A 2014 Can’t-Miss Job Trend

Professionals will flock to online continued education institutions to learn new high-demand skills to supplement resumes. 

As the holidays will soon wind down and we near the start of the New Year, hiring will again be on the rise. Job seekers, be ready by diversifying yourself and your resume with online learning opportunities. As the workforce becomes increasingly mobile-friendly and technologically advanced, online classes and degrees are gaining momentum as a viable way to further educate and strengthen skill sets.

What are the top in-demand skills that will enhance a professional’s repertoire? Cloud computing, digital marketing, programming and data analysis – a few areas in which both a skills gap and an opportunity to pursue online learning are emerging. There are countless buzzwords associated with these skills, and there’s a reason for that – the need for these capabilities is increasing.

In order to become (and remain) employed, professionals will begin seeking new ways to refresh and grow their skill set in areas that they cannot easily teach themselves. For those already employed, you will likely be recognized for taking the initiative to solve a workplace pain point after seeing a talent need arise. And job seekers – continued education, whether through an accredited online college or certification program, adds value to your resume as well as positions you as a well-rounded asset who can take on many roles and responsibilities.

Once coursework is complete, it’s important to update your resume and LinkedIn profile to share the various projects you’ve excelled in with your newly acquired skill. Did you solve a problem, create efficiencies, or streamline an in-class or workplace process? Be able to easily articulate and showcase this with a few measurable examples or deliverables. Business leaders and hiring managers will find your skill far more valuable if you can illustrate the ways you plan to execute on it.

Allison O’Kelly is founder/CEO of Mom Corps, a national talent acquisition and career development firm with a focus on flexibility. Learn more at MomCorps.com or connect with her on Twitter @AllisonOKelly and @MomCorps.