The Top 10 Employability Skills: A Guide for Recruiters Building a Skills-Based Organization

In today’s fast-paced and ever-evolving job market, recruiters play a crucial role in identifying the most sought-after skills. For recruiters to source and hire top talent, and build a skills-based organization, it’s essential to stay ahead of the curve and understand the employability skills in high demand. 

Data analysis, prompt engineering, and cloud computing – these are the trending hard skills that you hear about from your LinkedIn connections and the news as critical to building a high-performing workforce. However, should HR teams be hunting for these employability skills when sourcing and filling open roles?

To help hiring professionals find the best talent for their organizations and make informed talent decisions, Cangrade identified the top 10 employability skills organizations need by analyzing their most frequently assigned hard skills assessments by companies across all industries in 2023. Surprisingly, the most highly assessed skills weren’t the trending skills that come to mind for building a future-proof workforce. But they are the foundational skills needed to build a skills-based organization ready to adapt to the changes 2024 brings. 

Cangrade’s analysis revealed that:

• 50% of the top hard skills assessed in 2023 centered on written and verbal communication.
• The remaining 50% involved the use of technology. 
• 20% of the assessed hard skills focused solely on the ability to use a computer and software in a role. 

The Top 10 Required Employability Skills

Here is a list of the most assessed hard skills that recruiters should look for in their hires this upcoming year to build a skills-based organization.

1. Technology Proficiency

Mastering the use of a computer, navigating internet browsers, and proficiency in various software applications is an essential hard skill that significantly enhances productivity and efficiency in many roles.

2. Typing

The ability to type quickly and precisely is crucial for numerous positions throughout a company. A fast typing rate, quantified in Words Per Minute (WPM), can make a high performer.

3. English Language Proficiency

Effective communication is essential for a functional skills-based organization. When a business is based in an English-speaking region or caters to clients who speak English, proficiency in spoken and written English is necessary.

4. Spanish Language Proficiency

For companies active in Spanish-speaking regions or catering to bilingual customers, mastery of Spanish in both writing and speaking is essential.

5. Data Entry

Positions that involve entering data into a database demand precision, detail orientation, and speed. Candidates should know diverse data forms and structures and be knowledgeable about spreadsheet and database software to excel.

6. English Grammar and Punctuation

The ability to identify proper and improper grammar and punctuation is a valuable skill that enables employees to prevent misunderstandings and mistakes.

7. Basic Computer Literacy

This fundamental skill involves a basic understanding of your computer, internet browser, and email, which is essential for productivity and efficiency.

8. Reading Comprehension

Reading comprehension includes grasping the central concept, identifying supporting points, making logical deductions, and understanding the language used in written communication.

9. Administrative Fundamentals

Administrative positions are crucial for the seamless functioning of a business. This vital skill set merges the fundamental computer and communication skills required for administrative roles.

10. Writing

This skill extends past the ability to identify proper and improper use of language, assessing how effectively a candidate can craft written content on a given topic.

These top 10 employability skills reflect organizations’ need to hire professionals with foundational skills they can build on. By understanding the demand for these hard skills, recruiters can align their recruitment and talent acquisition strategies to identify candidates who have the expertise their organizations need. This alignment will undoubtedly help recruiters recruit and retain top talent and build a skills-based organization that’s ready for the future.