Hybrid competence—a new term defined as the skills needed for success in a hybrid or remote work environment—might just be the way to a new job, according to an article in Business Insider.
Workers with hybrid competence are able to toggle between video calls and instant messaging platforms, move seamlessly between working at home and in person, and develop relationships remotely. They multitask and think flexibly. And while some possess these skills innately, others can learn them with practice.
Being organized and building relationships are two traits common to skilled hybrid workers. Of course, organizational skills are beneficial to all work situations, but they are of particular importance when working in an environment that requires managing multiple tasks. Likewise, building and maintaining work relationships are always integral to success in any field. But workers who excel at hybrid competence navigate relationships over a network. When done well, this skill results in making an employee more visible to supervisors, which in turn helps the employee receive the resources necessary to excel in a position.
Hybrid skills have become so critical that experts say they should be highlighted on a résumé as a way to stand out from the competition. Mark Mortensen, a professor of organizational behavior who researches remote work, offers tips for demonstrating hybrid competence on a résumé.
First, he suggests combining two résumé formats: chronological and functional. He says doing so shows the job seeker’s top skills and how they’ve been put to use in a hybrid environment while illustrating how those skills relate to the desired new position. The key to this type of résumé is to show the “how” with the “what,” Mortensen says. He also advises highlighting social network skills to demonstrate an ability to develop and maintain social connections remotely.
Discussion
- Why do you think Mortensen considers network awareness management an aspect of EQ (emotional intelligence)?
- When an employee works from home, what kinds of situations affect the worker’s ability to be effective in a remote job?
- How can job seekers learn these important networking skills and develop hybrid competence?
