The 25 Skills You Won’t Get Hired Without

Wondering which skills are helping candidates stand out in today’s job market? With rapid advances in AI, automation, and digital transformation, employers are looking for professionals who can adapt, problem-solve, and deliver value across tech, business, and customer-facing roles.

Here’s an updated, forward-looking list of 25 highly sought-after skills based on global employment trends, Australian industry demand, and what hiring managers are actively prioritising right now.

1. Digital Marketing & Social Media

Brands live and die by their digital presence. If you can engage audiences, drive conversions, and create standout content across platforms, you’re in demand. Upskill with a marketing course that covers SEO, content strategy, paid media, and social campaigns.

2. Mobile App Development

Mobile-first design is no longer optional. Learn to build and optimise iOS/Android apps, or dive into cross-platform frameworks. Consider IT and software development courses with mobile components.

3. Cloud Computing

Businesses are scaling fast using cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud. Cloud specialists with skills in architecture, deployment, and security are in high demand. Explore cloud computing qualifications to get started.

4. Python, Ruby & Scripting Languages

Python is the go-to for data science and automation. Ruby and similar languages are still used in web development. These are flexible, beginner-friendly languages with great job prospects.

5. Data Analytics & Statistical Analysis

From marketing to finance, data tells the story—and those who can interpret it are gold. Courses in data science and analytics can teach you to wrangle data into meaningful insights.

6. UX/UI Design

User experience (UX) and interface design (UI) ensure digital products are intuitive, attractive, and effective. Learn wireframing, accessibility, and usability testing through design and digital product courses.

7. Performance Marketing

Employers want results. If you can manage PPC, SEO, and paid social campaigns to deliver measurable ROI, you’re a hot asset. Marketing courses with digital focus are a smart starting point.

8. Talent Acquisition & Recruitment

Hiring the right people is business-critical. Strong recruitment and HR skills—particularly in diversity and inclusion—are in demand. Explore HR courses to get started in this space.

9. Business Development

Can you grow revenue, open new markets, or build partnerships? That’s the heart of business development. A business course can help refine your commercial acumen and networking skills.

10. Retail Tech & POS Systems

Modern retail relies on connected systems—from inventory tracking to customer loyalty programs. Learn retail management and tech via a retail operations course or entry-level IT qualification.

11. Business Intelligence (BI)

BI specialists turn raw data into strategic insight. Proficiency in platforms like Power BI, Tableau or Looker can elevate your profile. Combine BI with Excel, SQL or Python for maximum hireability.

12. Data Engineering

More than just analysis, data engineers build the infrastructure behind the insights. Think pipelines, ETL tools and warehousing. IT and computer science pathways are your entry point.

13. Web Development

The web’s not going anywhere. Developers fluent in HTML, CSS, JavaScript (and frameworks like React) remain in high demand. Consider a web development course to build your portfolio.

14. Algorithm Development

Behind every app, search engine, or chatbot is a smart algorithm. If you’re mathematically inclined and enjoy optimisation, algorithm design is a niche with big potential—especially in AI.

15. Database Management

Data integrity matters. Database managers ensure systems run smoothly and securely. A Diploma in Database Design can be your fast track to a technical role.

16. Animation & Digital Media

From explainer videos to immersive experiences, demand for digital artists is rising. Build your skills in motion design, 3D modelling or VFX through creative media programs.

17. C/C++ Programming

C and C++ remain essential in areas like game development, embedded systems and high-performance computing. These languages are often taught in computer science degrees.

18. Integration Software & Middleware

Want systems to ‘talk’ to each other? Middleware skills help connect platforms, tools, and APIs. Often a hidden but powerful layer in business tech stacks.

19. Java Development

Despite newer options, Java remains widely used in enterprise software and Android development. Java-focused programming courses can get you certified and job-ready.

20. Software QA & Testing

Quality assurance ensures software works as it should—every time. If you’re detail-oriented, consider a career in manual or automated testing. Great entry point into tech without deep coding knowledge.

21. Public Relations & Communication

Effective brand storytelling is essential. From press releases to internal comms, organisations need skilled communicators. Explore communications and PR courses to get started.

22. Software Project Management

Building software takes more than code—it needs agile leaders who can manage teams, timelines, and scope. This is where tech meets project management.

23. Cybersecurity

Data breaches are everywhere. Cybersecurity pros protect critical systems, from government to health to finance. If you’re curious and love puzzles, this could be your niche. Start with a cybersecurity course.

24. Strategic Planning

Companies need vision—and someone to map out how to get there. Strategic planning skills are valuable in leadership, operations, and product development. You can hone these through leadership courses or MBA-level study.

25. Data Storage & Infrastructure

Where’s all this data going? Into cloud-native, scalable storage systems. Storage administrators and infrastructure specialists keep data secure and accessible—especially with hybrid and remote workforces.

Get Future-Ready Now

Many of these skills overlap—and can be combined into a personalised, powerful career path. Whether you’re starting fresh, reskilling, or looking to level up, online study can get you there faster and more flexibly.

Want help choosing the right course for your goals? Explore our full directory of career-focused courses or read our latest job market insights.