Emily Outtarac
In this day and age of job-hopping and career searching, it's beneficial to include universal skills on your resume. Talents that transcend fields and apply to multiple jobs open up more doors for you as an employee, and studies suggest managers are more likely to hire an applicant with proficiencies in different areas.
Whether you're interested in the arts or finance, these five skills will help round out your resume for today's workplace-no matter what you want to do.
Basic Coding
Silicon Valley and the likes have created a new dynasty in technology. While some of us weren't born with a brain for Ruby (a programming language, not a gem), everyone can learn basic coding, which is applicable across fields. Administrative positions can call for maintaining online stores, or bloggers can take their CSS and HTML skills to companies that publish content on the backend. Coding skills are a great way to show that you have the ability to adapt yourself-and your future company-into a "hot" field.
Free online programs like Code Academy have simple, self-directed programs designed for computer science beginners. Private courses like Washington D.C.'s the Iron Yard or Seattle's Code Fellows are taught by professionals. Also, most colleges offer Computer Science 101 or Introduction to HTML courses.
Social Media
We are living in the most connected era ever, thanks largely to social media, but it isn't all about Snapchatting friends on the weekend. It can be used for prospective employees to network with people in different industries. The ability to master social media can show an employer that not only can you market yourself, but you can also market the organization.
Mashable and the Social Times offer articles on how to utilize the major social media sites professionally. Hootsuite is a great option for a one-stop control board for your accounts. Another great way to master social media is to take a marketing course at your local college or attend seminars from successful blogs.
Videography
Videos are crucial to consumer engagement as they provide a visual representation of an organization's message. Videography can be utilized for making presentations, PSAs, or marketing content. Nowadays, you don't need expensive equipment to give filming a try either as smartphones are great substitutes.
Spark and Cameo are two popular phone apps for cutting and creating high quality videos while iMovie is a great option for people who prefer to edit on their desktop. Another great way to sharpen this skill is to watch tutorials on YouTube for related topics like getting the best quality from your smartphone video app or color correcting.
Foreign Language
Foreign language speakers are highly sought after in today's job market. Most employers see these individuals as efficient ways to cater to markets overseas or certain demographics.
For example, hospital professionals can speak to patients whose first language is not English and fashion assistants can still communicate effectively if production takes place outside their home country. Apps like Duolingo are great and cheap ways to brush up on another language. For more extensive resources, you can turn to Rosetta Stone or college courses.
Public Speaking
Not everyone will be a politician or a publicist, but everyone can benefit from being a good public speaker. Public speaking skills can help with networking events or, going back to social media, even Facebook Live or Periscope broadcasts. This skill can show employers your eloquence, confidence, and efficiency. Being a good public speaker can also help with receptionist, sales, or other telephone-based positions.
Your local college may offer public speaking classes. If not, you can develop your skills by joining a debate team or English club that can help with language. A free way to gain this skill is by observing good speakers, whether it is your professor or a TED talk, but the best trick is practicing.
One of the greatest learning tools for these skills is to learn from the people around you. Regardless of the field you are in or want to be in, it's important to continue evolving. After all, it's what employers want to see.
The writer is a regular contributor