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
When the curtains of financial austerity are drawn, companies search for an effective panacea for inexperienced management. Leaders who master the art of efficiency become the linchpin of a company’s strategy to remain competitive. Critical skills encapsulate a triad of leadership, project management, and organizational development, forging an alloy of characteristics that help steer brands out of troubled waters. Moreover, these abilities don’t merely manage – they pilot, lending a strategic acumen to the whirlwind of everyday operations.
Communication
Communication has a heightened role as remote work becomes less the exception and more the norm. In their pursuit of seamless operations, companies require the magic of words, images, and vocal expressions to bridge the geographical divide. This new normal has increased the demand for public speaking, writing, graphic design, and storytelling skills. Their value is not confined to the year 2023 but is rather timeless, laying the foundation for a connected future.
Customer Service
In the symphony of business, customer service plays the first violin. Quick and effective responses to customer queries set the tone for a company’s reputation, especially as consumer needs evolve with time. This intricate ballet requires a blend of problem-solving acuity, conflict resolution, empathy, and an unshakeable calm in the eye of the storm. Whether startups or Fortune 500, companies require these skills in their repertoire to stay in step with their audience’s demands.
Leadership
Leadership is not just a job title; it’s a constellation of abilities companies seek to keep their teams firing on all cylinders. The search is for individuals who don’t just manage but inspire, pioneers who lead from the front and by example. This involves possessing a refined suite of interpersonal skills, persuasive capabilities, motivation strategies, and daring to take calculated risks while maintaining a steady hand on the organizational wheel.
Sales
Profit is a brand’s lifeblood, and sales skills are the pulse. For the livelihood of companies, the art of selling is vital. Understanding the customer lifecycle is paramount – from sprouting leads to closing deals. High-demand skills that can take one from good to great include negotiation, cold calling, and strategic sales planning. After all, a little silver-tongued charm has never hurt anyone.
Project Management
Project management is the backbone of efficient operations. Companies hunt for professionals who can handle projects precisely – planning, budgeting, and executing tasks on a timeline. This complex juggling act demands strong organizational skills, an eagle’s eye for detail, and the ability to collaborate across team boundaries. Therefore, familiarity with project management tools like Trello, Monday.com, and Asana isn’t just a checkbox but a must-have.
Research
In the competitive arena, research becomes a potent weapon for brands. Companies need individuals who can dive deep into their industry and competitors and pull out crucial insights. This mission involves data gathering, trend analysis, and crafting actionable insights, significantly impacting decision-making. It’s not about being a data scientist; it’s about being strategic enough to convert a data dump into digestible, usable information.
Analytics
The demand for analytics prowess has surged as deciphering data quickly and accurately becomes a critical skill. Marketers want individuals who can unravel the mystery of large data sets, extract meaningful insights, and use them to make informed decisions. Unlike research, analytics skills zero in on specific questions, using data as a key to unlock solutions. The 2023 State of Marketing report showed that 57% of CMOs seek this coveted skillset.
Marketing
The digital age has further underscored the importance of marketing skills. As brands seek innovative ways to engage with customers online, the spotlight is on skills like social media marketing, content creation, and design. Knowledge of burgeoning channels like the metaverse and Web 3.0 will separate the wheat from the chaff, prizing individuals with these skills as unicorns in digital marketing.
Teamwork
In the grand scheme, teamwork is what binds these skills together. Companies seek professionals who can synergize with colleagues, fostering an environment of collaboration to achieve broader goals. Building positive relationships, collaborating on projects, and providing constructive feedback is essential to creating a harmonious and productive workspace. After all, a single hand can’t clap, and together we achieve more.
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 2023 include Software Development, SQL, Finance, Python, Java, Data Analysis, JavaScript, Cloud Computing, Operations, and Customer Relationship Management (CRM).
Software Development
Unearthing the gold standard of 2023’s LinkedIn skills, software development takes the spotlight. The architects of the digital world, software developers, shape applications, websites, and programs with a toolbox of varied languages and frameworks. For the guardians of the back end, fluency in coding languages like Java, C++, Python, R, and JavaScript becomes indispensable. Mastery over frameworks like .NET and Ruby on Rails is a non-negotiable for these digital alchemists. On the other hand, those crafting the user-facing front end should be adept at HTML/CSS, JavaScript, and React Native. The symbiosis of both front-end and back-end developers constructs the buildings of the digital metropolis.
Structured Query Language (SQL)
Navigating through this data-infused age, Structured Query Language (SQL) emerges as a cardinal skill. Like a master key, SQL unlocks databases, finding its application across various sectors. As a result, the language becomes a lifeline for those grappling with large datasets or needing to extract information at a jet speed. Typically, data analysts, software engineers, and web developers are the chosen ones to wield this tool.
Finance
Finance paints the broader strokes of business operations and accounting roles. Grasping financial metrics, such as return on investment (ROI), and understanding the subtle dance of economics and the mechanisms of different markets form the bedrock for those aspiring to don this mantle. Usually, those fluent in this language come from strong mathematics, economics, and accounting backgrounds.
