Soft skills

Soft skills are abilities that are not directly related to a specific career, but complement technical or professional job skills. Employers value these skills because they distinguish reliable and effective employees from those who function less well in the workplace, even when technical knowledge is equal.

Overview

Communication, problem-solving, teamwork, professionalism, reliability, and creativity are the soft skills that remained the most in demand in the twenty-first century, while leadership, time management, loyalty, and networking were also considered important. Even though they may not be listed in a job description, soft skills often make the difference when one job candidate is chosen over another.

Internships and temporary hiring are two ways employers try out new employees to see how well they meet the company’s requirements and fit into its culture. Even though an impressive résumé might help a graduate land such a position, it is likely that their soft skills will determine whether a permanent job is offered. A person who smiles, speaks to others in a friendly manner, offers valuable suggestions, and manages time well has a clear advantage over the employee who ignores coworkers, devotes efforts only to assigned work, and is habitually late.

While research had long shown that employers take soft skills into account when considering employee recruitment and company success, by the 2020s many industry experts stressed that, globally, employers had begun to view these skills as only even more crucial. Labor roles had shifted across industries according to further technological advances as well as life-changing events like the COVID-19 pandemic. Researchers studying work trends subsequently noted that developments such as wider integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and flexible arrangements like remote work had left companies in even greater need of employees with complementary soft skills to ensure success while maintaining ethical standards, culture, and other aspects.

Communication

Communication abilities are often the most important of the soft skills employers require. Speaking and writing are vital to virtually every job category and essential for supervisors. Unless material is presented in a clear, logical, grammatically correct fashion, it will not succeed in communicating the message.

Public relations personnel, journalists, online content writers, researchers, teachers, lawyers, and politicians also devote their careers to communication. Salespeople and customer-service representatives depend upon their ability to provide information to meet their customers’ needs. Restaurant wait staff must speak and listen effectively to do their jobs. Mechanics and technicians depend on technical manuals, active listening, and verbal and written feedback to complete their work. Health-care providers are even more dependent upon their listening skills, ability to read body language, and their experience in clearly communicating with patients.

Young applicants in the habit of wearing headphones and using electronic messaging may not understand the value of verbal and interpersonal skills in the office. Yet understanding the company culture, hearing about project opportunities, and simply getting to know coworkers can depend upon casual conversation in the break room as much as team assignments.

Problem-Solving

Most jobs involve some problem-solving, whether coping with a customer complaint or a shipping holdup. When an employee uses their initiative to resolve the issue quickly and satisfactorily, it shows not only the ability to solve problems, but also the willingness to take responsibility and make decisions. These traits, and good judgment, are important to employers, since they maintain the work flow and productivity.

Teamwork

Few people work completely independently of others. Even work that is accomplished separately is usually connected to a larger project or process on which others depend. That is why employers look for people who not only have the required skills but also can work well with others. Teamwork depends upon planning, good communication, cooperation, and responsibility. It also relies upon the members’ willingness to share credit for the work. A willingness to speak up and offer ideas is helpful for brainstorming, even if specific ideas are not adopted.

Teamwork also can be an opportunity for learning or demonstrating leadership. Managers notice people who can keep meetings on track and draw out the best in other team members.

Reliability and Professionalism

Habitual lateness, inappropriate clothing, gossip, and a sullen attitude are not acceptable habits in work environments. Important aspects of professionalism are dependability, following through on details, and keeping one’s word. Employers quickly learn which workers are reliable and trustworthy and may reward them with promotions, higher wages, and choice projects. A courteous individual who efficiently interacts with customers, vendors, and in-house teams is invaluable to an employer. Professionalism also involves qualities such as integrity, accountability, enthusiasm, and problem-solving.

Creativity

While creativity is usually associated with jobs in fields such as music production, writing, or architecture, it is also valued in such areas as technology and product development. In fact, creative employees who are able to develop noteworthy ideas, find unique solutions to problems, or provide insight are important in any business. But to make a difference, outside-the-box ideas must be developed and acted upon. Administrators who allow time for brainstorming and who reward flexible approaches to everyday business problems find that creativity is one of the most important skills an employee can offer.

Bibliography

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Pritchard, Jennifer. “The Importance of Soft Skills in Entry-Level Employment and Postsecondary Success.” Seattle Jobs Initiative, www.seattlejobsinitiative.com/wp-content/uploads/SJI‗SoftSkillsReport‗vFINAL‗1.17.13.pdf. Accessed 29 July 2024.

"The Role of Soft Skills in Today's Job Market: What Employers Really Want." Gisma University of Applied Sciences, 17 Nov. 2023, www.gisma.com/blog/the-role-of-soft-skills-in-todays-job-market-what-employers-really-want. Accessed 29 July 2024.

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