In today’s cut-throat jobs market, applicants need to find increasingly more inventive ways to improve their chances of selection. With the ongoing digitization of business and the ever-present threat posed by Artificial Intelligence (AI) to many traditional roles, the employment landscape is changing rapidly – so much so that many specialists suggest we’re currently in the throes of a fourth industrial revolution.
How tech is changing employment
There’s little doubting the huge influence technology, the web, and computers have had on all facets of society – however, it could easily be argued the effects have been felt most keenly in work and employment. As the real and virtual worlds continue to merge, computers are becoming an integral part of most modern work roles, making an understanding of new tech a highly desirable skill for most employers.
Specialist tech qualifications that maximize employment chances
While it’s true a base grounding in the computer software will undoubtedly be looked on favorably by prospective employers, there are a few stand-out subjects that could earn you extra brownie points when applying for a new job – no matter what role you hope to achieve.
Business analyst certifications: The world is producing a truly remarkable amount of data these (estimated at 2.5 quintillion bytes per day) – and much of it is being made by businesses. The internal data produced by a firm can be used to analyze and improve internal processes, services, and systems leading to increased productivity and higher profitability. No matter what job you’re after, if you have the skills to be able to effectively interpret a company’s data, you’ll put yourself head and shoulders above other applicants.
Digital marketing qualifications or skills: The web and social media have completely transformed how companies promote themselves to potential and existing clients. Where once advertising and marketing were largely passive processes, modern tech allows marketing specialists to take a far more hands-on, interactive and proactive approach to their promotions. As a result, if you have skills in Search Engine Optimization (SEO) or social media marketing, you will have a competitive edge over others – particularly if you know how to interpret and apply digital marketing data.
Cloud computing certifications: Over the last few years, cloud computing has revolutionized the way firms of all sizes approach their IT requirements and helped lower costs while improving service. While it’s true that cloud providers typically look after the bigger tasks involved in running their platforms, having someone in-house that has a working knowledge of cloud tech can be a huge advantage for companies – and a huge draw when it comes to choosing who’s right for a job. Studying an azure certification or similar will undoubtedly put you ahead of rival candidates.
Proven skills in the more common networking applications and software: With so many companies already migrated to cloud tech, having skills or qualifications in the more commonly used collaborative working applications could also single you out as a prime candidate. Taking an online course or improving your knowledge of software like Slack, Wrike, or Soho Projects will help your application.
