This means the days of only relying on the traditional qualities employers are looking for are gone. If you’re looking to get ahead in your career, it’s important to know what employers will be looking for in 2023.

Why you need to stay competitive in the workforce

If you want to get ahead in your career, you have to stay competitive. Employers aren’t just employees who can bring experience and skills to their team.  They want to know candidates can bring real value to their business.

Whether you’re looking for a promotion at your company, on the lookout for a new job, or thinking of totally changing your career, you’ll need to stand out from other candidates.  At Skills Certified Australia, we work across dozens of industries and training organisations.

This has given us a unique insight into what employers are looking for in job candidates and what qualities they want their staff to have.

Using this insight, we’ve made a list of 11 traits you need to stay competitive in 2023.

1. Self-Motivation 

Employers want employees who can motivate themselves and drive their own projects forward without constant supervision or guidance.

2. Technical Skills

With technology transforming how we live and work, employers will be looking for employees with strong technical skills. Whether it’s developing software, using computers or managing databases, having knowledge of key technologies is an essential skill in 2023.

3. Collaboration Skills 

Working as part of a team is becoming increasingly important in today’s workforce and employers are looking for employees who have good collaboration skills. This means being able to communicate effectively with colleagues, take initiative, and be open to feedback.

4. Adaptability 

Employers are looking for employees who can adapt quickly to changing environments and technologies. They want staff who can think on their feet and come up with innovative solutions in times of crisis or change.

5. Critical Thinking 

With the nature of work rapidly shifting, employers are looking for employees who have strong critical thinking skills. You need to be able to analyse problems, identify creative solutions and make decisions quickly based on the data you have available.

6. Creative Problem Solving 

It’s not enough just to have the ability to think critically; employers also want creativity in their team members. Being able to solve complex problems in creative ways is a great trait to have when looking for a job in 2023.

7. Leadership 

Good leadership skills are essential for any successful organisation, so employers will be looking for candidates who can demonstrate strong leadership abilities.

8. Communication Skills 

Being able to communicate effectively with colleagues and customers is an invaluable skill in 2023 that employers will be seeking out in potential team members.

9. Time Management 

Employers value employees who are able to manage their own workloads efficiently as well as being able to plan and meet project deadlines.

10. Research Skills 

Being able to conduct research and analyse data is a key skill when it comes to staying competitive in the workforce in 2023. Employers will be looking for employees who can use data to inform their decisions and come up with innovative solutions.

11. Qualifications and Certifications 

Education is still a critical factor for employers when hiring new staff, so having qualifications and certifications can set you apart from the competition. Employers are looking for qualified professionals who possess the necessary skills to get the job done.

Getting the right qualifications for your chosen career is easier than you think.  If you already have industry experience, you might be able to fast track your qualifications through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).  This process assesses the skills and knowledge you already have from your work history, so you can gain qualified status faster.

Ready to  take the next step in your career?  Contact us today to learn more about how RPL can help you get qualified and stay competitive in 2023.