Top skills employers look for in job candidates

Along with technical expertise, employers value individuals who possess a deep understanding of the industry’s challenges and have an aptitude for innovation.

To help you stand out and secure your dream job at Shell, we’ve evaluated the industry data

on the most high-demand skills and compiled a list of essential personal and professional skills that employers are actively looking for.

Top skills employers look for in Finance and Tech Graduates

For Tech Graduates

• Cybersecurity: With the energy industry becoming more digitalised, many organisations are looking for individuals proficient in cybersecurity to protect digital assets from potential cyber-attacks and establish strong protections.
• Machine Learning and AI: These technologies can be used by the energy sector for anything from forecasting demand to predictive maintenance and even optimising organisation efficiency. Such roles will increasingly appear throughout major industries.
• Data science: Specialists in data science can help extract actionable insights that can then be used to improve various operational practices and even change resource allocations. These roles can contribute to creating a more sustainable energy landscape.
• Software development: As organisations continue to need bespoke software solutions for their systems, the need for skilled software developers is also likely to remain stable.

For Finance Graduates

• Accounting: Such skills enable graduates to assist energy organisations in navigating complex fiscal demands, managing financial assets, and contributing to creating a stable environment.
• Financial reporting: Financial reporting and forecasting skills can be invaluable to energy organisations as they can help sustain strategic decisions and smart capital allocations.
• Financial analysis: An analyst may help enterprises identify growth potential within the energy market and provide crucial information regarding the financial health of an organisation.

The role of soft skills

The importance of soft skills

While technical skills for jobs remain essential, employers are increasingly recognising the importance of resilience, creative thinking

, critical thinking, and effective communication, among other important soft skills.

These skills enable individuals to navigate complex situations, make informed decisions, and collaborate effectively. Soft skills typically are transferable skills, meaning that they aren’t industry-specific but are valuable in any field.

Examples of soft skills

Resilience

The ability to bounce back from setbacks and maintain a positive outlook is highly valued by employers. In high-pressure environments, resilience helps you stay focused and motivated.

Creative Thinking

Thinking outside the box and generating innovative ideas is key to driving progress and staying ahead. Employers value fresh perspectives that keep organizations competitive and forward-thinking.

Communication skills

The ability to effectively convey ideas, listen actively, and tailor messaging to different audiences is crucial for success in any job role, regardless of the industry.

Teamwork

The energy industry often requires collaboration across diverse teams and functions. Demonstrating that you can work well with others and contribute to collective goals is highly valued.

Adaptability

Given the rapid pace of change in the industry, employers seek candidates who can quickly adjust to new challenges and embrace innovative solutions.

Problem-Solving

The ability to analyse data, identify issues, and come up with innovative solutions is crucial for driving progress and overcoming obstacles.

Critical Thinking

Employers value individuals who can think critically and challenge assumptions, then make informed decisions that align with organisational objectives.

Work Ethic

A strong work ethic, characterised by dedication, self-management, and a commitment to excellence, is a desirable trait that all employers look for.

Interpersonal Skills

Interpersonal skills refer to the ability to build rapport, show empathy, and navigate complex relationships. This is particularly important in customer-facing job roles.

Leadership Skills

Employers are always on the lookout for candidates who can inspire and guide teams, as well as contribute to a culture of growth and innovation.

Attention to Detail

Job roles that require accuracy and compliance—think quality control, for instance—demand a great deal of meticulousness and attention to detail.

Time Management

The ability to prioritise tasks and meet deadlines while balancing different responsibilities is vital for success in a fast-paced industry like gas and oil.

Energy industry skills

Essential skills for the modern energy professionals

Key skills that the modern energy professional should possess include data analysis and visualisation. This helps in interpreting complex data and deriving insights from it to make data-driven decisions.

Adaptability and a commitment to continuous learning are also essential, as the industry is constantly embracing new technologies and policy changes.

Lastly, knowledge of and even interest in tackling energy-related challenges are also highly sought-after qualities, as industry focus is moving towards more and cleaner energy solutions in a responsible manner – in a way that balances short- and long-term interests, and that integrates economic and social considerations.

At Shell, we assess potential using the C-A-R framework, which stands for Capacity, Achievement, and Relationships. Here are the key skills and traits we look for:

Capacity

Analysing: Gathers and analyses diverse information sources.

Strategic thinking: Understands the strategic context and thinks broadly.

Developing solutions: Creates effective solutions, even with incomplete data.

Achievement

Learning: Seeks opportunities to learn and improve continuously.

Adaptability: Thrives in changing and challenging environments.

Delivers results: Achieves sustainable results and seeks improvement.

Relationships

Builds relationships: Communicates effectively and builds relationships.

Teamwork: Participates actively and supports team success.

Values difference: Respects and values diverse viewpoints.

How to acquire and improve these skills

Practical advice for building the skills employers look for

How to acquire and improve these skills

Practical advice for building the skills employers look for

Developing the skills that employers seek in the energy industry can be achieved through a combination of formal education, hands-on training, and continuous learning. 

Relevant coursework like online certificates or degree programs can provide a solid foundation in technical and soft skills for jobs. Additionally, participating in industry-specific workshops and mentorship programs can help you gain practical experience and build a network. 

Staying up-to-date with industry trends, regulatory changes, and emerging technologies is also important. This can be achieved by reading industry publications, attending conferences, and engaging in peer-to-peer learning opportunities.

Ideally, you should aim to update your skills every couple of months, or at the very least on an annual basis.

Shell India's commitment to skill development

Shell India and the needs of the modern workforce

At Shell India, we recognize that the rapidly evolving energy landscape demands a workforce equipped with a diverse set of skills. That’s why we’re committed to supporting the skill development and career growth of our employees, as well as the broader community, all the while maintaining a human touch

.

Emerging technologies are changing the nature of jobs and redefining the scope of productivity in every sector. Job roles that typically didn’t require digital skills now demand foundational digital skills to adapt to new requirements.

To address this shift, Shell India has partnered with Microsoft

to integrate a digital curriculum into the training offered at Industrial Training Institutes (ITI) and polytechnic colleges. This collaboration is helping create a future-ready workforce and open new avenues of learning and job opportunities.

Skill up to stand out

Staying ahead of the curve and continuously improving your skills can make all the difference in today’s competitive job market. Whether you’re trying to kickstart your career or transition to a new industry, the skills highlighted above can serve as a roadmap to help you stand out and position yourself for success.

Explore opportunities and harness the power of learning to acquire the top skills employers seek today.

Join us in driving the future.

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