Professional competencies: what are they? and how do they impact hiring? - Emptor

Companies often seek candidates with a solid set of competencies that align with the demands of the job. Developing and refining professional competencies can help individuals advance in their careers, take on new challenges, and become valuable assets to their organizations. We review the most relevant ones to consider below.

Most Important Professional Competencies

Technical or Hard Skills

Technical skills, also known as hard skills, refer to the specific knowledge, skills, and experience required to perform a particular job or task. These skills are generally acquired through formal education, training programs, or work experience, and are often industry or profession-specific.

Examples of technical skills may include:

• Proficiency in a particular programming language
• Experience with a specific software application
• Knowledge of specific tools or equipment used in a particular field

Technical skills are essential for individuals working in technical or specialized fields, and are often required for success in these areas. They are also important for individuals working in other fields, as many jobs require a certain level of technical skill or expertise. Hard skills are specific skills that can be learned through training and education.

Here are some of the most important hard skills that are highly valued across various industries:

• Data Analysis: the ability to collect, analyze, and interpret large data sets using statistical techniques and software tools.
• Coding and Programming: the ability to write and develop software applications using programming languages such as Java, Python, C++, etc.
• Digital Marketing: the ability to plan and execute marketing campaigns using various digital channels, such as social media, email, SEO, PPC, etc.
• Project Management: the ability to plan, organize, and oversee projects from start to finish, ensuring they are completed on time, within budget, and meet objectives.
• Accounting and Financial Analysis: the ability to manage financial records, prepare financial statements, and perform financial analysis using accounting software and tools.
• Technical Writing: the ability to communicate complex technical information clearly and effectively to non-technical audiences.
• Foreign Language Proficiency: the ability to speak and write fluently in multiple languages to facilitate communication and collaboration in a global business environment.

These hard skills are highly valued by employers across various industries, and individuals who possess these skills have a competitive advantage in the job market.

Professional Competencies / Soft Skills

Transferable or Soft Skills

Transferable skills, also known as soft skills, refer to the interpersonal or non-technical skills that are essential for success in the workplace and in life. These skills are generally not specific to any particular job or industry, but are transferable and applicable across a wide range of contexts.

Examples of transferable skills may include:

• Communication skills
• Problem-solving skills
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Time management
• Adaptability
• Leadership
• Emotional intelligence
• Creativity

These skills are highly valued by employers, as they contribute to productivity, efficiency, and overall organizational success. They are also important for personal and professional development, as they enable individuals to build strong relationships, manage their own emotions and behaviors, and navigate complex situations and environments. Here are some of the most valued ones:

Autonomy

Autonomy is the state or quality of being independent, self-governing, or self-directed. It refers to an individual’s capacity to make decisions and take actions independently, without external influence or control. In the workplace, autonomy can refer to the degree of control and flexibility an employee has over their job responsibilities and decision-making processes. This skill is highly valued in leadership positions that require continuous decision-making.

Digital Competencies

Digital skills refer to the knowledge and skills an individual possesses to effectively navigate, use, and communicate through digital technologies. Possessing digital skills has become essential for success in many fields and industries in 2023. The development of digital skills can also enhance an individual’s personal and professional growth and increase their career advancement opportunities.

Initiative

Initiative is a skill that refers to an individual’s capacity to undertake actions or make decisions without being prompted by others. It involves identifying problems, opportunities, or goals and taking proactive steps to address them, rather than waiting for instructions or guidance. An individual with strong initiative skills is self-motivated, proactive, and takes ownership of their work. Initiative is a highly valued skill in the workplace, as it can lead to increased productivity, innovation, and overall success in achieving goals and objectives.

Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence refers to the ability to identify, understand, and manage one’s own emotions, as well as the emotions of others. Emotional intelligence encompasses a variety of skills and competencies, including self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills. It is considered a key factor in personal and professional success, as it can help individuals navigate social situations, build and manage relationships, and effectively manage stress and conflict.

