5 skills that will make or break your career

It’s pretty rare to find actionable, research-backed career advice free from misleading biases.

I’ve become increasingly sceptical about the advice “career gurus” share online, especially around improving your chances of a promotion and pay rise.

As a genetic scientist for the past 7 years, I put my research skills to the test and began digging up scientific reviews on career advancement.

Deep down a rabbit hole there was this journal shared by the Cambridge University Press, that uncovered something quite brilliant.

Employability and Career Success: Bridging the Gap Between Theory and Reality reviewed several studies and revealed there are 5 must-have skills companies want in you.

These 5 skills are universal and will help anyone improve their ability to gain promotions and pay rises.

Before we carry on I need your help. I want to take this newsletter to new heights to help you improve your life and career. To achieve this I want to share higher-quality insights, strategies and tools. All I need is your answer to a 1 question survey (will take less than 13 seconds):

5 Key Skills Companies Want In You

1. Resource Savvy

• Skill: 

  • Being able to identify, allocate and leverage resources effectively.

• How to improve:

  • For your next project or task. Break down the resources required, including time, budget, and number of people.

  • Identify potential bottlenecks or areas where resources could be used more efficiently.

  • Share your plan with your manager and mention how you will track the results.

2. Team Player

• Skill: 

  • Being able to work with others.

• How to improve: 

  • Create a spreadsheet and list all the people you work with.

  • Under each person’s name record 3-5 traits you notice about the way they work, think and talk.

  • Adjust your approach to match their preferences and get the best out of the people you work with.

    • E.g. Steven Price: data-driven, direct and talks fast.

3. Critical Thinker

• Skill: 

  • Being able to review information, problem solve and make logical choices.

• How to improve:

  • Make a habit of remembering 3 things; Assess, Solve, Decide.

  • Ask yourself, “What information do I need to understand this problem?”

  • Ask yourself, “What outcome do we need to achieve?”

  • Solve your problem from there.

4. Systems Thinker

• Skill:

  • Being able to understand complex interrelationships.

• How to improve:

  • Use project management tools to visually represent your tasks, dependencies, and collaborations.

  • Try using a Kanban board to understand the flow of work.

  • Digital visualisation helps you understand complex relationships and manage them.

    • Check out Click Up

5. Tech Savvy

• Skill:

  • Being able to learn and work with a variety of technologies.

• How to improve:

  • Select a technology relevant to your industry or role you could improve in.

  • Find someone who’s mastered it or search on YouTube for a tutorial.

  • Practice using this technology daily and within 2 weeks you’ll be incredibly proficient.

  • Use this new habit of learning a new technology throughout your career as you will encounter many more.

TL;DR

Improve your chances of a promotion with these 5 skills:

1. Resource Savvy

2. Team Player

3. Critical Thinker

4. Systems Thinker

5. Tech Savvy

That’s it.

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