Companies value soft skills because research suggests and experience shows that they can be just as important an indicator of job performance as hard skills.
“Soft skills” refer to a cluster of personal qualities, habits, attitudes and social graces that make someone a good employee and compatible to work with. It is no longer enough to be a functional expert. To complement these unique core competencies, there are certain “soft skills” every company looks for in a potential hire.
“Soft skills” refer to a cluster of personal qualities, habits, attitudes and social graces that make someone a good employee and compatible to work with. It is no longer enough to be a functional expert. To complement these unique core competencies, there are certain “soft skills” every company looks for in a potential hire.
- Tenacity – Dedication to getting the job done. Strong work ethic. Works until the job is completed.
- Positive Attitude – Optimistic and upbeat. Will you generate energy and contribute to a synergistic team.
- Communication – Speaking – Organize ideas and communicate clearly. Can you communicate in a manner that is understood by all levels of listeners? Listening – Active listener and respond in a way that shows understanding of what is being said. Also writing and your ability to communicate thoughts, ideas, information and messages in writing.
- Time Management – Production Management. Prioritizing, multi-tasking… actions vs. activities.
- Problem-Solving – Recognize the problem, identify why it is a problem, create and implement a solution and measure success. re-evaluate and re-execute.
- Team Player – Work cooperatively with other, contribute to the group, ideas and effort. Hands on playing the role of a player / leader when needed.
- Self-Esteem – Understand how beliefs affect how a person feels and acts; Listen to what you say to yourself to identify any distorted and irrational beliefs you may have and understand how to change these negative beliefs.
- Flexibility/Adaptability – Able to adapt to change and challenges. Open to new ideas, processes and systems.
- Accept Criticism – Be able to handle criticism. Are you coachable and open to learning and growing?
- Pressure – Stress we cause ourselves... Pressure someone else does. Can you handle the stress that accompanies deadlines and crisis? Will you be able to do your best work and come through in a pinch?