Leadership

Leadership is a skill that refers to an individual’s capacity to inspire, guide, and influence others towards a common goal or vision. It involves a combination of interpersonal, communication, and strategic skills, including the ability to inspire trust and respect, communicate effectively, make decisions, solve problems, manage conflicts, and delegate tasks. Leadership skills are highly valued in the workplace, as they can contribute to increased productivity, innovation, and overall success in achieving organizational goals and objectives.

Critical Thinking

Critical thinking is a skill that refers to an individual’s ability to analyze, evaluate, and interpret information, and use this information to make informed decisions and solve problems. Critical thinkers generally can assess the validity and reliability of information sources, identify biases and assumptions, and draw conclusions based on evidence and reasoning.

Planning and Organization

• Planning: Planning involves setting goals, identifying the steps necessary to achieve them, and developing a strategy to implement those steps. It involves considering various factors, such as time, resources, and potential obstacles, and making informed decisions to achieve the desired outcomes.

• Organization: Organization involves arranging and coordinating resources, activities, and tasks in an orderly and efficient manner. It involves developing systems to manage time, information, and physical resources, and maintaining a clear and focused approach to achieving goals.

Together, planning and organization help individuals and organizations to be more productive, efficient, and effective in achieving their goals.

Teamwork

Teamwork is a critical skill in the modern workplace and involves collaborating with others towards a common goal. Teamwork can be defined as follows:

• Communication: Effective communication is essential for teamwork and involves actively listening to others, expressing ideas clearly, and providing constructive feedback.

• Collaboration: Collaboration involves working together to achieve a shared goal. It involves leveraging the strengths of each team member, sharing responsibilities, and encouraging participation and contribution from all members.

• Conflict Resolution: Conflict is inevitable in any team, and effective teamwork involves the ability to identify, address, and resolve conflicts in a constructive and respectful manner.

• Flexibility: Teamwork involves being adaptable and open to change. It involves the ability to be flexible in response to new information, changing circumstances, and different perspectives.

• Trust and Respect: Trust and respect are essential components of effective teamwork.

Effective teamwork requires a variety of skills, and individuals who can work effectively in teams are highly valued in the modern workplace.

4 Important Soft Skills for Hiring Remote Employees

In 2023, it is important to consider certain skills when hiring remote employees. Four key skills are crucial for achieving goals and making progress towards objectives:

Relevant Professional Competencies

1. Self-Directed Learning/Self-Motivation: Self-directed learning is an individual’s capacity to take responsibility for their own learning and professional development. It involves setting goals, identifying areas of interest and necessary knowledge, seeking out resources and information, and developing a plan to acquire the necessary skills and knowledge.

   Self-directed learning is becoming increasingly important in the rapidly changing modern work environment.

2. Work Ethic: Work ethic is a skill that refers to an individual’s attitude towards work and their commitment to professional standards and values. It involves a variety of qualities, including reliability, responsibility, honesty, diligence, and professionalism. A strong work ethic is generally characterized by a willingness to work hard, take on challenges, and meet or exceed expectations.

3. Self-Management/Independence: Self-management is an individual’s capacity to effectively manage their own emotions, behavior, and time. It involves skills such as self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, and goal-setting.

4. Adaptability/Openness to New Experiences: Adaptability refers to an individual’s capacity to adapt to new situations, environments, and changes. It involves cognitive, emotional, and behavioral skills, including flexibility, openness to new experiences, resilience, and problem-solving.

Considering these four skills, in addition to soft skills, will help you build a team that has the key elements to achieve your business goals and objectives.

Human Capital is the Best Investment

In every company and organization, the most important asset is its employees, hence the importance of identifying professional competencies, hard skills, and soft skills. Combined with a good work culture and the principles that guide teams, these elements are key to success.

Investing in the recruitment and selection process is important to hire a team that consistently achieves objectives. One of the main principles to follow when choosing the right people is to conduct due diligence to investigate and validate the identity of potential employees. Emptor can help you perform automated identity validation and background checks - schedule a demo to learn how we can assist you in the process.