2024’s most in-demand tech skills that all employers want

Of all the tech skills to have, this is the one you need to master if you want to meet the requirements of market demands: Microsoft Office.

No matter the industry you’re hoping to land in, this skill, along with a handful of others, is what employers want, reports new data from the System Design School.

The school offering comprehensive courses on system design found 14,201 job listings on Glassdoor requiring job candidates to be proficient in the productivity software suite and its applications, such as Word, Excel, Outlook, and OneNote.

The versatility and extensive use of the software make it an essential skill for any professional.

“In today’s competitive job market, having the right tech skills is more important than ever, and this data provides clear evidence of the skills employers are seeking,” said Sheldon Chi, ex-Google engineer and creator of System Design School.

“Whether someone is just starting their career or looking to advance, understanding which skills are in demand can significantly improve job prospects and career trajectory,” continued Chi. 

No matter what industry you’re in, having the right skills — especially the right tech skills — can get you to the right places. Source: AFP

Software troubleshooting, with 5,981 job postings requiring it, ranks second in the most in-demand tech skill list.

Here, employers seek candidates who can scan, identify, diagnose, and resolve software issues and bugs to ensure smooth operations and minimal downtime for their business.

Proficiency in Microsoft Excel ranks third on the list, with 5,137 job postings online. This command of data analysis, financial modelling, and overall business operations means that the candidate can enhance the business’s productivity and decision-making processes — something that all employers are keen on. 

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Windows is fourth on the list of most in-demand tech skills, appearing in 4,031 job postings on Glassdoor. Given its wide usage in the corporate world, proficiency in the Windows operating system is vital for navigating the interface, managing and maintaining IT infrastructure, and increasing work efficiency.

Agile, also known as Agile methodologies, a project management and software development approach, ranks fifth on the list with 3,922 postings. This is due to employers valuing the way it offers and promotes flexibility, collaboration, and efficiency.

The sixth most in-demand tech skill is SQL (Structured Query Language), appearing in 3,604 job postings.

Proficiency in this programming language will allow candidates to design, implement, and maintain complex database systems by facilitating efficient data storage, retrieval, and manipulation. It’s a crucial skill for generating business insights and making data-driven decisions — so it’s no surprise that this is on the list. 

Scrum comes in seventh place with 3,602 job postings, and Jira comes in eighth place with 3,417. Scrum and Jira — a framework and tool within Agile — helps teams structure and manage their work and support the methodology.

With how competitive the job market can be, having even just one tech skill can put you ahead of others. Source: AFP

The final two on the list for most in-demand tech skills are Microsoft Word, with 3,394 job posting mentions and Active Directory, with 3,330 job postings.

Chi advises candidates and professionals to focus on these areas to enhance their employability and career growth. 

“By continuously updating skillsets and staying informed about industry trends, people can position themselves as a valuable asset to potential employers,” Chi says.