Source: Thinkstock
We’re all looking to give our careers a boost, and there’s no industry that’s hotter than technology. Hearing about the meteoric rise of many companies and startups from humble beginnings in places like Silicon Valley has led to an avalanche of investment into the tech sector – meaning a lot of cool new products and services for consumers, and a lot of job opportunities for those working on the inside.
Simply put, if you want a good, well-paying, and respected career track in the modern economy, technology is where you want to be.
The good news: There are a seemingly unending variety of ways to break in. You can become an engineer, a software developer, or even work in traditional roles, like sales and marketing. But there’s one thing that all of these positions have in common: they require the knowledge and training on numerous (and oftentimes obscure) software platforms to get your foot in the door.
A new report from MidAmerica Nazarene University has outlined not only what software programs employers are currently looking for, but also where certain skills are in high demand. There’s even a map they’ve put together, along with the top skills being sought in each state — which you can see here.
If you take a peek and poke around, you’ll see that there are a few platforms that dominate employers’ wish lists, and others concentrated in certain states (which may cater to certain industries). It’s easy to click around and see what employers are looking for in your own state.
With this data in hand, it allows job-seekers to turn the tables on employers; that is, for the hunters to become the hunted. Data like this gives us insight about what employers want, and now, just like a business, job-seekers can satisfy that demand. We’ve compiled as short-list of the seven most in-demand skills from this report. These are software platforms that require skill and training to work with, and employers need those skills.
Figure out what companies want, and freshen up your skills, or learn from scratch using any number of sources. Here are seven software skills that could get you hired very soon, per the MidAmerica Nazarene report.
1. Git
Source: git
You may have heard of Git, but to a lot of people, it’s still a relative mystery. And judging by the study we’re looking at, a lot of prospective job-seekers need to get on board with Git, because employers are looking for applicants that know it. Git is essentially a platform that allows teams of people to work together on the same files, while making the whole process more streamlined and less of a mess. It’s kind of confusing, and difficult to articulate, so read up on how some companies use it to get a better idea of Git, and the gist of how it’s actually employed.
2. CRM (Salesforce, Sales Cloud)
Source: Salesforce
CRM (customer relationship management) platforms – that is, software platforms that tie business operations together – are very widely-used in businesses today. In fact, if you haven’t heard of or used Salesforce by now, you may be way behind the curve. And the proof is in the pudding, as our study points out. Employers need folks who know how to use and navigate these platforms, so it’s worthwhile to get familiar with them, and get it on your résumé.
3. C#
Source: iStock
It’s pronounced ‘C sharp’, and it’s a programming language that was originally developed by Microsoft back at the beginning of the new millennium. It’s currently in its sixth incarnation, having most recently been updated in July of 2015. Though folks who are not involved in the coding world may have a hard time distinguishing C# from other languages, like C, or C++, C# stands on its own. If you want to dive in or learn more, there are a ton of resources for learning it from Microsoft and others.
4. JavaScript
Another programming language with a seemingly confusing name (JavaScript is not Java, for the uninitiated), JavaScript is widely used in the programming and coding world. It’s now two decades old, in fact, and is often taught or learned alongside skills like HTML, CSS, and others. Because it is so widely used, employers need workers who are fluent in the language’s ins and outs. Jump on Code School, Codeacademy, or any other number of tutorial platforms to get started.
5. Tableau
Source: Tableau
Tableau is a rather new entrant into the tech sector, as opposed to mainstays like JavaScript, for example. Tableau is a company that builds a platform for looking at analytics and business intelligence, offering companies insight into traffic, trends, and more. You can see a snapshot of it in action above. In short, it’s a data visualization tool, and employers need people who can use it. Tableau even offers training modules if you want to make the effort.
6. iCIMS
iCIMS is a software platform used by HR personnel within companies to improve the process of hiring applicants. Basically, it’s a system that helps businesses find, recruit, screen, and ultimately hire people. You’ve probably been through one of its programs if you’ve ever applied for a job online, in fact. If you’re a HR professional and you’re looking to give your career a boost, or even move to another company, some knowledge of iCIMS is probably required at this point.
7. Marketo
Source: Marketo
From HR to marketing, now.
Much like how iCIMS helps automate HR departments, Marketo helps automate marketing departments. The Marketo platform allows businesses to direct their marketing efforts, while giving insight into customer and consumer engagement, response, and the ability to adjust accordingly. If you’re in the marketing field, having this on your résumé is going to be a big plus. There are plenty of company-provided learning modules to check out, if you want to learn more.
Follow Sam on Facebook and Twitter @SliceOfGinger
More from Money & Career Cheat Sheet:
- 4 of Genghis Khan’s Tactics That Can Help You Become Successful
- The 7 Most Miserable Jobs in America
- 7 Valuable Skills You Can Learn in Less Than a Day
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