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In today’s competitive job market, having the right skills can make all the difference when it comes to getting hired for your dream job. If you’re just starting out in your career or looking to switch industries, it’s important to know what skills are needed the most by employers so you can position yourself as a top candidate. Below, we’ll take a closer look at the most in-demand skills that employers in Canada are looking for based on job postings from the last two years. We’ll also explore how you can gain these skills through Dalhousie’s Faculty of Open Learning and Career Development.

1. Communication

Communication skills relate to how effectively you can send and receive information and involve listening, speaking or writing, observing, and empathizing. Whether you work independently or as part of a team, communication skills are essential in any workplace because they allow you to understand and be understood by others, so it’s not surprising that this is the most in-demand skill in Canada.

How you can acquire this skill: If you want to become more confident and persuasive when communicating, our online Interpersonal and Intercultural Communication course may be just what you’re looking for. Those who want to learn to communicate more effectively in the workplace can improve on this skill through our online Certificate in Professional Communications. 

2. Customer service

Customer service skills use a combination of problem-solving, communication, and interpersonal skills to help create a positive experience for an organization’s customers. We’ve all heard that reputation is everything in business, and customer service skills are key to a strong reputation. This is one of the top skills in Canada because no matter what type of business you work in, excellent customer service helps get new customers and improve customer loyalty.

How you can acquire this skill: You can gain the skills to implement a successful customer service plan through our Certificate in Customer Service Specialization, which is offered in a flexible online format that’s suited for working professionals. 

3. Management

The role of managers is to guide, motivate, and advise people and projects. Strong management skills are essential for the success of any business, as a skilled manager helps to advance the organization’s goals and mission. Management skills include a wide variety of abilities like planning, decision-making, problem-solving, communication, and motivating others. These skills are in high demand across all industries, and we have specialized programs that can help you grow your management abilities.

How you can acquire this skill: The online Certificate in Business Management is targeted towards people who want to become managers in small, medium, or large enterprises. New and established project managers can complete our online Certificate in Project Management, which helps you prepare for the Project Management Professional (PMP®) certification exams. And if you work or are planning to work in HR, our online Certificate in Human Resource Management will equip you with the skills to support people across a complex organization.

4. Problem solving

When businesses look for employees with problem-solving skills, they are referring to the ability to handle unexpected, difficult, or complex situations in the workplace. Problem-solving skills are highly valued by employers because they’re the sign of a self-reliant, adaptable employee. The best problem solvers can even anticipate future problems and work to prevent them before they arise.

How you can acquire this skill: You can earn a microcredential in Strategic Problem Solving for Leaders through the online Mastering Strategy course. Upon completing this course, you will be issued a digital badge that you can put on your resume or LinkedIn profile to demonstrate to employers that you have earned this skill.

5. Leadership

Leadership skills involve inspiring other people to work towards a shared goal. Good leaders can motivate their teams while using critical thinking skills to know the best way to use the resources of a business. Even if you’re not in a management position, leadership skills are needed at all levels of an organization to build strong teams and a positive work environment.

How you can acquire this skill: Get your leadership skills to stand out on your resume by earning a digital credential in Effective Leadership through the online Leadership Dynamics course.