Communication and interpersonal skills came up tops across various sectors and functions in an evaluation study done by STJobs.
STJobs's evaluation consisted of employers who posted at least one job via the portal this year.
Although some of these skills are directly related to the job scopes and types of jobs posted, the top most in-demand attribute is one that unanimously straddles across varied positions, regardless of entry levels and/or industries.
No. 1 - Communication and Interpersonal Skills
No. of mentions in job postings: 24,328
Excellent communication and interpersonal communication skills are vital to workplace success. Being able to communicate concisely and with clarity - whether in writing or verbally - in a confident and effective manner is a key skill and requirement.
Good communication skills help to reduce barriers due to language and cultural differences, and avoid miscommunication as result.
Interpersonal skills enable people to successfully interact within the constantly changing and challenging landscape of the workplace, in which they are the key component of conflict management and resolution within the organisation.
No. 2 - Microsoft Office and Office Administration
No. of mentions in job postings: 11,531
Competency in administrative skills is a standard requirement in most businesses. Due to business processes, documentation and communication becoming increasingly complicated, it is important that job seekers have such skills in order to be able to do their work effectively. Microsoft Office remains as one of the world's most popular work programme to be used in offices globally.
No. 3 - Customer Service
No. of mentions in job postings: 5,572
Good customer service is essential in keeping loyal customers and developing referrals for future customers in a healthy business organisation. Good people skills increase the chances for a positive first impression and good customer service goes beyond the initial contact.
The most important customer service skill is the ability to deal with people, whether it is face-to-face, on the telephone or through written correspondence. Listening skills are also deemed as important for a good customer service experience.
Customers are the lifeblood of any organisation so many companies will go the distance to make sure they engage competent customer service staff that can maintain good relations with clients.
No. 4 - Sales
No. of mentions in job postings: 2,899
Aside from the fact that a business needs a good service or product to sell, employees with the ability to sell is one of the most important talents an organisation should have. A good sales person is aware of the wants, needs and expectations of the prospective customer and able to ask and questions plus build a sound relationship with him.
Companies are primarily concerned with bottom lines and P&L, so it's of no surprise that they are always in need of revenue generators at the frontline in order to thrive.
No. 5 - Accounting
No. of mentions in job postings: 1,136
Registered companies are required to produce financial statements by law. The balance sheet also reveals the economic performance of the business. A healthy financial statement may even attract parties to invest in a business. So it's no wonder that this skill is a highly sought after one in most firms.