The Top 10 Business Skills Employers Are Looking For

Searching for a new job can be an exciting but challenging time. You want to make sure your CV highlights the business skills that employers are looking for. But with so many skills to choose from, how do you know which ones to focus on?

To help you put together the strongest CV and land your dream job, here are the top 10 business skills that are in high demand right now. Pay close attention to these as you update your CV and prepare for interviews.

What are The Top 10 Business Skills Employers Are Looking For?

1. Communication Skills

Communication Skills

Strong communication skills are essential for any role. Employers want someone who can express ideas clearly both verbally and in writing. Be sure your CV shows off your ability to:

Speak confidently and listen actively in conversations
Write emails, reports and other documents clearly and effectively
Give engaging presentations and explain concepts simply
Read social cues and body language

Polish your communication skills if you want to stand out. Employers highly value this skill.

2. Teamwork and Collaboration

Almost every job requires collaboration. Highlight your ability to work well on teams. Key skills include:

Cooperating with coworkers and solving problems together
Understanding team roles and dynamics
Building relationships and managing conflicts diplomatically
Motivating teammates and helping everyone contribute

Show that you’re a team player who brings out the best in others.

3. Critical Thinking

Employers need people who can analyse data, think logically and solve complex problems. Ways to demonstrate this on your CV include:

Solving an employer problem using analytics
Identifying the pros and cons of a decision
Thinking creatively to improve processes
Making logical arguments backed by evidence
Weighing different options and assessing risks

Prove you can think critically and add value.

4. Project Management

Whether it’s a small initiative or a multi-step project, employers want to see you can manage workflows efficiently. Play up skills like:

Setting goals and milestones
Organising resources and delegating tasks
Tracking progress and monitoring budgets
Managing competing priorities and timelines
Identifying risks and creating contingency plans

Show off your ability to plan projects, lead teams and deliver results.

5. Digital Skills

Digital Skills

Today’s workplace relies on technology. Show proficiency with digital tools:

Microsoft Office essentials like Word, Excel and PowerPoint
Email platforms, calendars and project management software
Industry-specific programs and databases
Social media networks used for marketing
Basic graphic design for presentations

List specific software and systems you have experience with.

6. Leadership Skills

While not every job is a management role, employers still look for leadership potential. Demonstrate that you can:

Set a vision and inspire others to work towards it
Coach and mentor teammates to develop their abilities
Lead by example and model positive behaviours
Take initiative and motivate your team
Manage performance and give constructive feedback

Prove you have what it takes to lead, influence and set the pace.

7. Sales and Negotiation Skills

Many jobs require persuasion and relationship-building abilities. Showcase skills like:

Networking and identifying client needs
Building rapport and nurturing relationships
Persuasively communicating product/service benefits
Overcoming objections and closing deals
Negotiating win-win outcomes and agreements

Whether working with customers, partners or departments, these skills make you more influential.

8. Customer Service Skills

Providing excellent customer experiences is key for many roles. Your CV should highlight that you:

Communicate politely and patiently
Listen attentively to understand customer needs
Empathise with frustrations and concerns
Take ownership of issues and follow-up
Know when to involve managers in complaint resolution

Convince employers you’re committed to customer satisfaction.

9. Organisational Skills

Organisational Skills

Employers need people who can create order, not chaos. Demonstrate that you can:

Manage your time, priorities and workload efficiently
Keep work areas, files and projects organised
Follow procedures and processes consistently
Find information quickly when needed
Balance attention to detail with big picture thinking

Show off your systems, processes and sense of order.

10. Adaptability and Learning Agility

The business world evolves rapidly. Show potential employers that you:

Embrace change and view it as an opportunity, not a threat
Continuously look to learn new skills and take on new challenges
Can think creatively and adapt when faced with new problems
Quickly master new software, methods or responsibilities
Take feedback constructively and improve your performance

You need to prove you can thrive in fluid, fast-changing environments.

Stand out from the competition by mastering the business skills employers are prioritising right now. With a compelling CV that markets your talents, you’ll be on your way to new career opportunities. What are you waiting for?

Author Profile

Christy Bella: Blogger by Passion | Contributor to many Business Blogs in the United Kingdom | Fascinated to Write Blogs in Business & Startup Niches |