Beyond Resume: Skills You Need to Succeed

Have you ever sat in an interview and wondered, "What exactly is this person looking for?" Trust me, we’ve all been there—on that side of the table! Recently, someone flipped the script on me and asked, “What do you look for when you hire someone?” It really made me stop and reflect.

By the time a candidate reaches the leadership round, it’s safe to say they’ve already cleared the technical hurdles. So, I don’t dive into coding languages or frameworks. Instead, I focus on three key qualities that really make someone stand out.

First and foremost, learning agility. The world is evolving at such a fast pace, especially in tech. Every few months—if not weeks—there’s something new to learn. Those who thrive aren’t just quick learners—they’re also inquisitive about what’s happening in the industry. Staying curious and updated about trends, innovations, and the next big thing is crucial. Whether it’s mastering digital transformation, AI, or whatever comes next, it’s the combination of learning agility and the eagerness to stay informed that really sets someone apart. I love hearing how people keep themselves in the loop—are they excited about learning? Have they recently acquired new skills? This ability to continuously learn and stay curious is the foundation of future success.

Next up, is communication. And I don’t just mean how well someone can draft an email or speak during a meeting—though that’s part of it. True communication is the whole package: presenting ideas clearly, negotiating effectively, managing conflicts, and conveying complex topics in a way that everyone understands. Even if you’re technically brilliant, without strong communication skills, it’s hard to reach your full potential.

Lastly, team spirit. You could be an exceptional individual contributor, but ultimately, every role involves working with others. It’s not about competition, but about collaboration. I always try to understand if a person truly values teamwork. Have they worked well within a team? How did they contribute? Because no matter how skilled you are, without team spirit, it’s tough to succeed in a collaborative environment.

So, if you’re looking to grow in your career, remember these three essential skills: learning agility, communication, and team spirit. They’re not just nice-to-haves—they’re what will keep you moving forward, no matter where life takes you.

What about you? What skills do you think are crucial for career growth?