[Future of Work] The ideal candidate

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In a changing workplace with a changing, more digitised workforce, excellent communications skills, problem solving ability, innovation and digital competence, are just some of the attributes that employers are looking for today.

Marc Privett, GM Careers24.com:

• With roles, job titles and job specifications changing and evolving so rapidly in today’s workplace, recruiters and HR managers will need to look beyond merely whether the candidate has the right skills set and ask – are they the right fit for the job when it comes to personality and attitude?
• Enthusiasm, resilience and an ability to ‘roll with the punches’ are becoming attributes that are more sought-after.

Allan Pike, CEO Key Recruitment Group:

• Digital competence and higher level communication skill set.• Because of the pressures of business to meet ever increasing deadlines, employees are often expected to be available on multi devices at extra ordinary times. As a result, people who are by nature driven, self-reliant and competent will increase in value.

Tanya Eksteen, director of resourcing for Sage International:

• Results-driven and action-orientated.

• Ability to solve problems with limited information.
• Confidence and commitment.
• Creativity and innovation.
• Team player.
• Well organised.
• Proficiency with computer software programs.

• Ability to sell and influence others.

Paul Byrne, managing director of CareerJunction:

• Competence.

• Leadership ability.
• Employees who take accountability.
• Integrity.
• Having the right contacts (referring to sales candidates).

• Attitude.

Yolanda Gibbon, founder, Cardilogix:

• Employees who can prioritise.

• Making quick decisions and solving problems on the spot.
• Excellent listening skills.
• Strong verbal and written skills.
• Computer literacy / technical competency - goes without saying.
• Flexibility and adaptability.
• Multi-tasking.
• Confidence in themselves and in the business they are representing.
• Loyalty.

• Knowledge base and skillset – sell yourself on these strong points. You might just have something that another person does not have and that will determine you being the employee of choice.