Hot Skills

Before you start your job search or continue your education, ask yourself, "Do I have the skills needed to succeed?"

Some technical skills are needed only for specific types of jobs, like knowing how to use a jackhammer or understanding a complicated computer program. But several transferable skills, including those listed below, are used in a lot of different jobs.

These same transferable skills are often needed to do well in college and in technical training programs.

These hot skills represent your ability to perform specific tasks, understand concepts and learn new things. This list includes skills and knowledge needed in high-paying jobs and used in the greatest number of new jobs in various industries.*

FUNDAMENTAL SKILLS

• Reasoning Ability (organizing information, identifying nature of problems, gathering information)
• Verbal Ability (clearly and effectively communicating information through speaking, understanding spoken information)
• Math Knowledge (knowing numbers and operations including arithmetic, algebra, geometry, statistics and calculus)
• Critical Thinking Skill (thinking and learning, complex problem-solving, determining long-term implications of change in a system)

HUMAN SERVICE SKILLS

• Customer/Personal Service Knowledge (able to provide customer/personal services, quality service standards, evaluate customer satisfaction)
• Human Service Skill (being aware of others' reactions, actively looking for ways to help people, actively listening to others)

MANAGEMENT SKILLS

• Management Skill (managing financial, material, personnel and time resources)
• Administration and Management Knowledge (knowing principles/processes involved in business and organizational planning, resource allocation and leadership techniques)

COMMUNICATION SKILLS

No matter what type of job you're interested in, communication skills are always essential. Most employers need people who are able to read, listen, ask appropriate questions, speak clearly, write work documents and gather new information.

By gaining expertise in some of the skill and knowledge areas listed above, you'll gain flexibility in your career. Be sure to highlight these skills and your experience using them when marketing yourself for new job opportunities.

* For an expanded list of knowledge, skills and other occupational requirements, visit O*NET OnLine at: online.onetcenter.org
or DEED's report on Minnesota's Most Marketable Skills at: www.deed.state.mn.us/lmi/publications/mms.htm.