You've spent years honing your skills. Countless hours of learning, practicing, and perfecting your craft.
Now, you're noticing an unsettling trend – the skills you've worked so hard to develop aren't as sought after as they used to be.
You're not alone.
The workplace is evolving rapidly and skills that were valuable just a few years ago are becoming outdated seemingly overnight. And with artificial intelligence reshaping entire industries, skill obsolescence is becoming even more apparent.
How can you stay ahead in the job market when everything is happening quickly?
That's exactly what we're here to help you with. In this article, we're going to explore:
- What Is Skill Obsolescence?
- What Does Skill Obsolescence Mean For Employees and Job Seekers?
- Ways to Prevent Your Skills from Becoming Obsolete
Ready to future-proof your career? Let's get started.
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What Is Skill Obsolescence?
Skill obsolescence happens when the skills you've developed become less valuable or completely outdated in the job market.
It’s pretty similar to the way technology becomes obsolete with time. Think of your smartphone – even if it was cutting-edge five years ago, it might struggle to run today's apps.
So, in this sense, skill obsolescence just reflects the changes in the technology you use, the industry you’re part of or the job market as a whole. This can affect both hard and soft skills, so let’s look at some popular examples:
- Technical skills. As new technologies emerge, so do new skills along with them. For example, if you’re an expert at one of the older programming languages like Java, it might become less valuable as new ones like Python take over.
- Interpersonal skills. Communication styles and approaches to management always depend on the workplace culture, and they need to adapt. Whatever worked for the old-school corporation you used to be a part of might not work at the hip new startup you’re transferring to.
These days, skills obsolescence is moving faster than ever before. Professionals in the past could rely on their core skills for a few decades but today, you need to constantly update your skillset to stay competitive.
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Artificial Intelligence and Skill Obsolescence
It might not surprise you that Artificial intelligence (AI) is a major force in accelerating skill obsolescence across all industries.
The rapid adoption of AI tools is fundamentally changing how we work and making some traditional skills less relevant while creating demand for entirely new ones. And it’s affecting workers at all levels, too.
- Entry-level. Workers who previously handled data entry or basic customer service now need to compete with AI systems that can perform the same tasks, more efficiently.
- Mid and senior-level. Some professionals are being pressured to adapt as AI is automating parts of their roles, be it financial analysis or content creation.
- Executive level. At the top of the ladder, managers need to acquire new skills to effectively integrate AI tools into their business strategies and workflows.
But there is a bright side. AI isn't just here to make your skills obsolete – it's also creating new opportunities.
If you can adapt and learn to work alongside AI, you might find yourself more valuable than before. The key is to develop skills that complement AI, not compete with it.
At the end of the day, what matters most is your ability to keep learning new skills and adapting to the workplace as artificial intelligence continues to evolve.
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Quick Tip
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What Does Skill Obsolescence Mean For Employees and Job Seekers?
There’s no way around it – skill obsolescence is a huge challenge in the job market, for employees and employers.
Finding and keeping a job is becoming increasingly difficult, especially when your existing skills are going out of fashion or outright don't match what employers are looking for.
The numbers paint a clear picture. According to HR Dive, while 92% of jobs now require digital skills, only one-third of workers possess the necessary skills for their roles. And this gap is only getting bigger as technology advances.
Further research shows that 40% of employees will need to acquire new skills within the next five years just to stay relevant in their current positions. So, businesses are also struggling to find and retain employees.
There is some good news, though. Many employers recognize this skills gap and they’re taking action.
Companies are investing more in online courses, learning platforms, and other educational resources to help their employees grow. So, you might have access to valuable learning opportunities through your current employer.
And yet, while many companies offer reskilling programs, these opportunities aren't reaching everyone equally. Only 32% of low-income workers participate in reskilling programs, even though 70% of companies provide these opportunities.
As a job seeker, this means two things for you:
- You should constantly update your skillset to remain competitive in the job market.
- When you’re looking for a job, consider employers who invest in their workers' development – they're more likely to help you maintain relevant skills throughout your career.