Python Programming Language
In the coder’s palette, Python adds vibrant colors. As a high-level programming language, Python finds its use in data science projects, machine learning, software development, web scraping, and automation. It becomes vital for software developers and data scientists to have Python as an arrow in their quiver.
Java
Java, the venerable programming language, is a bedrock for creating applications and websites. Unyielding and potent, Java perseveres despite the rise of newer languages, making it a sturdy foundation upon which the pillars of the software development industry stand. The language’s hallmark lies in its write-once-run-anywhere capability, making it a universally compatible tool for many platforms.
Data Analysis
Data analysis skills have become vital for the detectives of the digital age. By mining patterns, trends, and correlations in large datasets, data analysts extract meaningful insights to guide business decisions. As a result, command over statistical tools like R and Excel and machine learning algorithms become their primary tools of the trade.
Javascript
JavaScript, often deemed the Swiss Army knife for web developers, is a versatile tool in crafting the canvas of the world wide web. It is akin to an omnipresent force behind the scenes, animating every scroll, click, and form submission, making websites and web applications responsive and dynamic. JavaScript is a gateway into the vibrant world of web development. Its power isn’t limited to browser-based interactions. With the advent of technologies like Node.js, JavaScript’s capabilities extend beyond the client side, penetrating the realm of server-side scripting. It’s no longer just about creating dropdown menus or validating form inputs but about full-stack development, building both the front and back end of web applications.
Cloud Computing
Cloud computing, the unseen workhorse behind countless digital services, is the keystone of modern online infrastructure. Its ability to store, manage, and process vast quantities of data is second to none. As a result, a solid grasp of IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service) and PaaS (Platform as a Service) is now an essential requirement for those navigating the cloud computing domain – not just for technical roles but also for sales, marketing, finance, and operations. IaaS lays the foundation, providing the raw hardware resources – servers, network, storage – available on demand and accessible via the internet. As a result, companies can leverage IaaS to build their platforms without worrying about infrastructure setup and maintenance costs. On the other hand, PaaS delivers a complete platform to customers, including operating systems, databases, web servers, and development tools, eliminating the hassle of managing underlying hardware and software.
Operations
Operational skills, often unnoticed yet fundamental, serve as the cornerstone of a brand’s daily operations. These competencies bridge the gap between supply chain management and inventory control, assuring the effortless transition of goods from the production line to the customer. From a surface-level perspective, managing the supply chain and inventory may appear straightforward. However, it’s akin to conducting an elaborate symphony – every instrument and note is indispensable. This role extends far beyond merely restocking shelves or dispatching products. It encompasses a multifaceted process, requiring coordination with suppliers, maintaining ideal stock levels, and ensuring punctual delivery to meet ever-evolving customer expectations.
Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
Brands that stand out in the competitive landscape effectively manage customer data and interactions. This success is attributed to CRM systems, the invaluable gatekeepers of customer data. These platforms meticulously record every interaction, creating a comprehensive trail that tracks leads and customers throughout their journey. From the first point of contact to eventual conversion, CRM systems provide a holistic view of each customer, enabling a more personalized and efficient approach to customer engagement. Proficiency in CRM tools has become more than a preferred skill—it’s become essential. Individuals in sales and customer support roles are expected to wield these tools adeptly. It’s not just about inputting data but about leveraging the insights the CRM platform offers to make informed decisions, deliver a superior customer experience, and drive sales.
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.
FAQ
Q: What are the top 10 most in-demand LinkedIn skills for 2023?
A: The top 10 most in-demand LinkedIn skills for 2023 are Management, Communication, Customer Service, Leadership, Sales, Project Management, Research, Analytics, Marketing, and Teamwork.
Q: What are LinkedIn’s top 10 most in-demand technical skills for 2023?
A: The top 10 most in-demand technical skills on LinkedIn for 2023 include Software Development, SQL, Finance, Python, Java, Data Analysis, JavaScript, Cloud Computing, Operations, and Customer Relationship Management (CRM).
Q: What is the importance of soft skills and technical skills on LinkedIn?
A: Both soft skills and technical skills are crucial on LinkedIn as they help individuals stand out in a sea of qualified candidates. Companies are looking for candidates with a combination of these skills to make informed decisions and effectively manage their operations.
Q: What is the LinkedIn Skill Assessment?
A: LinkedIn Skill Assessments are tests in various areas such as software, coding languages, education, software development, and professional certifications. They are designed to demonstrate your knowledge and highlight your areas of expertise to potential employers.
Q: How can one enhance their resume or sharpen their existing skillset?
A: One can enhance their resume or sharpen their skillset by enrolling in an online course or certification program focusing on in-demand topics. This demonstrates practical knowledge and a strong work ethic. Taking LinkedIn Skill Assessments is also a great way to set oneself apart from other candidates.