LinkedIn recently released their Workforce Report for March 2018, which analyzed the growing skills shortage in the U.S. workforce, and specifically how this is affecting demand for skills in New York City. What is the skills shortage? As the job descriptions evolve and technology rapidly changes, employers are struggling to find candidates that possess all of the necessary skills to perform certain roles. As a result, employers often have to make concessions when hiring. This could include paying more for someone who has these specialized skills or hiring a less qualified candidate and investing in training for them.

In their research, LinkedIn determined exactly which skills are the most scarce in New York City right now. These skills are defined by the employer demand for these skills exceeding the worker supply. Check out the top ten:

1. Sales
2. Healthcare Management
3. Ecology & Environmental Science
4. Infrastructure & System Management
5. Education & Teaching
6. Employee Training & Development
7. Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering
8. Marketing Event Management
9. Community Outreach & Development
10. Retail Store Operations

While these specialties include a full range across industries, it’s important to note that some of these skills can be applied in other fields. For example, senior level employees in any business should have some employee training and development skills, and being an effective salesperson can help in almost any position. So, what does this scarcity mean for employees?

If you’re lacking in these skills…

If you’re lacking in some of these general skills, the good news is that you’re not alone! If you’re searching for jobs, understanding that there are few people with these skill sets can help you strategize better. For example, if a job you want requires sales experience, you might still want to apply even if you don’t have much experience.

Additionally, in those situations, you can gain an edge on the competition by emphasizing your strengths. While you may not have a strong sales background, for example, you can point out your soft skills like adaptability, quick learning, and problem solving. This can show that you’re still a strong candidate and that you’ll learn the skills that you’re lacking.

If you’re interested in pursuing these fields…

If you’re interested in pursuing these fields, this is a great opportunity to get ahead of the competition and brush up on your skills! For example, if you’re a marketing professional, improving your event management skills could open up many new opportunities in the future. Whether through mentorship, online courses, or continued education, you can increase your marketability and demand rather easily. Check out LinkedIn’s Learning courses that can teach you foundational skills in these areas.

If you specialize in these fields…

If you specialize in these fields, you may have a lot of job opportunities. Regardless of whether you’re happy in your current role, it’s important to keep your options open and understand your value in today’s job market. As a result, meet with a recruiter who can help you assess your marketability and potentially help you find roles that can better meet your needs.