How can a young graduate or someone without a university degree find their way in such a competitive job market? The answer does not seem simple, but according to LinkedIn, the key is to know the most in-demand opportunities and skills and extract promising professions from there.
In its third edition of the First Job Barometer, LinkedIn sheds light on the job market for newcomers, highlighting the jobs with the most hires and essential skills for success for newbies.
It has done so by mixing the databases of its job offers with the most in-demand skills and studies. These are the results.
The best job opportunities for recent graduates
LinkedIn has identified the following 10 roles with the most hires for recent graduates in Spain in 2024:
- Software Engineer
- Administrative Assistant
- Auditor
- Receptionist
- Project Manager
- Physical Therapist
- Nurse
- Teacher
- Social Educator
- Pharmacist
These roles are found in industries as diverse as public services, construction, education, manufacturing, financial services, professional services, and consumer services. The prevalence of software engineers and administrative assistants underscores the continued relevance of technology and administration in the current job market.
The best job opportunities for those without a university degree
For those without a university degree, LinkedIn highlights the following 10 roles with the most hires:
- Administrative Assistant
- Salesperson
- Waiter/Waitress
- ‘Full Stack’ Programmer
- Laboratory Technician
- Web Developer
- IT Technician
- Receptionist
- Nursing Assistant
- Sales Representative
The opportunities span industries such as education, consumer services, construction, financial services, technology, information and media, transportation, logistics, supply chain and storage, manufacturing, administrative and support services, as well as hospitals and healthcare.
Key Skills for Junior Positions
In an ever-changing work environment, the skills needed to stand out also evolve rapidly. LinkedIn has identified the 10 most sought-after skills for junior positions:
- Analytical Skills
- Design
- Microsoft Excel
- Adaptability
- Planning
- Audiovisual Production
- Databases
- Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
- Programming
- Public Speaking
For roles like project manager, the most important skills include analytical skills, project design, and planning. For software engineers, mastery of programming, research, and documentation are essential. On the other hand, managing customer relationships, good public speaking, and the ability to take initiative are crucial for salespeople.
Evolution of Work Models
Another trend highlighted in the 2024 First Job Barometer is the increasing demand for remote and hybrid work models. According to LinkedIn data, approximately 38% of offers for entry-level roles and 44% for intermediate levels offer these modalities. This flexibility has become a significant attraction for both employers and employees, allowing for greater work-life balance.
