Do You Have the Skills Employers seek?

Earlier this year, LinkedIn CEO Jeff Weiner talked about the companies key findings from new research that takes a look at skills shortages based on data from member profiles and job postings across 100 major US cities. Businesses are increasingly relying on cross-company collaboration and placing a greater emphasis on interpersonal communications, but this is a job skill that many American employees are lacking.

"Somewhat surprisingly... interpersonal skills are where we're seeing the biggest imbalance," Weiner told CNBC's "Squawk Box" in April. "Communications is the No. 1 skill gap across those major cities in the United States." LinkedIn's latest findings support a 2016 study published in the Journal of Education, which found that managers pay special attention to communication skills and analytical skills when evaluating an employee.

Getting the skills you need

Employers that serve on our Program Advisory Committees and partner with our graduate employment teams tell us that, in addition to the technical skills required in a position, they are looking for entry-level candidates who are well-versed in soft skill areas.

That's why "we start preparing our students for interviews from Day One," said Kate Velarde, Graduate Employment Specialist at Concordes Grand Prairie campus. We encourage students to approach their classes, clinical's and communication as professionals in training so that when they do meet with an employer it feels like second nature.

Drawing from your classroom, clinical and/or volunteer experience is "a great way to demonstrate your expertise, education, passion, and skills," said Cheryl Chambers, a Graduate Employment Specialist at Concordes campus in San Bernardino.

Let's look at some of the skills employers want, that you can prove you have based on our accelerated health care training.

Employers want these skills

Oral and Written Communication: This may be the most important skill of all skills. You can be super intelligent but if you can't communicate effectively, does it get the job done? Success in business, as tech-focused as it's become, can still come down to people's interactions with each other.

In your interactions, both in-person and online, you want to be clear, kind and professional. When speaking, be sure to make eye contact, speak up and use body language that conveys confidence. In emails, you want to pay attention to how clearly and concisely you present an idea.

Time Management: Think about juggling multiple classes, responsibilities with family, school, jobs, and commitments outside of class. Your whole life is an example of how you've had to slay this area in order to be successful!

Problem-solving: Employers want professionals who know how and when to solve issues on their own and when to ask for help. If you're preparing for a job interview, come up with a time you helped solve a problem at work and prepare to discuss it. You can gain problem-solving skills by taking a step back, evaluating the situations and devise different solutions that make the most sense.

Collaboration: An accelerated health care training program is not something that you do alone. Whether it's an example of working with your cohort, coordinating with your family to meet expectations or working with an associate to overcome a challenge, collaboration is what makes all this work! Translate that to a team environment? No problem!

Attention to detail: According to a 2016 CareerBuilder survey of 2,100 HR professionals, Human resource managers said 2 in 5 (43 percent) spend less than a minute looking at a resume. Nearly 1 in 4 (24 percent) spend less than 30 seconds. So if you have a typo on your resume, you could be finished.

While you may have tight deadlines, be sure to give yourself extra time to review work to make sure its error free. This may mean coming to work early or staying late to give yourself the breathing room needed to make sure you're doing your best work. Get into the habit of slowing down.

Leadership: Complacent people rarely opt for an accelerate health care training program. Preaching to the choir, but it's not for the faint of heart. Have a few examples of how you had to step up and take charge to make something happen.

Proficiency in Microsoft software: Most companies use Microsoft software products for doing business, whether it's Word or Excel. You don't necessarily need to include this on your resume because it's assumed you have developed this skill set while in school.

If you feel you're not as up to date as you should be or want to learn more, watch a tutorial on YouTube or take a class at the local community college. Also familiarize yourself with other programs many employers use such as Google Drive, Slack, and Skype.

Marketing: As mentioned above, in today's job market, employers expect you to know how to promote ideas, services, and products. You need to know how to use social media tools such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

A way to develop these skills is to promote your work on different social media and sharing articles about your industry. Doing so shows you are actively interested in the industry and are aware of how to use platforms.

Get the extra help you need

Work with a Graduate Employment Specialist to develop your portfolio and refine your storytelling, because even though they are your experiences, it takes a bit of practice to get your point across clearly and succinctly!

If your looking to start a career in the healthcare industry but aren't sure where to start, Concorde Career College can help. Concorde can help you develop both the soft and hard skills needed to land the job of your dreams.

Give our Admissions office a call today to learn about our health care programs!