Professionals seeking to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving labour market must move beyond academic qualifications and focus on practical skills, adaptability and measurable impact, according to workforce development specialist Oluwaseyi Akintola.

Akintola said employers are increasingly prioritising what candidates can demonstrably deliver in the workplace rather than theoretical knowledge.

“Employability today is no longer about what you studied alone, but about the value you can consistently create in real-world situations,” Akintola told The Guardian in an interview. “Employers are asking a simple question: can this person solve problems and deliver results without constant supervision?”

Her remarks reflect broader global trends. A 2024 report by the World Economic Forum found that 44% of workers’ core skills are expected to change within five years, with analytical thinking, resilience and technological literacy among the most sought-after competencies. Similarly, LinkedIn’s Global Talent Trends report highlights adaptability and learning agility as critical attributes for career progression.

Akintola outlined four key areas employers assess: functional capability, professional judgement, learning agility and organisational awareness. These criteria, she said, determine whether a candidate can perform effectively, adapt to change and navigate workplace dynamics.

“Value is not about how hard you work, but the impact you create,” she added. “Professionals who can improve quality, reduce risk, save time and solve problems early are the ones organisations retain and promote.”

The session also emphasised the growing importance of upskilling, particularly in digital and artificial intelligence literacy. As automation reshapes industries, professionals are expected to continually update their technical, functional, and business skills.

According to data from the International Labour Organisation, digital skills are now required in more than 60% of jobs globally, even in traditionally non-technical roles. In Nigeria, the National Bureau of Statistics has reported rising youth unemployment despite increased university graduation rates, underscoring a mismatch between academic training and market needs.

Akintola stressed that candidates must clearly present their competencies to employers, noting that recruiters typically spend 10 to 20 seconds scanning a CV.

“Clarity, relevance and evidence are critical,” she said. “Your CV should immediately show what you have done, the tools you used and the outcomes you achieved. Vague descriptions no longer work.”

She also advised job seekers to tailor cover letters to address three core questions: why the organisation, what value they bring and why they are applying at that moment. During interviews, candidates are assessed on judgment, communication, professional maturity, and risk awareness, she said, recommending structured approaches such as the STAR method to articulate their experiences.

Beyond technical competence, Akintola highlighted the importance of professional presence, including clear communication, logical thinking and cultural sensitivity. She added that building and maintaining professional networks, including mentors, colleagues and supervisors, remains a critical but often overlooked component of long-term employability.

“Careers are built intentionally through skills, behaviour, communication and relationships,” she said. “People who invest in these areas position themselves not just for jobs, but for sustained career growth.”

As labour markets continue to evolve, experts say the ability to learn, adapt and demonstrate tangible value will increasingly define professional success.