Future employment trends and soft skills
- Michelle Wood: SWCD
- December 19, 2017
- 1291
Wouldn’t it be nice to know what the future in-demand jobs are?
I can tell you what they are. Recently the Bureau of Labor Statistics performed a 10-year study on employment projections. Their research concluded there will be a boom in some sectors and a bust in others.
The BLS predicts that jobs in the health-care industry, clean-energy industry and STEM-related industry will increase immensely.
The jobs specific to health are home health aides, registered nurses and medical assistants. Jobs in the clean-energy field include solar-panel installers and wind-turbine service technicians. STEM is the acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. Jobs in this sector include statisticians, software developers, mathematicians, artificial intelligence and drones.
Although vulnerable to automation, taxi and truck driving jobs are still projected to grow as well. The study states that a decline will be seen in assembly-line manufacturing, bank tellers, secretaries and cashiers.
Most of America’s fastest growing occupations do require some post-secondary education. Along with the subject knowledge, future employees need to be prepared in soft skills, problem-solving, effectively communicating, effectively working with others, technologically capable and have digital knowledge.
So what is a soft skill and what soft skills are employers looking for in an employee? Soft skills are basically people skills. The most popular soft skills employers are looking for include the following: positive attitude, strong work ethic, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, problem-solving, time management, flexibility, team player, computer/technology skills, project management, self-confidence, ability to accept constructive criticism, research skills and a firm handshake.
Think about how you feel around co-workers who do not portray these soft skills. Or think how you have been treated as a customer by employees that do not portray these soft skills. Soft skills can make a great first impression or a horrible first impression.
It bothers me when I am shopping and am not acknowledged by the cashier because they are too busy gossiping or complaining about someone to a fellow employee. On the other hand, if a cashier is friendly and personable to me, then I will let the management know about their excellent employee.
Another pet peeve of mine is to walk into a restaurant and see the employees standing around and on their phones. I notice tables are dirty, the floor needs to be swept and the trash needs emptied.
Being raised in a family-owned restaurant business taught me there was never down time. My mother posted a sign by the servers’ station that read, “If you have time to lean, then you have time to clean.”
Having a good work ethic is easily seen by employers and customers. I prefer to be around people with a positive attitude. They normally produce positive actions. Nobody likes to be around a downer or a complainer. If there is a problem, don’t complain about it. Instead, do your research and present a solution to the problem.
If you have set work hours, then be on time. Manage your time wisely and be flexible because life can throw obstacles in your way. Project self-confidence but remain humble and listen to others who are trying to help you and not beat you down.
Finally, practice a firm handshake. Always look the person in the eye, repeat their name and shake their hand when you meet them. This tip will help you remember them and they you. Who knows? They may be your future employer.
To learn more about Higher Education Matters, visit the Holmes County Education Foundation at www.hcef.net and follow on Facebook and LinkedIn.