As either a contractor or a recruiter, we here at 3C Global believe that it’s essential to keep your ‘finger on the pulse’ and to observe which skills are most in demand for contracting.It is interesting (but hardly surprising) to note that an excellent working knowledge of social media and computer programs are in vogue at the moment. These are the top 25 skills that recruiters and clients are looking for right now.
Natural language processing/Twilio API Development: Thanks to the emergence of voice-activated assistants, such as Amazon Echo, Siri and Google, there is an increased demand for people who have a background or qualifications in computer science, artificial intelligence and linguistics. This particular job demands that you enable computers to understand human language.
AngularJS Development: AngularJS Development is a skill that is in increasing demand, as when the user has a good working knowledge of it, it can be used to extend HTML vocabulary in order to build either mobile or desktop web applications.
Swift development: Swift is the programming language responsible for the development of the Apple Watch. Following the unprecedented popularity of the product in 2016, an increasing number of contract workers who can help develop iOS apps are now being sought.
Amazon Marketplace Web Services (MWS): Amazon Marketplace Web Service (Amazon MWS) is an integrated web service that assists Amazon sellers to programmatically exchange data on listings, orders, payments and reports. As the site becomes more and more popular, freelancers with Python skills are in demand.
Information/Cyber security: This exciting but crucial job requires an information security analyst to plan and execute security measures to protect a client’s or an organisation’s computer networks and systems from cyber-attacks. The pressure to adhere to Data Protection law makes information security a highly sought after service at the moment, which is good news for an IT contractor.
Node.js development: Again, this is quite a specific skill, sought after by businesses for their websites. A Node.js developer is responsible for writing server-side web application logic in JavaScript, as well as variants like CoffeeScript or IcedCoffeeScript.
MySQL programming: MySQL is the world’s most popular open-source database, and requires knowledge of PHP and other scripting language. The more experience a contractor has, the more attractive the earning potential tends to be.
Twilio API development: As well as voice activated assistants, those who can build SMS, voice and messaging applications on an API, specifically, Twilio’s cloud-based communication platform, are currently in high demand.
Stripe specialist: As more and more businesses look for affordable and flexible options to accept payments, they’re turning to freelancers to help them build a payment platform using APIs from payment infrastructures like Stripe.
3D rendering: Though a relatively new concept, 3D Rendering is soaring in popularity and demand for it (and those familiar with it) will continue to grow, with technology like 3D printers becoming more widely available.
Bluetooth specialist: Bluetooth technology is rising in popularity, but the average customer may not know how to use it. The iPhone 7 has eliminated the headphone jack, and wireless headphones are the future. There will be a demand for experts to have an excellent working knowledge of Bluetooth in the coming months.
Machine learning: Machine learning or, as Wikipedia describes it, ‘giving computers the ability to learn without being explicitly programmed’, continues to rise in popularity and presents promise for contractors who are experts in the field.
User experience design (UX): There’s no point in using an app or visiting a website if they are too difficult to navigate, or if they are not interesting to use or engage with. UX designers create apps and websites that appeal to potential customers and, most importantly, are easy to use even if the client is not ‘tech-savvy’.
Social media management: The modern business is becoming increasingly reliant on social media to advertise themselves. We all use Facebook and Twitter, but now there is a growing demand for social media experts to help businesses big and small to advertise their business and engage with clients and potential clients. Done right, this is often a full-time job in itself!
R development: R is a programming language and software environment used for statistical computing and graphics, such as polls and surveys, which is commonly used by data miners. An expert in this field would be useful in alleviating the workload on businesses, as well as helping businesses to live up to their potential.
Instagram Marketer: Instagram is rapidly becoming the social media vehicle of choice for freelancers and companies alike. Therefore, contractors with a good working knowledge of Instagram is on the rise.
Accounting: Despite the plethora of accounting software available, the freelancer generation is still in need of accountants to better understand complex issues like tax codes and deductions.
SEO/Content Writing: SEO and content writers help businesses and other freelancers increase their visibility online, especially on search engines like Google or Bing, by creating engaging, relevant, and keyword-optimized content.
Photography/video editing: With an increased demand for photos of a professional standard, now seems to be the best time to be a freelance photographer. From doing professional shoots for promotional material such as websites and newsletters, to covering weddings and other social occasions, the work is out there for someone who is talented, diligent and adept at self-promotion.
Zendesk customer support: With the use of IT on the up, it’s only natural that a demand for support and IT-based expertise should follow. Customer-service software companies such as Zendesk are looking for individuals to build customize experiences by placing products into existing APIs, apps and mobile SDKs.
Business consulting: Business consultants are invaluable, and having a wide range of expertise from the development of essential business skills, to planning and problem solving will ensure that you are always busy.
Immigration law: The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expects a 6 percent job growth for all lawyers between 2014 and 2024. However, Donald Trump’s proposed immigration laws, if passed, will undoubtedly create a demand for expertise in the area of immigration, residency and employment.
Brand strategy: Creating a recognisable brand is a crucial part of any business which cannot be overlooked. Contractors with particular expertise in developing positioning recommendations, guiding market research analysis and defining brand elements and tone are invaluable to both other contractors and larger businesses alike.
Virtual assistant: Businesses are continuing to restructure and downsize. As such, everyone from business owners and managers to entrepreneurs is turning to virtual assistants to help manage administrative tasks, such as responding to emails, scheduling appointments and even handling public relations services.
Voiceover artists: Like photography, the talent of a voiceover artist is also in demand, and the work opportunities are wide-ranging, from audio readers to dubbing work, e-learning instruction to animation work, and many more opportunities besides. In addition, the advancement of technology means that this work can be done from home, saving time and travel costs and maximising earning potential.
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Whether you’re looking for the best place to go on contract, or for the most highly-skilled and legally compliant contractors, we are ever-ready to discuss your requirements. Contact us today to find out what we can do for you.
To find out more about the services we provide for contractors and recruiters alike, contact us today!
Contact us today to see what we can do for you.
About 3C Global Group
3C Global Group help a wide range of individual contractors, recruitment agencies and corporate end clients mobilise talent across the globe.
