was the top skill required to do their job. After a year of lockdown restrictions, this number has dropped by -11.6 per cent, pushing adaptability into the top spot with 50.8 per cent of the vote, a staggering +22.8 per cent increase from before the pandemic.
The study which surveyed over 2,000 UK professionals aimed to highlight the true impact of the global pandemic, business closures and working from home. Qualifications, teamwork, presentation and leadership skills have all slipped down the list of top skills that candidates feel are essential to do their job.
Almost a quarter (23.3 per cent) of respondents ranked self-motivation as essential, up from 14.6 per cent. Other key skills that have soared in prevalence since March 2020 include IT skills, resilience, social media skills, listening and creativity.
“The true extent of the pandemic on the UK workforce is beginning to emerge,” said Lee Biggins, CEO and founder of CV-Library. “The focus on survival has meant that adaptability, specifically of employees, has undoubtedly been key to the success of many businesses. It’s great to see self-motivation, creativity and tech skills all coming to the fore. We’ve seen an increased demand for these skills from our clients and we predict they’ll remain high on recruiters’ wish lists.”
Biggins continues: “The success of remote business working has been an unexpected surprise for many this last year, but our survey results highlight some of the drawbacks. Teamwork and leadership are crucial and much more difficult to achieve when employees work in independent environments. One size doesn’t fit all and there’s a definite place for flexible working and a hybrid workplace where possible. However, this is a reminder of the benefits a workplace environment offers to both businesses and employees. And not just to profits and success but to mental health, skill development and career progression.”