Thanks to the pandemic and "digital transformation," 58% of today's workforce needs new skills to get their jobs done. Hoooooo, doggie. Don't panic; prepare! Here's how to learn the skills you need (and ultimately, find a great job)!

Do You Need New Skills? Probably.  

Job skills are becoming obsolete at an unprecedented rate: 

• 58% percent of workers today need skills they don’t have, according to Gartner. 
• 80% percent of workers and 92% percent of managers feel that their current skills don’t prepare them for the future. 

You don’t have to return to school to get new job skills. Instead: 

• Look for apprenticeships. 
• Find a professional mentor. 
• Get certified through a professional organization.  
• Take an online course.
• Explore video tutorials, podcasts, and blogs.

Learn or Be Left Behind.  

Lifelong learning has become a survival skill in today’s rapidly changing world: 

• On average, a worker’s skill set becomes obsolete in only four years. 
• Some fields, like IT, have average skill turnover rates as low as 18 months.
• The number of skills required for a single job has increased 10% percent yearly since 2017.
• 33% percent of the skills listed on an average job posting are already obsolete! 

Skill Builder #1: Know Where You Are. Inventory the skills you currently have. By knowing where you start, you’ll be able to find ways to expand easily.  

Skill Builder #2: Dream Big. As you inventory your current skills, ask yourself, “What would I love to be doing in a year? In five years?” Use your answers to guide you as you decide where to begin expanding your skill set.  

Skill Builder #3: Practice, Practice, Practice. Once you choose a skill to work on, practice it daily - whether or not you’re using it on a work project. For instance, if you want to improve your graphic design skills, try making a fun project every day.  

Skill Builder #4: Look for New Opportunities. Learn about on-the-job training or mentorship programs. If you’re looking for a new job, ask about these opportunities as you interview.  

Skill Builder #5: Volunteer. Volunteering helps you build relationships, give back, and sharpen important skills. Volunteering can even help you fill gaps between jobs on your resume. 

Skill Builder #6: Track Your Progress. It’s tough to see your skills developing if you can’t see where you’ve been. Use daily practice sessions, tests, feedback, and other tools to watch your own growth in real time! 

Skill Builder #7: Partner Up. A mentor, a skilled co-worker, or a staffing partner can help you build skills, track your growth, and identify new opportunities.

New World, New Skills: The Value of Contract Work.  

Want to learn new skills quickly? Consider a temp or contract position! 

• Practice a new skill set on a specialized or seasonal project.
• Expand your network by meeting other skilled professionals and learning from them.
• Test-drive a career with a new employer before you say “yes” long-term.  

Need a Partner? Meet a Recruiter!  

Staffing firms specialize in helping you connect with employers that care about your growth. Your recruiter can: 

• Review your skills with you. 
• Target any gaps in your resume with skill-building options.  
• Connect you to on-the-job learning opportunities. 
• Help you find an employer that invests in your learning.