1. Software proficiency

Hiring candidates with strong technical skills can minimize training time and help them adapt to new software quickly.

Consider looking for candidates who have experience using the particular software they’ll be using in the role. For example, if you’re hiring a bookkeeper, you might expect proficiency with accounting software. Many businesses have general software that employees use for communication, collaboration, client management and productivity.

How to hire for software proficiency

Create a job description to attract candidates with software skills using these tips:

• Identify general software products the candidate needs to use.

• Decide if you want proficiency in a specific program, such as Adobe InDesign for graphic design.

• Determine the level of software proficiency required for the role.

• List specific skills within the software, such as pivot tables in Microsoft Excel.

Assessing the skill

Asking how the candidate uses specific software or performs a task can help you understand their skills and technical ability.

Another option is to create an assignment using software based on a typical job task. For example, you might have an administrative assistant candidate create a calendar invite using Google Calendar or update a mock client file in your customer relationship management software.

Roles where this skill excels

Software skills are particularly helpful in these roles:

• Inventory Specialist: An inventory specialist uses inventory management software to track, order and manage products and supplies.

• Corporate Trainer: Corporate trainers use course creation software, learning management systems and programs to track training completion.

• Registered Nurse: Most medical professionals, including registered nurses, use electronic health record software to access patients’ records and document treatments. Some medical roles also use other software, such as medical billing programs.

• Customer Service Representative: Customer service reps use software to field calls, chats and emails from customers. They also use customer relationship management (CRM) software to review a customer’s records and document interactions.

2. Writing

Writing may be considered a technical skill when it involves specialized formats, tools or knowledge. These may include technical documentation, SEO writing, UX writing, grant/proposal writing and scientific/academic writing.

Effective writing skills allow team members to create professional communication, whether for internal or external purposes. The ability to communicate well in writing also helps improve teamwork and productivity.

How to hire for writing skills

Develop a job description that focuses on writing skills with these steps:

• Define the type of writing needed, such as grant writing, copywriting or technical writing.

• List the writing tools and software programs used for the job.

• Include additional skills the position requires, such as proofreading, editing, graphic design and photo editing.

• Discuss specific voice requirements or guidelines the writing requires.

• Request writing samples or a portfolio as part of the application.

Assessing the skill

A writing assignment with specific guidelines is an effective assessment method. You might also ask for a writing portfolio of published work.

Roles where this skill excels

Strong writing skills help in these roles:

• Technical Writer: Technical writers need to break down complex topics into easy-to-use documents.

• Copywriter: The copywriter role requires persuasive writing to encourage consumers to take action.

• Marketing Assistant: Many marketing roles, including marketing assistants, create written content.

• Public Relations Specialist: PR specialists often write speeches, press releases and other PR-related content.

3. Data analysis

Many businesses rely on data-driven decision-making. Candidates who understand how to work with large amounts of data can support those decisions. Data analysis involves collecting, cleaning, organizing and analyzing data. Depending on the role, data analytics might also include creating reports, visual representations and recommendations.

How to hire for data analysis skills

These tips help you create a job description that includes data analysis skills:

• Discuss the required SQL proficiency for the role.

• List specific data analysis software programs you expect candidates to know.

• Describe how the position interacts with data, such as collecting, cleansing and organizing it.

• Mention your company’s use of AI and machine learning.

• Explain any follow-up duties of the role, such as turning data into a visual model, presenting the data to collaborators or recommending data-driven business changes.

Assessing the skill

Ask candidates to complete a technical skills test related to data analysis where they perform one or more functions, such as organizing or interpreting data. Another option is to request a case study based on a specific data set. Interview questions related to data can also provide insight into their understanding of the topic.

Roles where this skill excels

You might look for data analysis skills in these roles:

• Data Analyst: A data analyst uses these skills to solve issues and improve business processes.

• Data Scientist: Data scientists use advanced data analysis skills plus programming to collect data from a wide range of sources.

• Database Administrator: The database administrator oversees database management to keep information secure. They improve ways to access data, which requires a knowledge of how team members use it.

4. Graphic design

Graphic design skills help employees create professional visual assets that convey a specific message or intent. Many businesses require graphic design skills to create logos, branding visuals, ads, websites, social media graphics, templates and print materials.

Proficiency in graphic design tools is a large part of the skillset, but candidates also benefit from knowledge in color theory, typography and layout design.

How to hire for graphic design skills

Attract candidates with graphic design skills in your job description with these details:

• Specify graphic design software they should know how to use.

• Request a graphic design portfolio.

• List the specific types of graphics the candidate will create.

• Describe the overall style and branding to ensure applicants have the skills to fit those specifications.

Assessing the skill

A graphic design assignment where each candidate creates a visual design lets you evaluate a candidate’s design experience and style. You can also use the assignment to evaluate their experience with specific graphic design tools.

Job portfolios can also offer useful samples of the candidates past work and demonstrate whether their design style aligns with your company.

Roles where this skill excels

Some roles that use graphic design include:

• Graphic Designer: Graphic designers use this skill daily to create various graphics for companies.

• User Experience Designer: UX designers use graphic design skills to create an attractive, functional user experience.

• Illustrators: Illustrators may use digital tools to design the images.

• Creative Director: While other creative professionals might make the designs, creative directors need strong graphic design skills to develop the vision.

5. Budgeting

Workplace budgeting skills involve understanding, planning, monitoring and managing your company’s finances and resources. These skills help your organization allocate funds effectively, improve profits and keep projects on track financially.

Your organization may have employees at various levels that handle budget concerns. For instance, executive team members manage budgeting for the entire organization. You might have individuals who handle budgeting for specific departments, programs and projects.

How to hire for budget skills

Write a job description focusing on budgeting skills with these tips:

• Describe what type of budget the person will manage, such as a small project budget or a full business unit budget.

• Include specific budgeting tasks, such as creating, adjusting, monitoring or analyzing the budget.

• Specify if the candidate will have other duties, such as forecasting or conducting a cost-benefit analysis.

• Mention the budgeting software and tools you expect candidates to use.

• Provide information on special budgetary concerns the candidate will address, such as reducing the budget.

Assessing the skill

Asking scenario-based interview questions about budgeting and financial decisions allows you to see how well candidates understand the concepts. You can also ask behavior interview questions to assess past budgeting experience.

To see candidates apply budgeting skills, use a simulation assignment with financial data and a specific budgeting task. You can also present them with budgeting documents and ask questions about the information.

Roles where this skill excels

Roles requiring budgeting skills include:

• Budget Analyst: Budgeting skills help budget analysts find better ways to allocate company resources.

• Project Manager: Project managers help develop and monitor project budgets.

• Department Manager: Individual department managers often allocate resources for that business unit.

Chief Financial Officer (CFO): The CFO oversees the entire company’s financial situation, including budgeting, forecasting and financial risk mitigation.