Master one of these 7 in-demand skills for 2025—for free (almost)!

Author

Don McGrath
May 22, 2025

📰 In this issue

🔹 Top Seven Skills:  Per LinkedIn and Indeed

🔹 Learn These Skills (Mostly Free): These have proven results

🔹 Why Certifications Matter: Evidence of completion, helps, seriously.

🔹 Just Make It Happen: Now it’s time to invest - in yourself.

🗃 Insider

The Skills Gap Reality: What Employers Want in 2025 💼

Last week, we talked about where to get the skills that are in demand. No resume rewriter can fake skills you don’t have. Well I guess they can, but that’s going down a rabbit hole. So, what do employers want in 2025? Here are the seven most in-demand skills for knowledge workers based on LinkedIn and Indeed data—and where you can learn them, mostly for free. 🚀

The Top 7 Skills Employers Crave

  1. AI & Machine Learning - no surprise here ✅
    AI knowledge is a must across industries. Employers are looking for talent that can use AI tools, understand machine learning, and master prompt engineering. Think AI engineers or data scientists.
    Demand: Explosive, with roles growing 60% by 2027. 🤖

  2. Cloud Computing ✅
    Digital transformation is king, and cloud skills are non-negotiable. Expertise in AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud is gold. Cloud architects and admins are hot.
    Demand: Critical for 80% of tech-driven companies.

  3. Data Analytics & Business Intelligence✅
    Data rules decisions. Skills in SQL, Power BI, and Tableau turn numbers into business wins. Tell a story with data, and you’re hired.
    Demand: 70% of employers prioritize data skills. 📊

  4. Cybersecurity✅
    Cyber threats are soaring, making security know-how essential. From protocols to threat analysis, this isn’t just for IT—it’s for all.
    Demand: 3.4M global worker shortage - and growing.

  5. Software Development & DevOps✅
    Python, JavaScript, and DevOps tools like Docker and Kubernetes are hot. CI/CD pipeline knowledge gives you an edge.
    Demand: Core for software and IT ops.

  6. Digital Marketing & SEO✅
    A strong digital presence drives revenue. Skills in Google Analytics, AdWords, and SEO are valued across roles. SEO is NOT dead.
    Demand: Key for 60% of businesses scaling online.

  7. Soft Skills✅
    Tech gets you noticed, but communication, adaptability, and creativity seal the deal. Employers want lifelong learners who connect and innovate.
    Demand: 67% of hiring managers value soft skills over degrees. 🗣️

Learn These Skills (Mostly Free) 🎓

Good news: you don’t have to sell your 50 bitcoins to pay for this knowledge. Top platforms offer free training, with optional paid certifications for that count.

AI & Machine Learning

Cloud Computing

Data Analytics

Cybersecurity

Software Development & DevOps

Digital Marketing

Soft Skills

Why Certifications Matter

Free courses are awesome, but certs from AWS, Microsoft, Google, or CompTIA add serious credibility. They’re not required, but they prove you mean business. Expect to pay $99-$349 for exams, though financial aid is often available on Coursera.

Just Make It Happen

The skills gap isn’t going to close itself—unless employers start hiring chatbots with better resumes than you. In 2025, employers aren’t just looking for credentials—they want problem-solvers who can adapt and deliver. Choose one skill from this list, commit to learning it, and showcase your work. The gap is wide, but your potential is wider. Get started now and own your future. Employers spot fakes in interviews, so focus on mastery.

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