Develop your professional skills for career success

 Professional skills are an essential part of any successful career. Whether you are a student, recent graduate or with several years of experience under your belt, it is necessary to develop and acquire these skills to remain competitive in the job market. In this article, we'll look at why professional skills are crucial, which ones are particularly sought after, and how to work on them to optimize your professional success.

What are professional skills?

Professional skills can be defined as the set of specific skills, know-how and knowledge that a person possesses and which enable them to successfully carry out their tasks within an organization. They can be divided into two main categories: know-how (hard skills) and soft skills (soft skills).

Know-how (Hard Skills):

These technical skills are usually acquired through school training, apprenticeship or self-study. For example, a graphic designer must be proficient in certain creative software, while a lawyer must know the laws that govern their practice. Here are some examples of know-how:

• Mastery of one or more foreign languages
• Knowledge of IT and specific software
• Expertise in a particular field (law, finance, communication, etc.)
• Manual skills for certain trades (plumbing, mechanics, etc.)

Soft skills:

These are the interpersonal and behavioral skills that allow a person to work well with others and stand out professionally. Soft skills are often less tangible than hard skills, but they are just as important for achieving career goals. Among the main skills sought by employers are:

• listening  : knowing how to hear and understand the needs of others, whatever their position or hierarchical level.
• curiosity  : desire to learn and discover new things, which leads to continuous improvement.
• leadership  : ability to motivate and inspire others, make decisions and lead a team towards a common goal.
• responsiveness  : ability to quickly adapt to changes and face challenges encountered at work.
• Creativity: imagining innovative solutions and thinking outside the box.

Why are professional skills essential?

Highlighting your professional skills can greatly contribute to the success of your career. Indeed, there are several reasons why employers place great importance on a person's skills when selecting them:

1. The more skills you have, the more versatile you are and able to meet the varied needs of the business.
2. Employees who have a skill-rich profile are often considered valuable resources, capable of providing innovative solutions to various problems.
3. Your skills are tangible proof of your abilities and allow recruiters to better assess whether you are the ideal candidate for the position.
4. Certain skills, such as the ability to work in a team or manage time effectively, can be directly linked to productivity at work.

How to develop your professional skills?

To improve your professional profile, it is important to focus on developing your skills, both technical and relational. Here are some tips to help you acquire and strengthen your skills:

Continuing education and self-training:

To stay up to date in a fast-paced professional environment, it is essential to participate in continuing training and regularly update your knowledge. Depending on your area of ​​specialization, you may consider taking online courses, workshops, conferences, or reading specialized books.

Practice and application:

To master a specific skill, it is important to practice it regularly. For example, if you want to improve your level in a foreign language, an effective way would be to practice conversation with other people who speak that language or to participate in language clubs or group courses.

Learn from your peers:

Surrounding yourself with professionals who have the skills you want to learn can be very beneficial. They can offer advice and even joint work opportunities to help you progress and learn in the field.

Setting SMART goals:

Establish precise objectives for the development of your skills by following the SMART method (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Timely). This will make it easier to evaluate your progress and ensure you have a solid action plan to move in the right direction.

By putting these tips into practice and focusing on the constant development of your professional skills, you will lay the necessary foundations to achieve your career aspirations and secure a place of choice in the job market