The US economy is in a fragile state. Despite some recovery since the 2020 pandemic, there are still issues with the current state of the economy. Consumer spending remains low. Inflation has continued to outpace wages. And company layoffs continue to dominate the headlines.
But there is one thing that hasn’t been affected by the economic downturn: the demand for specific skills and talents. A study on LinkedIn shows that some soft skills are still in-demand, even with the current job market. Here’s what you need to know about the most in-demand LinkedIn skills of 2023.
Top 10 Most In-Demand LinkedIn Skills
Management: As companies look to cut costs and stay competitive, they will need experienced managers to lead their teams efficiently. This includes skills such as leadership, project management, and organizational development.
Communication: As remote working is becoming increasingly common, companies need employees who can effectively communicate with colleagues, partners, and customers. This includes verbal, written, and visual communication. As a result, skills such as public speaking, writing, graphic design, and storytelling will be highly sought after in 2023 and beyond.
Customer service: Handling customer requests quickly and efficiently is essential for any business, especially as customer needs change. Customer service skills include problem-solving, conflict resolution, empathy, and remaining calm under pressure.
Leadership: Leaders are in high demand as companies look to create more effective teams. Employers want candidates who can take the initiative and lead others by example. To do this right, they must have strong interpersonal skills, be able to persuade and motivate others, and have the ability to take calculated risks.
Sales: Selling skills are essential for any business that wants to remain profitable. Job seekers should deeply understand the customer lifecycle, from lead generation to closing deals. Skills such as negotiation, cold calling, and sales strategy will also be in high demand. Of course, having the gift of gab won’t hurt, either.
Project management: Companies need employees who can manage projects effectively—from planning and budgeting to executing tasks on time. This requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and working with multiple teams simultaneously. Expertise with project management software like Trello, Monday.com, and Asana will be critical.
Research: Companies need employees who can conduct detailed research on their industry and competitors. This involves gathering data, analyzing trends, and creating actionable insights that can be used to inform business decisions. It doesn’t mean that you have to be a data scientist, but it does mean that you have to be strategic enough to turn large amounts of data into digestible information.
Analytics: Employers want candidates who can interpret large amounts of data quickly and accurately and then use that information to make informed decisions. This is slightly different from research. Analytical skills involve using data to answer specific questions or solve problems rather than just gathering information. In the 2023 State of Marketing report, 57% of CMOs want to hire candidates with analytics experience.
Marketing: Digital marketing skills are becoming increasingly important as companies seek new ways to reach their customers online. Skills such as social media marketing, content creation, and design will always be a priority. Also, knowledge of new channels like the metaverse and Web 3.0 will be more critical as they become mainstream.
Teamwork: Companies need employees who can work together effectively to achieve larger business goals. This involves developing positive relationships with colleagues, collaborating on projects, and offering constructive feedback when needed.
Top 10 Most In-Demand LinkedIn Skills (Technical)
The LinkedIn report also highlighted the most in-demand technical skills of 2023. Technical skills are more specific job-related knowledge, like software development. While soft skills are transferable to multiple industries or job functions, technical skills focus on mastering a specific program or language.
Some of the most sought-after technical skills in 2023 include Software Development, SQL, Finance, Python, Java, Data Analysis, JavaScript, Cloud Computing, Operations, and Customer Relationship Management (CRM).
Software development: Software developers create applications, websites, and software programs using a variety of programming languages and frameworks. Back-end developers must have a deep understanding of coding languages Java, C++, Python, R, and JavaScript, as well as frameworks like .NET and Ruby on Rails. Front-end developers must understand HTML/CSS, JavaScript, and React Native.
SQL: Structured Query Language (SQL) manages databases and can be applied across many industries. It’s essential for those working with large datasets or who need to extract information quickly and accurately. This language is typically used by data analysts, software engineers, and web developers.
Finance: Financial knowledge is essential for anyone in business operations or accounting roles. Candidates should understand financial metrics like return on investment (ROI), economics, and how different markets work. Most people who work in finance have a strong background in math, economics, and accounting.
Python: Python is a high-level programming language used in data science and machine learning projects. It’s also widely used for software development, web scraping, and automation. Therefore, it’s essential for software developers and data scientists to have a strong background in Python.
Java: Java is an old-school programming language for building applications and websites. It’s considered one of the most popular languages in the software development industry.
Data analysis: Data analysts use data to inform business decisions by finding patterns, trends, and correlations in large datasets. Candidates must know statistical tools like R and Excel and machine learning algorithms.
JavaScript: JavaScript is a scripting language for web developers and can be used for everything from creating interactive elements on a website to developing mobile apps.
Cloud computing: Cloud computing is an essential technology for managing large-scale online infrastructure. Knowledge of IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service) and PaaS (Platform as a Service) is necessary for anyone in cloud computing roles, from sales and marketing to finance and operations.
Operations: Operational skills involve the day-to-day running of a business, such as coordinating supply chains and inventory management. It requires understanding how different processes work together to achieve a larger goal.
Customer Relationship Management (CRM): CRM systems manage customer data and interactions, allowing companies to keep track of leads and customers throughout their journey. CRM tools are essential for anyone in sales or customer support roles.
By 2023, these are all expected to be important skills in the workforce. In addition, companies will be looking for candidates with soft and technical skills to make informed decisions and effectively manage their operations. So it’s crucial to stay knowledgeable of the in-demand LinkedIn skills to help you stand out in a sea of qualified candidates.
LinkedIn Skill Assessment
Suppose you are looking for ways to enhance your resume or sharpen your existing skillset; consider enrolling in an online course or certification program focusing on any of these topics. Doing so will give you an edge over other applicants by demonstrating practical knowledge and a strong work ethic. Additionally, many employers look favorably upon individuals who have taken the initiative to expand their skill set through self-development.
LinkedIn Skill Assessments are also a great way to set yourself apart from other candidates and show potential employers the depth of your knowledge and skill sets. The assessments consist of tests in various areas, such as software, coding languages, education, software development, and even professional certifications. Each will test your abilities and understanding of the given skill.
Typically the assessments include multiple-choice questions followed by more detailed questions focusing on specific scenarios. The questions focus on real-life issues you may have faced in past roles. Questions can also be general or niche-specific to help employers gauge your experience level.
This is a great way to demonstrate your knowledge and highlight your areas of expertise. In addition, by taking these assessments, you’re showing you are up-to-date with industry trends and confirming the accuracy of information provided on LinkedIn, such as minimum requirements for a role, educational qualifications, and more.