by Rie Parker
Hiring strategies are trending toward a skills-based approach—focusing on what skills a candidate has to offer rather than focusing solely on degrees. For job seekers, that means it’s time to enhance your portfolio of skills to take advantage of this shift in hiring ideology.
By assessing transferability, value, and which industries are showing the most growth, we’ve put together a list of skills that are sure to be in high demand in 2023.
Soft vs. Hard Skills
Before diving into the most in-demand skills, let’s briefly go over the difference between hard and soft skills.
Hard skills are also known as technical skills, and they are considered more measurable than soft skills. These can typically be learned or taught, and they’re easier for employers to evaluate or quantify. Examples of technical skills include things like foreign languages, accounting, programming languages, or writing.
Soft skills, also referred to as durable skills, are a little bit more difficult to quantify. And they can also be a bit trickier to learn, too. However, the advantage to soft or durable skills is that when you have them, you’re less likely to lose them. And because they’re not always something you can just pick up—like learning a new trick—they can also be more attractive to employers. Examples of soft skills include communication, leadership, and time management.
Most In Demand Skills 2023
Here’s a list of both hard and soft skills that are projected to be in the highest demand for 2023:
Communication
Project Management
Writing
Research and Analysis
Web and Software Development
Strategic Thinking
Programming or Coding
Content Creation and Management
7 Fast Growing Industries
Now, let’s consider how those skills factor into seven industries that are expected to see the most growth in 2023.
Sustainability
Climate change is on a lot of minds right now, and for good reason. Many businesses are attempting to take accountability and make a difference by implementing sustainability initiatives. Not to mention the growing list of organizations whose sole purpose is sustainability.
But fighting against climate change is no simple task. To really make a difference, workers need to be proficient in project management, research and analysis, communication, and strategic thinking.
Energy and Utilities
As the world becomes more aware of things like carbon emissions and clean energy, it would seem like the energy sector isn’t poised to see the most growth in 2023. But amid growing environmental concerns, this industry is beginning to adopt more ESG policies and make other major shifts. To implement this change, they need to build new, forward-looking teams that can bring energy and utilities into a more ecological future.
Like sustainability, the in-demand skills these teams will need include strategic thinking, project management, research and analysis, and communication. This industry is also becoming more tech-based, so they’re also looking for coding and programming languages as well as software development.
Digital Marketing
The world is more online than it ever has been, and businesses along with it. Technology has caused organizations to shift in a lot of ways—including their marketing strategies. Digital marketing is a great space to be in because the internet is a great place to target potential consumers and clients.
It’s also a great space to make use of the skills on this list, such as graphic design, communication, research and analysis, writing, and content creation and management.
Data Analysis
The field of data analytics is slated to grow to at least $346.2 billion by 2030. It’s a great space to move into, and experts within this field are highly sought after by online retailers, banks and financial institutions, healthcare, transportation, and more.
Success in data analysis requires skills such as coding and programming languages, strategic thinking, research and analysis, and project management.
Online Retail
Like data analysis, online retail is set to see steady growth in 2023 and beyond. This industry has been growing for several years and shows no signs of slowing down. Not only dominated by industry giants, small and mid-size businesses are relying more on online sales than they ever have, especially since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Online retail requires skills that help lead people and projects, as well as technical knowledge. Workers who are skilled in project management, communication, graphic design, content management, research and analysis, strategic thinking—or all of the above—are set up for success in online retail.
Cybersecurity
Amid rapid growth and mounting gaps in technical skills, cybersecurity is a fast-growing industry with major hiring needs. It’s projected that more than 530,000 workers are needed to cover total openings within this field.
Technical skills are the most in-demand within this space, and cybersecurity professionals need working knowledge of coding or programming languages, web and software development, and strategic thinking.
AI and Blockchain
AI and blockchain is a vital industry that’s already valued at $328.34 billion. In addition to research and cloud-based data storage—platforms like ChatGPT, GoogleAI, and DALL-E have shown that AI innovation is just getting started.
Breaking into this evolving field requires technical skills like programming and coding, web and software development, and graphic design. But soft skills like communication or project management can also be in-demand for AI opportunities.
Skills for a Better Future
The in-demand skills on this list are a great way to stand out in 2023 and break into fast growing industries. Whether technical or durable, the right skills can open doors to new opportunities and bring you closer to your dream career.
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