Introduction: Why Identifying a Marketable Skill Matters
Hey there! Let’s talk about something foundational yet often overlooked: identifying a skill that stands out in today’s job market. In a world that’s constantly evolving, having a marketable skill—whether for a traditional job or as a freelancer—can make all the difference. But here’s the thing: a truly valuable skill isn’t just something you’re good at. It’s something the world needs and is willing to pay for.
Think of it like this: we trade money for value. So, when we’re on the hunt for a marketable skill, we need to ask, What does the market value? Who’s the “consumer” here, and why would they see our skill as valuable? In this blog, we’ll go over five key steps to help you identify and grow a marketable skill: understanding what makes a skill marketable, performing a self-assessment, researching industry demands, testing and developing the skill, and finally, packaging and promoting it. Let’s dive in!
Step 1: Understand What Makes a Skill Marketable
Let’s start with the basics—what does it even mean for a skill to be “marketable”? Essentially, it’s a skill that’s in demand, adds value for clients or employers, and has room to grow or scale over time. And, above all, it needs to provide value to someone else. For example, highly marketable skills often help businesses boost productivity, streamline processes, or support growth.
To help you assess which skills are in demand, here are some free resources:
- Coursera & edX: These platforms offer many free courses that can help you get a sense of in-demand skills, from data analysis to digital marketing. Even auditing a course can give you insight into what’s trending.
- Google Trends: Google Trends lets you search and compare interest in specific skills over time, helping you see if a skill’s popularity is increasing.
- LinkedIn Learning (Free Month): LinkedIn Learning offers a free trial that’s useful for exploring trending skills in various industries.
The demand for tech skills like coding, data analysis, and engineering has skyrocketed, as companies increasingly rely on data-driven solutions. But beyond technical know-how, there’s also value in creative and interpersonal skills, like change management and effective communication. These are crucial in today’s fast-paced environment, where the ability to communicate and manage change effectively is in high demand.
When you’re assessing a skill’s marketability, consider these questions:
- Does it solve a problem?
- Does it make work easier, faster, or more efficient?
- Is demand for it growing or stable?
Step 2: Self-Assessment – Discover Your Strengths and Passions
Identifying a marketable skill starts with understanding yourself. A great way to begin is by taking inventory of your strengths and passions. I love the Japanese concept of Ikigai, which combines what you love, what you’re good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for. It’s a perfect guide for this step.
Start by listing out the skills you already have. Think about what you do regularly, almost instinctively, and consider activities where you lose track of time because you enjoy them so much. These are clues to your passions and strengths. Next, reach out to friends, family, or colleagues. Ask them what they see as your strongest skills. Sometimes, an outside perspective can highlight strengths you hadn’t noticed.
Some free tools to help with self-assessment include:
- VIA Character Strengths Survey: A great tool for pinpointing your core strengths.
- Free Myers-Briggs Tests: These can offer insights into personality traits that might align with certain skill types.
- Ikigai Templates: Many free Ikigai worksheets are available online and are excellent for mapping out skills and passions.
Let me share a personal story. Growing up, I found myself naturally drawn to computers, fixing them, troubleshooting, and even installing software from scratch. My father used to bring home old computers for me to repair, and I’d spend hours on each one, even troubleshooting while half-asleep! It felt less like work and more like solving puzzles—problems to tackle and solve. I realized over time that I had a knack for technology and problem-solving, two skills that are incredibly valuable in today’s market. This hands-on experience laid the groundwork for a skill I could develop into a career.
So, take a moment to reflect on similar experiences. Which activities draw you in naturally, even when they’re challenging?
Step 3: Research Industry Demands
Now that you’ve identified some potential skills, it’s time to see how they align with what the market actually wants. Here’s where research comes in handy.
1. Job Market Research
Use platforms like LinkedIn or major job sites to explore which skills are in high demand. This will give you a snapshot of what employers are looking for. Pay attention to the types of roles that match your strengths, and see if there are consistent themes or keywords across job listings.
- LinkedIn Jobs: Search for specific skills in job listings and check which roles match your strengths.
