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By Nicol Myburgh, Head: HCM Business Unit, CRS Technologies

Recruitment has always been based on the fundamental principle of who stands out from the crowd. But today this is absolutely essential and the first box to be ticked.

A tough economic climate and volatile market conditions only pile on the pressure for employers and employees. Human capital management (HCM) specialist CRS Technologies has some advice for those hiring and those hoping to be hired.

To ensure that you have not only made an impression, but made the right one, it is critical to have proof of both hard and soft skills.

Academic results and certification are fairly straightforward to prove, but the situation changes when it comes to soft skills like emotional intelligence, communication skills, teamwork, adaptability and time management.

While systems and technology may have changed, the core objective still remains – appointing the right person for the job.

Finding a match is not as easy as it sounds, however. A candidate may tick all the boxes when it comes to academic qualifications, but lacks certain soft skills that are part and parcel of the job. The opposite is equally true – a candidate may have an abundance of soft skills, but does not meet academic requirements. In today’s market, striking a balance is a difficult task.

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Here are a few factors for both employers and employees to consider:

Confidence is important, but not over-confidence and arrogance. It’s more about self-awareness, and whether or not the candidate is confident to do the job and do it well – in other words, the value that the employee can offer the employer.

Another very important trait is the ability to communicate. This is why the interview is so important, because it is the first test of a job seeker’s communication skills.

While academic qualifications are still relevant, the ability of a candidate to gel with a team, get along with colleagues and be a team player is of equal importance. This team philosophy is critical and stacks up alongside aspects like loyalty, a positive attitude, honesty and integrity.

Companies are looking for people who can help in difficult circumstances, are loyal and honest, and who value the business as much as they value their place in it.

Dependability and the will to learn and focus are also qualities that employers value highly. Companies want people who are eager to learn and progress in their role.

The traditional relationship between employer and employee has changed. The old rules simply don’t apply in the new normal and while the employer wants the best candidate for the job, the employee evaluates the role according to work/life balance, flexibility, perks or advantages, and true value in what they are doing.

The new normal has also changed the way job seekers evaluate opportunities. It’s no longer a case of relevant skills and remuneration packages – today, skilled labourers are in high demand and work/life balance counts for a great deal more than it did years before.

Work environment, level of flexibility, growth opportunities and career paths are at the top of the list of priorities for skilled workers. In today’s market the job seeker has a lot more clout and power to negotiate the terms of their employment compared to what was the case in the past.

Job seekers should carefully monitor developments in their industries of choice as well as relevant skills requirements, career prospects, growth curves, internal and external influences, and the impact of technology.

We know that markets are under pressure and changing very quickly to try to keep up with technological advancement. The onus is on both employers and employees to consider how quickly these industries are changing and adapt accordingly.

FIND OUT HOW YOU CAN BE A PART OF TOP HR LEADERS

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