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Okay, so whether you’re fresh out of uni, or stuck in a mide-career slump, or maybe even someone who is just eyeing up that fancy corner office that you’ll need to climb two rungs on the career ladder to get at.

It’s fair to say that the more skills you have, and the more advanced they are, the more likely you are to be able to get noticed (and paid accordingly) in just about any career sector you can think of.

Life is competitive right now, especially when it comes to the job market, so anything you can do to tilt things in your favour is a must.

With all that in mind here are 7 genuinely useful skills you can start developing right now – no black belt in Excel required.

1. Communication That Doesn’t Bore People to Death 

Can you send an email that doesn’t sound like a robot wrote it? Can you explain an idea in under 90 seconds without confusing everyone? Good communication is one of those skills that’s useful in literally every job, from marketing to mechanics. Learn how to write clearly, speak confidently, and listen like you’re not just waiting for your turn to talk.

2. Digital Skills (No, Not Just Posting Memes)

Being “good with computers” doesn’t mean knowing how to reset the Wi-Fi. Employers are after people who can confidently use platforms like Google Workspace, project management tools (hello, Trello), or even dabble in data. Bonus points if you can wrangle a spreadsheet without crying.

3. Problem-Solving (a.k.a. Not Panicking When Things Go Wrong) 

Problems are like pigeons; annoying, ever-present, and occasionally aggressive. The ability to stay calm, think critically, and fix things without flinging your keyboard out the window is massively attractive to employers. Start small: next time something breaks, try solving it yourself before calling in the cavalry.

4. Being Able to Drive

No, really. It’s easy to overlook, but having a driving licence can seriously open doors, especially if you’re eyeing up roles that involve travel, site visits, or flexible hours. In fact, agencies like an Automotive Employment Agency often prioritise candidates who can get from A to B without begging for a lift. It’s not just about mobility; it’s about independence and flexibility, two things employers love.

5. Time Management (AKA: Stop Leaving Things Until the Last Minute)

If your to-do list is just a scribble of panic and crossed-out disasters, it’s time to sharpen up. Mastering time management shows that you’re reliable, organised, and won’t combust under pressure. Start with a planner, a Pomodoro timer, or just putting your phone on “do not disturb” for 20 minutes.

6. Teamwork (Without Wanting to Throttle Your Colleagues)

Like it or not, most jobs involve working with other humans. Whether it’s remote, hybrid, or in-person chaos, being a solid team player is crucial. Learn to give credit, take feedback like an adult, and occasionally be the one who brings biscuits to the meeting. It helps.

7. Adaptability (Because Change Is Inevitable, Sorry)

The world changes faster than your nan’s TV remote settings. Whether it’s AI, new software, or a total company restructure, being able to roll with the punches makes you stand out. Employers want people who say, “Sure, let’s figure it out,” not “Well, that’s not in my job description.”

Time to level up your abilities, aim higher and get that dream job. It’s totally in you!

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