Candidate Resource Center
By Sharlyn Lauby
Regardless of your job title, this is a list of skills that companies expect everyone to possess.
Some might say this list is basic -- and it is. Some people might add that everyone already has these skills so there's no point in talking about it. Not sure I'd agree. I'm hearing frustration more frequently from recruiters that candidates don't have these skills.
Now, here’s the thing about this list – these are basic skills that every employee needs. Want to really go far in your career? You better gain some kind of expertise in them!
A quick career development exercise for anyone: For each of these skills, rate yourself on a scale of 1-10 (1=very little knowledge to 10=consider yourself to be an expert). Any area you've rated yourself less than a 5 might be worth some focus. You can develop skills by doing three things.
Reading: books, blogs, magazines, or online content
Listening: podcasts, webinars, or attending conferences
Doing: volunteering for a task or practicing a skill during training
Over time, I expect this list will change. Because the workplace is changing all the time.
About the Author: Sharlyn Lauby, SPHR is president of ITM Group Inc., a consulting firm which focuses on developing training solutions that engage and retain talent in the workplace. The company has been named one of the Top Small Businesses in South Florida.
10 Basic Skills Every Employee Should Have
She is also the author of the blog HR Bartender, a friendly place to talk about workplace issues. The blog has been recognized as one of the Top 10 Business Blogs Worth Reading by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and SparkHire's Top 25 Must-Read Blogs for Employers.
Her personal goal in life is to find the best cheeseburger on the planet.