Before talking about competencies, let’s be clear about what they are. The way to define them may be a little different depending on the educational perspective or the business or Human Resources perspective.
From the educational point of view, competencies include different levels;
- Knowing: Knowing facts, concepts, knowledge.
- Knowing How to Do: skills, abilities, methods of action.
- Knowing How to Be: Attitudes and values as behavioral guides.
- Knowing How to Be: Related to cooperative work and interpersonal communication.
In short, and in a simpler way, competencies are the capacity for optimal performance in specific and authentic contexts. They are based on the integration of knowledge, skills, abilities, attitudes and values.
On the other hand, competencies seen from a business or Human Resources perspective go hand in hand with evaluating, training, developing and measuring the performance of a person in his or her job. They are usually the differentiating factors between people in the same position that can give one the opportunity over the other to earn a bonus in their salary, and even a promotion.
Competencies make a person better at his or her job. However, it must be emphasized that all competencies are susceptible to be developed, since they are based on skills and these are strengthened with new knowledge (research and reading), practice, perseverance, motivation and perseverance.
What is the list of the most sought-after competencies in HR?
Forbes magazine has published a list highlighting the list of professional competencies that stand out from the rest. Here the list and the description of each of them.
- Quantitative data analysis: The daily dynamics demands people who have the ability to interpret and process them in such a way that those who have this skill will get the attention of the selection managers.
- Information analysis and processing: People who make it evident that they have the ability to select and determine what information is of interest and generates an impact, will be better valued in the market. You pay for what you know.
- Effective communication: Professionals with the ability to communicate verbally with people inside and outside the organization are in demand. One of the competencies that is permanently evaluated.
- Technical knowledge related to the job: Professionals with the ability to be decisive with the use of specific knowledge will be highly valued.
- Editing and report writing: Hand in hand with the communication competence is the need to maintain the good functioning of the organizations through the elaboration of complete reports with clear and specific content.
- Software program management: With the wide variety of information tools, having mastery of the software package is no longer sufficient for some jobs. Organizations demand candidates who know specific programs to be included in their workforce.
- Organization: Ability to plan and prioritize activities by importance and urgency. Professionals with the ability to be organized are more likely to get the job. Even if it’s your first job, your organizational skills have started to develop from planning your jobs and classes.
- Problem Solving: People who have the ability to find solutions to problems quickly and assertively.
- Teamwork: This is another of the competencies that are permanently required. For companies it is essential that people have the ability to work well with other colleagues. This will give them the possibility to be comfortable and therefore be more productive.
- Sales and marketing: Whether the organization is commercial or not, it will require an organizational image that positions it in the market.
Having this information, the last step will be to know what will you do with it? The most important thing is to know yourself and generate a personal brand in order to promote yourself more and better, whether it is for your first job, a different job or the promotion you have been waiting for!