Upskilling VS Reskilling
Two terms are used interchangeably when it comes to keeping your skills relevant: upskilling and reskilling.
They might sound similar, but they serve different purposes in your career development.
Let’s break them down:
- Upskilling. This is all about learning new skills to improve in your current role. It's about expanding your existing skillset to stay effective as your job evolves. For example, if you’re a marketing professional learning about AI-powered analytics tools to improve your marketing campaigns.
- Reskilling. This involves learning entirely new skills to transition into a different role, so it’s usually related to a career change. For example, if you’re an administrative assistant, you would need to learn programming to become a web developer.
The choice between upskilling and reskilling ultimately depends on your career goals.
If you're satisfied with your current career path but want to stay competitive, focus on upskilling. But if your industry isn’t a stable place to be or you're considering making a career change, reskilling might be best for you.
5 Tips to Handle Skill Obsolescence
It's normal to feel overwhelmed when you realize your skills might not be as valuable as they used to be. After all, you've invested time and effort into developing them.
But there’s no need to panic – skill obsolescence isn't the end of your career. Instead, think of it as an opportunity to invest in your career growth and maybe even learn new skills.
Let's look at five practical ways you can handle skill obsolescence and keep your career moving forward:
#1. Focus on Transferable Skills
Transferable skills are your career's safety net – they will stay valuable no matter how much your industry changes.
These are the fundamental skills that you can carry from one role to another, even across completely different industries.
Some of the most valuable transferable skills include:
- Communication. Being able to communicate your ideas, both verbally and in writing, is essential in any role.
- Leadership. Managing people and projects effectively is always in demand.
- Adaptability. Being able to learn and adjust quickly becomes more crucial every year.
- Problem-solving. The ability to find creative solutions can be applied anywhere.
- Critical thinking. The ability to analyze situations and make informed decisions is relevant whether you’re in customer service, production, or a doctor.
And the best part about many of these skills is that you're probably already using them in your current role. Just take the time to identify your transferable skills and learn how to present them effectively.
Start by analyzing your daily tasks at work and identifying which skills could transfer to other roles. Then, when you're searching for a new job or going after a promotion, emphasize your transferable skills – they're a lot less likely to become obsolete than technical skills.
#2. Develop New Skills
You’ve heard how the best defense is a strong offense, right? Well, it applies to skill obsolescence, too.
This means you should be proactive – just learn new skills before you need them.
Research the emerging trends in your industry. Look at job ads for your role and other roles you aspire to, then compare them. What skills keep appearing in these job listings? These are probably the skills worth investing your time in.
Here are a few ways you can learn new skills:
- Online courses. There are many platforms out there, like Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, and Udemy. All of them offer flexible learning options that could meet your needs.
- Novocareer. The dedicated online learning platform by Novorésumé is the perfect way to develop the new skills you need to take your career to the next level. Novocareer comes with tailored learning opportunities and expert-led courses, all while providing a flexible learning experience.
- Industry certifications. These can validate your expertise and show employers you're serious about your professional development.
- Company training programs. Ask around your company and take advantage of any learning opportunities your employer can provide.
- Practice projects. Practice makes perfect, so take the time to apply your new skills to real-world projects so you can gain experience. These can be work, personal projects, or something related to your hobbies and interests.
But keep in mind that skill development isn't just about formal learning. To put theory into practice, you can also:
- Volunteer for new projects at work
- Join professional communities and forums
- Attend industry workshops and webinars
- Follow industry leaders and experts on social media
Your goal shouldn’t be to learn everything – just stay current enough that you can adapt when needed. Focus on skills that complement your expertise and align closely with your career goals.
#3. Find a Mentor
Having a mentor can be your secret weapon in the fight against skill obsolescence. An experienced professional can help you navigate industry changes, spot emerging trends, and identify which skills you need to develop.
A good mentor can offer a lot more than just career advice. They can:
- Share industry insights. They've likely faced similar challenges to you and they can help you avoid common mistakes.
- Provide feedback. Mentors can help assess your current skills and suggest where you need to improve.
- Expand your network. Your mentor’s professional network might connect you to hidden job opportunities, learning experiences, and further career growth in unexpected ways.
