The Top Skills You Need To Land Jobs In 2021 Include Cleaning & Customer Service
When it comes to landing one of the best jobs in Canada, you may think you'll need loads of experience and qualifications.
However, according to a new report from global employment agency Randstad, skills like cleaning, sanitizing and customer service are seriously valuable ahead of 2021.
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The company explained that many industries have had to “adapt to rapidly changing conditions” since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in a change in the essential skills needed in the workplace.
If you’re looking to change careers or upskill ahead of a new challenge, here’s what Randstad suggests will help you get one of the top jobs in Canada this year:
Customer Service
According to Randstad, customer service experience has become more important than ever during the pandemic.
Individuals are now required to communicate with a “heightened level of sensitivity and empathy” in order to respond appropriately to the anxiousness related to COVID-19.
For this reason, demand for people with strong communication skills continues to increase.
Scheduling
Randstad’s research has found that scheduling is now an in-demand skill, following the shift to working from home during the pandemic.
In particular, companies are looking for employees who can help to plan schedules, monitor budgets and take health and safety considerations into account.
E-commerce Sales
In 2021, the global e-commerce market is expected to sky-rocket to a whopping $4.5 trillion.
This trend is accelerating even further as more people move to do their shopping online, resulting in a surge in demand for staff with related knowledge.
In particular, Randstad expects industries like apparel, health, electronics, entertainment and more to be hiring skilled employees.
Budgeting
As businesses have halted operations and experienced a decrease in revenue, Randstad expects many will be “looking for guidance on how to best adapt their budgets for the new normal.”
Companies will be looking for individuals who can find new ways to generate cash flow, build emergency funds and organize debt repayment.
“Budgeting skills will be needed across all Canadian sectors, so if you’ve got a flair for defining business priorities and financial goals, you’ll be in demand,” reveals the employment agency.
Repair
The federal government listed repairs as essential to keep Canada’s communities safe during COVID-19.
Randstad explains that this includes industries like energy and utilities, information and communication technologies, finance, health, transportation and more.
For this reason, skilled plumbers, electricians, exterminators, mechanics, construction workers and more will have “no shortage of work all across the country.”
Project Management
As remote work continues for Canadians across the country, effective project management skills have become more important than ever.
In all sorts of industries, including construction, health care and more, businesses will be looking for employees who can manage remote teams and carry out tasks from start to finish.
Cleaning & Sanitizing
Perhaps unsurprisingly, skills related to cleaning and sanitation are more essential than ever.
As Canadians start returning to office buildings and warehouses, experienced staff will be needed to keep customers, workers and others as safe as possible.
Quality Control
Canadians who are talented when it comes to paying attention to detail, problem-solving and following procedures will be in high demand in 2021, according to Randstad.
The employment agency explains that the need for quality control is as essential as ever, particularly when it comes to following specific laws, standards and regulations.
Administrative Support
With administrative assistants expected to be the most desirable employees this year, skills associated with the role are going to be equally as important.
In particular, assets in the field include understanding databases, strong organizational skills, as well as a “high level of emotional intelligence.”
Jobs will be available across the country in so many industries, including HR, education, finance, health care and marketing.
Accounting
Companies big and small will be on the lookout for people who are talented with numbers in 2021.
In particular, businesses will be looking for individuals who are knowledgeable when it comes to budgeting, financial planning and negotiations, among other things.
Perhaps it's time to dust off that resume, eh?!