New data has revealed the tech skills employers desire the most, with Microsoft Office topping the list.
New research, conducted by system design interview prep experts System Design School, gathered data on the total number of times a tech-specific skill had been mentioned in job listings on Glassdoor.
Microsoft Office has been crowned the most in-demand tech skill, with 14,201 job listings asking for knowledge of the productivity software. Proficiency in Microsoft Office remains a fundamental requirement across various industries. This suite’s versatility and widespread use make it an essential skill for any professional.
The second most in-demand skill is software troubleshooting, with 5,981 job postings. The ability to diagnose and resolve software issues is critical. As businesses increasingly rely on software solutions, troubleshooting skills ensure smooth operations and minimal downtime.
In third place is Microsoft Excel: Excel expertise is highlighted in 5,137 job postings, underscoring its importance in data analysis, financial modeling, and overall business operations. Mastery of Excel can significantly enhance productivity and decision-making processes.
Windows is in fourth place, with knowledge of the Windows operating system appearing in 4,031 job postings. Given its prevalence in corporate environments, understanding Windows is vital for managing and maintaining IT infrastructure.
Top tech skills by job postings | ||
Rank | Tech skill | Number of job postings with skill |
1 | Microsoft Office | 14,201 |
2 | Software troubleshooting | 5,981 |
3 | Microsoft Excel | 5,137 |
4 | Windows | 4,031 |
5 | Agile | 3,922 |
6 | SQL | 3,604 |
7 | Scrum | 3,602 |
8 | Jira | 3,417 |
9 | Microsoft Word | 3,394 |
10 | Active Directory | 3,330 |
The fifth most desired skill is Agile, which featured in 3,922 job postings. Knowledge of Agile methodologies is necessary for project management and software development. The Agile approach promotes flexibility, collaboration, and efficiency, making it highly valued in tech and beyond.
In sixth place is SQL, with database creation and manipulation language skill appearing in 3,604 job postings. SQL (Structured Query Language) allows professionals to design, implement, and maintain complex database systems, facilitating efficient data storage, retrieval, and manipulation. SQL is also critical for generating business insights and making data-driven decisions.
Scrum takes seventh place in the ranking, with 3,602 job postings. Scrum provides a structured yet flexible framework that enables teams to deliver high-quality products incrementally. It emphasizes iterative progress, continuous feedback, and adaptability, making it particularly effective in dynamic and fast-paced environments.
The eighth spot goes to Jira, which was mentioned in 3,417 job postings. The software application developed by the Australian software company Atlassian is a key tool for bug and issue tracking and project management in software development environments.
Microsoft Word is in ninth place, with proficiency in Microsoft Word required in 3,394 job postings. This essential tool is mainly used for creating and managing professional documents. Word’s extensive features allow users to produce high-quality reports, proposals and correspondence, and its collaborative tools, such as track changes and comments, facilitate teamwork and ensure document accuracy and consistency.
Concluding the top ten ranking is Active Directory, with 3,330 job postings. Skills in Active Directory are crucial for IT professionals managing user access and security within organizations. It is essential for maintaining the integrity and security of an organization’s IT environment, ensuring that only authorized users have access to sensitive information and systems.
Sheldon Chi, ex-Google engineer and creator of System Design School, commented on the findings:
“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. 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.
“Microsoft Office and Excel remain foundational skills that are indispensable across various roles and industries, while proficiency in software troubleshooting and Agile methodologies can set you apart in more specialized technical positions. The ability to manage projects efficiently with Scrum and tools like Jira is crucial in today’s fast-paced tech environments.
“We encourage 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.”