LinkedIn has become one of the most important platforms for professionals looking to advance their careers. With over 722 million members worldwide, LinkedIn offers users the ability to create profiles highlighting their work experiences, skills, and accomplishments. For job seekers and career builders, identifying the most sought after skills on LinkedIn can provide key insights into which skills and competencies they should develop to stand out to recruiters and hiring managers.
Why LinkedIn skills matter
LinkedIn skills have become a critical component of user profiles. According to LinkedIn’s 2020 Global Talent Trends report, over 90% of talent acquisition professionals rely on skills listed on candidate profiles when sourcing and vetting applicants. Additionally, LinkedIn members who list at least 5 skills on their profile are over 27 times more likely to be discovered in searches by recruiters.
Some key reasons why LinkedIn skills carry so much weight include:
- Skills allow members to showcase their proficiencies and expertise beyond just job titles and work experience.
- Skills help members stand out in crowded job fields by highlighting unique capabilities.
- Skills enable better matching between candidate capabilities and job requirements.
- Verified skills badges demonstrate third-party confirmation of skill competencies.
Ultimately, LinkedIn skills provide tangible evidence to recruiters and hiring managers that a candidate possesses the experience and know-how to excel in a given role.
The most sought after hard skills
Hard skills are learned abilities and technical expertise that allow professionals to perform specific job functions. According to LinkedIn’s research, here are some of the most sought after hard skills:
Blockchain
As blockchain technology gains mainstream adoption, familiarity and experience with blockchain is highly valued across industries like finance, technology, logistics, and healthcare. Professionals skilled in blockchain development, cryptocurrencies, and distributed ledger technology are in high demand.
Cloud Computing
With the rapid growth of cloud-based services and platforms from providers like Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud, cloud computing skills are essential for IT professionals. Companies are seeking talent skilled in cloud architecture, migration, DevOps, and SaaS administration.
Analytical Reasoning
The ability to collect, analyze, interpret, and act on data is valuable across functions like sales, marketing, operations, and finance. Professionals who can translate numbers into strategic business insights using tools like Excel, SQL, Python, and Tableau are highly sought after.
Artificial Intelligence
AI is transforming businesses across all industries. Professionals with AI skills like machine learning, deep learning, natural language processing, robotic process automation, and chatbots have their pick of job opportunities.
UX Design
User experience design skills are vital for developing intuitive and engaging digital products and services. Professionals familiar with UX research, prototyping, usability testing, interaction design, and design tools like Figma and Sketch are in demand.
Cybersecurity
With data breaches and cyber attacks on the rise, cybersecurity expertise is mission critical. Professionals skilled in threat detection, vulnerability management, security tools, ethical hacking, and governance can command top salaries.
Top soft skills
While hard skills demonstrate technical capabilities, soft skills relate to interpersonal attributes that enable relationship building, communication, leadership, and more. Some highly sought after soft skills among LinkedIn members include:
Creativity
The ability to think outside the box and come up with innovative solutions is valuable in fields like marketing, design, product development, and more. Creative professionals know how to turn imaginative ideas into business results.
Persuasion
Strong persuasion and influencing skills enable professionals to pitch ideas, motivate teams, negotiate deals, and drive change. These “people skills” are essential for sales, management, recruiting, and beyond.
Collaboration
Given the rise of remote work and dispersed teams, collaboration skills are vital. Professionals who can work cooperatively, foster open communication, and build trust are highly effective.
Adaptability
In today’s fast-changing business environment, adaptability is a must-have. Professionals who can effectively cope with ambiguity, pivot based on new information, and thrive in fluid circumstances excel.
Time Management
Juggling multiple priorities and meeting tight deadlines is standard in most companies. Professionals who can organize complex projects, prioritize tasks, and manage their own time enable business results.
Leadership
While technical skills are important, many companies find a shortage of strong leaders to guide teams and champion initiatives. Professionals with leadership capabilities are in demand to fill critical management roles.
Most in-demand skills by industry
While some skills are widely sought after across the board, other specialized skills are distinctly valuable within certain industries. Some of the most in-demand skills by sector include:
Industry | In-Demand Skills |
---|---|
Information Technology | Cloud Computing, Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Blockchain, Data Science, Web Development |
Healthcare | Health Informatics, Patient Care, Data Analysis, Medical Coding, Healthcare Management |
Manufacturing | Lean Manufacturing, Quality Assurance, CAD, Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain Management |
Marketing | Content Marketing, Search Engine Optimization, Event Marketing, Social Media Marketing, Google Analytics |
Human Resources | Recruiting, Employment Law, Compensation, Employee Relations, People Analytics |
Accounting & Finance | Financial Analysis, Budgeting, Auditing, Risk Management, Financial Reporting, Forecasting |
Developing the top skills
Once you’ve identified the must-have capabilities for your field, here are some recommendations on developing the most sought after skills:
- Take courses: Take advantage of online classes from sites like Coursera, Udemy, LinkedIn Learning to build new skills.
- Earn certifications: Complete certificate programs that provide tangible proof of your skills mastery.
- Attend conferences: Industry conferences offer training workshops to stay on the cutting edge.
- Learn on the job: Take on new projects and responsibilities at work to expand your skillset.
- Follow experts: Subscribe to blogs, podcasts, newsletters to get insights from thought leaders.
- Practice continuously: Consistent repetition and hands-on work is key for skill fluency.
Remember that describing skills on your profile is just the first step – you must put skills into practice through concrete examples of how you’ve applied them. Demonstrating skill application through past achievements will maximize your profile’s impact.
Conclusion
LinkedIn serves as one of the most telling windows into employer needs and professional skill gaps today. By identifying the expertise that is most sought after within your industry, you can tailor your profile, highlight relevant skills, pursue targeted training, and position yourself as an attractive candidate for exciting new career opportunities.