- Offer perspective. When the challenges you’re facing at work feel overwhelming, mentors can help you see the bigger picture and keep you grounded in reality.
Finding a mentor doesn't have to be complicated either. Look for experienced professionals in your company, industry events, or your professional network.
LinkedIn can be a great place to start – plenty of professionals there would be more than happy to share their knowledge with others.
Just remember, mentorship is a two-way street. Don’t expect someone to take you under their wing and send you flying to success without any effort on your part.
Be prepared with specific questions, respect their time, and always be open to feedback. The right mentor can help you stay ahead of industry changes and make better decisions about your professional development.
#4. Consider a Career Change
Sometimes, skill obsolescence isn't just a sign that you need to update your skills – it might be time for a bigger change.
While switching careers might feel intimidating at first, it can also be a great opportunity to pursue work that's more secure and personally fulfilling.
Before making that leap, take these steps:
- Consider if you want to. There are plenty of reasons to leave a job but it shouldn’t be an impulsive decision. Take the time to consider your options.
- Research growing industries. If you’re set on making a change, look to fields with strong prospects and increasing demand. For example, if you were a journalist at a local newspaper, you might want to pursue a different type of professional writing.
- Assess your interests. Think about what you enjoy doing. Your career change should always be fueled by something you’re at least a little passionate about.
- Analyze your skills. Identify which of your current skills could transfer easily to a new role. Then, consider which other skills and experiences can get you there. For example, you might need to further your education and get a postgraduate degree.
- Talk to professionals. Before you commit to a new career path, connect with people in fields you're interested in to understand what the work is like. Their perspective might be enlightening.
And keep in mind that a career change doesn't have to be dramatic.
You might find opportunities within your current industry or even the same company. For example, a customer service representative might move into UX design, using their understanding of user needs as a foundation.
Just make an informed decision. Take the time to explore your options, understand what new skills you'll need, and create a realistic plan for making that change a reality.
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Quick Tip
Learn how to write a flawless career change resume with our dedicated guide!
#5. Consult a Career Coach
If you're feeling stuck or have no idea what your next career move should be, a career coach might be exactly what you need.
Unlike mentors who share specific industry expertise, career coaches are trained professionals who help you evaluate your skills, identify opportunities, and create an action plan for your career development.
Here are a few things a good career coach can help you with:
- Evaluate your skills, experience, achievements, and career goals objectively.
- Identify possible career paths you might not have considered.
- Help develop a strategy to reach your career goals.
- Provide support and accountability during this time, which can build your confidence.
While career coaching is an investment, it could save you time and money in the long run by helping you make informed decisions about your career path early on.
Career coaches could also prevent you from making costly mistakes or investing in skills, courses, or degrees that ultimately won't serve you well.
Look for career coaches with professional certifications and, preferably, experience in your industry or the field you want to enter. Many offer initial consultations where you can determine if their approach matches your needs.
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Quick Tip
Are you a student who’s unsure about the next steps in life? Consider talking to a career counselor instead.
BONUS: Skill Obsolescence Infographic
FAQs About Skill Obsolescence Accelerating
Are you still wondering about how skill obsolescence is accelerating? Check out the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions below.
Key Takeaways
That’s a wrap!
By now, you are ready to take on skill obsolescence like a champ, no matter the industry you’re in.
Before we go, let’s just do a quick recap on the main points we covered:
- Skill obsolescence can affect hard and soft skills, so you need to prepare for it. Understanding how skills become outdated is the first step to taking control of your career development.
- Technical skills are likely to need updates more frequently, but some skills are transferable and can be valuable in the long term. These include communication, leadership, and problem-solving since they’re valuable across any role and industry.
- There are different options in the face of skill obsolescence. Upskilling helps you grow in your current role, while reskilling is meant to open doors to entirely new career paths.
- Being proactive about learning new skills is better than waiting until your current ones become outdated. Research industry trends and job ads to find which skills are worth investing in.
- Take advantage of any available resources. Whether it's online courses, mentors, or career coaches. The right support system can help you navigate career changes and identify growth opportunities.
