A new study has identified the most in-demand technology skills for job seekers in 2024, with Microsoft Office, software troubleshooting, and Microsoft Excel leading the list. The findings, based on research from System Design School, reveal the critical competencies employers are prioritising in today’s competitive job market.
According to the study, proficiency in Microsoft Office remains the most sought-after skill, featuring in 14,201 job listings. The productivity suite, which includes essential programmes like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, continues to be a must-have across various industries. Its versatility makes it a fundamental tool for businesses, and knowledge of the software is seen as a basic requirement for almost any role.
Coming in second, with 5,981 job listings, is software troubleshooting. As businesses rely increasingly on software solutions, the ability to diagnose and resolve technical issues has become vital. Skilled troubleshooters ensure minimal disruption to operations and help maintain productivity.
In third place is Microsoft Excel, mentioned in 5,137 job postings. This powerful tool for data analysis and financial modelling is crucial in industries ranging from finance to logistics. Excel’s ability to streamline complex data processes enhances decision-making and drives efficiency within businesses.
Top Ten Tech Skills in Demand
- Microsoft Office – 14,201 job postings
- Software Troubleshooting – 5,981 job postings
- Microsoft Excel – 5,137 job postings
- Windows Operating System – 4,031 job postings
- Agile Methodologies – 3,922 job postings
- SQL – 3,604 job postings
- Scrum Framework – 3,602 job postings
- Jira Software – 3,417 job postings
- Microsoft Word – 3,394 job postings
- Active Directory – 3,330 job postings
Agile and SQL Skills Highly Valued
Agile methodologies ranked fifth, with 3,922 listings, highlighting the growing need for flexible, collaborative project management skills. Agile is particularly valued in the tech industry, where rapid change and adaptability are essential. It allows teams to work efficiently, respond to feedback, and deliver projects in incremental stages.
In sixth place is SQL (Structured Query Language), appearing in 3,604 job postings. SQL skills are critical for professionals working with databases, enabling them to design, manage, and extract meaningful insights from large datasets. SQL remains a cornerstone for those working in data management and business intelligence.
Project Management Tools in High Demand
Scrum, a framework for managing complex projects, and Jira, a popular project management tool, also featured prominently in the research. Both tools are increasingly used to keep projects on track and facilitate communication in fast-paced, dynamic environments.
Microsoft Word, with 3,394 job listings, is another essential skill, highlighting the ongoing importance of professional document management. Similarly, Active Directory rounds off the top ten, with skills in managing IT security and user access being crucial for companies looking to protect sensitive data.
Expert Advice for Job Seekers
Sheldon Chi, a former Google engineer and founder of System Design School, offered advice to job seekers, emphasising the importance of staying up to date with the latest tech trends. “Having the right skills is essential in today’s job market. Employers are looking for candidates who can not only handle day-to-day tasks like Microsoft Office but also bring specialised skills like Agile or SQL to the table,” he said.
Chi encouraged professionals to focus on these key areas to boost their employability and career prospects. “By keeping skills updated and staying informed about industry trends, job seekers can position themselves as valuable assets to potential employers,” he added.
