The One Skill Employers Are Desperate For – And How You Can Prove You Have It
Adaptability was named by LinkedIn as one of the most in-demand skills by recruiters. Applicants with adaptability can thrive in dynamic, complex, and ambiguous environments. They are comfortable with change and are resilient in volatile and uncertain situations.
Do you have adaptability? Check out myGiide to find out. While you’re there, you can learn some ways to build this in-demand skill.
If you are on the job market, here are ways to highlight your adaptability in interviews, applications, and cover letters:
Highlight Experiences - When detailing your work history, focus on experiences where you had to adjust to new roles, responsibilities, or environments. Describe specific situations where you successfully navigated change, emphasizing the positive outcomes. For example: “In my previous role, I was part of a team that underwent a major restructuring. I quickly adapted to new workflows and contributed to developing streamlined processes that improved efficiency by 20%.”
Showcase Continuous Learning - Employers appreciate candidates who are committed to continuous learning. Highlight any additional training, courses, or certifications you have completed, like myGiide to build your adaptability. These are especially impressive when they are self-initiated. For example: “Recognizing the growing importance of cultural agility, I completed myGiide, an online cultural training program to build my cross-cultural competencies
Share Examples of Problem-Solving - Adaptability often involves problem-solving under uncertain conditions. Share instances where you tackled unexpected challenges and came up with innovative solutions. For example: “When our key software unexpectedly crashed during a critical project, I quickly researched alternative tools, implemented a temporary solution, and ensured we met our deadline without compromising quality.”
Demonstrate Flexibility in Team Settings - Being adaptable also means working well within a team and adjusting to different personalities and work styles. Provide examples of how you have effectively collaborated with diverse teams. For example: “As part of my master’s program, I worked with a multicultural team on a virtual consulting project where we faced time zone differences and language barriers. I adjusted my schedule to accommodate meetings at odd hours and developed clear communication strategies, ensuring smooth collaboration and project success. The client shared that they implemented our suggested strategies.”
Emphasize Your Resilience - Resilience is a key component of adaptability. Describe how you have bounced back from setbacks and maintained a positive attitude in the face of adversity. For example, “After a significant project I led failed due to external factors, I conducted a thorough post-mortem analysis, identified areas for improvement, and successfully led a similar project to completion, exceeding our initial goals.”
By highlighting your adaptability through specific examples and experiences, you can demonstrate to potential employers that you are a versatile and valuable candidate capable of thriving in any situation. Remember, adaptability is not just about reacting to change but proactively embracing it and turning challenges into opportunities. You can build your adaptability by visiting Skiilify’s online tool, myGiide.