- Glassdoor: Offers insights into skill requirements and salaries, giving you a sense of what’s valued in your field.
- Indeed’s Hiring Lab: Offers reports on hiring trends and in-demand skills by region and industry.
2. Networking Conversations
Another effective method is to have conversations with people already working in your field of interest. This could be through networking events, friends, family, or even alumni connections. People in the industry can offer invaluable insights into which skills are truly marketable and which are fading in demand.
3. Identify Transferable Skills
Some skills are valued across various industries. For instance, problem-solving and effective communication are valuable in virtually any profession. Knowing which of your skills can be transferred to multiple fields can open more doors, giving you flexibility as you refine your focus.
Step 4: Test and Develop Your Skill
Alright, now it’s time to take your skill for a test drive. You can start small by trying it out in a freelance project, a side gig, or even within your current role. The idea is to get hands-on experience and see if there’s genuine interest in what you offer. This step will also help you gauge if the skill resonates with others, not just with you.
Here are some free or low-cost ways to test and develop your skill:
- Upwork and Fiverr: Creating a profile and listing your skill costs nothing upfront. See if there’s interest in your skill for short-term projects.
- GitHub and Behance: For tech and creative professionals, these platforms allow you to showcase projects for free and receive feedback.
- YouTube and Skillshare (Free Trials): Both offer a vast number of tutorials and courses for developing new skills at little to no cost.
As you gather feedback, you’ll have a clearer sense of whether this skill is truly marketable. From there, invest in developing it further. Online courses, certifications, or workshops can all help you strengthen your capabilities. For instance, websites like Coursera and Udemy offer in-depth courses, and GitHub can serve as a portfolio space for tech projects. Additionally, setting up a LinkedIn profile tailored to your skill set is invaluable, as it allows potential employers or clients to easily see what you bring to the table.
Step 5: Package and Promote Your Skill
The last step is all about visibility. Having a marketable skill is great, but if no one knows about it, it’s not going to get you very far. Here’s where you need to think creatively about how to present and promote yourself.
1. Tailor Your Skill for Your Audience
Different industries have unique needs, so adapt your skill to suit specific audiences. For example, if your skill is problem-solving, show how it applies to healthcare, education, or finance depending on who you’re targeting. Versatility can make your skill more appealing to a wider range of potential clients or employers.
2. Showcase Your Value
Consider creating a personal website or online portfolio. A website gives you a platform to showcase projects, skills, and testimonials, allowing others to explore your work on their own time.
- WordPress or Wix: Both platforms offer free versions for building a simple website or portfolio to showcase your work.
- Canva: Free for creating professional-looking graphics, resumes, and portfolios that can enhance your personal brand.
3. Leverage LinkedIn and Professional Networks
LinkedIn isn’t just a research tool—it’s a place to connect and showcase your expertise. You can use it to share blog posts, projects, and insights related to your skill. Join industry groups and participate in discussions; the more visible you are in your professional community, the more likely you are to get noticed.
Conclusion: Take the First Step Today
Identifying a marketable skill is a process, one that’s well worth the effort. Let’s recap the steps: first, understand what makes a skill marketable; next, perform a self-assessment to clarify your strengths and passions; then research the industry to see where demand lies. Follow that up with testing and development, and finally, package and promote your skill so it reaches those who need it most.
Here’s my challenge to you: start with the self-assessment today. Write down every skill you have, big or small, and then hop on LinkedIn to see where those skills fit in the current market. Even if you’re just beginning, taking this first step can set you on the path toward uncovering a skill that not only makes you money but brings you satisfaction and growth.
And hey, if you find yourself thinking, “I don’t have any marketable skills,” don’t worry. Take note of any hobbies or interests you’ve been meaning to explore—maybe it’s video editing, podcasting, or trading stocks. Make a promise to yourself to start learning one of these, and remember, there’s always time to build something new.
Thanks for reading, and feel free to drop your thoughts in the comments. I’d love to hear about the skills you’re exploring. Stay tuned—more tips and insights are on the way!
