Adaptability and Continuous Learning: The Most Sought-After Competencies
To seize the best job opportunities, it’s essential not only to consider personal needs but also to develop skills that will propel your career forward. With rapid technological advancements, individuals must proactively cultivate new skills to capitalize on emerging digital job opportunities.
The Inter-American Development Bank (BID) Perspective
According to the Inter-American Development Bank (BID), employers now prioritize adaptability and continuous learning over traditional requirements like academic degrees. The BID emphasizes that the future worker must continuously update their skills to enhance employment prospects and career progression.
“However, beyond the willingness to learn that workers may have, building and maintaining relevant, high-quality, and continuous learning ecosystems for workers is a shared responsibility among governments, the private sector, and key allies,” the BID states.
Expert Insights from Gerardo Macías, DHR Global
Gerardo Macías, a partner at DHR Global, explains that individuals should understand their human and technical skills to market themselves effectively. He advises expanding these skills for better job offers.
“Often, as candidates, we cast a wide net without knowing our best fit. First, self-awareness is crucial; understanding what you do well and identifying your areas for improvement,” Macías says.
He adds that candidates should know their strengths, focus on key competencies representing them, and have clarity about their purpose.
Essential Skills for Job Seekers
Adriana González, a headhunter, highlights that basic skills for employees include communication, teamwork, leadership, adaptability, and problem-solving. These competencies are frequently sought by recruiters.
Depending on the job or industry, individuals may need to acquire new skills like AI software management, data analysis, digital marketing, and business development. These competencies position candidates at the forefront of talent selection.
“These skills will increase visibility, adapt you to the current market—especially in AI, where many candidates underestimate the importance of mastering relevant software,” González emphasizes.
The World Economic Forum’s Perspective
According to the World Economic Forum (WEF), 50% of all employees will need to reskill this year due to increasing technology adoption, including artificial intelligence (AI).
The WEF predicts that critical thinking and problem-solving will top the list of skills employers will prioritize in the coming years.
Importance of Developing More Skills
Adriana González stresses that individuals who develop more skills will stand out. She explains that skills can be learned through courses or teamwork, sometimes leading to collaborative projects rather than individual work.
Communication: The Key to Professional Growth
Gerardo Macías highlights that, in addition to high-demand competencies, consistent communication is vital for professional growth. Building a close, trusting relationship with supervisors who value results is crucial.
“Avoid waiting for feedback sessions; instead, let your supervisor see you as an indispensable team member,” Macías advises.
Self-Awareness and Continuous Improvement
Adriana González emphasizes that individuals must first recognize their areas for improvement and seek relevant training to grow within an organization or secure a better position.
“The answer is 100% self-development; be honest about your areas for improvement. We don’t start knowing everything, and candidates aren’t always fully prepared, but those who decide to learn and improve will excel,” she affirms.
González notes that going the extra mile in one’s work can make a significant difference.
“Those who not only perform their job but also positively influence others, knowing, understanding, and continuously educating themselves, will shine,” she highlights.
“Unfortunately, Mexico often lacks time for training, which must change definitively,” González concludes.
Mercer’s Perspective on Labor Disruption
According to Mercer, companies face significant disruption to adapt to new labor challenges, especially in communication with employees.
“These changes are often driven by technology and digitalization. Consequently, employers now value non-technical skills like collaboration and employee development more,” Mercer points out.
