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.

Psychologist Daniel Goleman popularized soft skills, and

emotional intelligence, in his 1995 book Emotional Intelligence. By World Economic
Forum [CC BY-SA 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia

Commons Emotional intelligence diagram. By F.derakhshan

(Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)], via
Wikimedia Commons

Overview

Communication, problem solving, teamwork, professionalism, reliability, and creativity are

the soft skills most in demand, while leadership, time management, loyalty, and networking
are 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 his or her 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.

Research shows that employers have trouble finding graduates who possess the soft skills
they need. In a 2014 survey conducted by Talent Q, part of Hay Group, although 90 percent
of employers believe that applicants with soft skills will become more and more important
with increasing globalization, 80 percent of the 40,000 employers surveyed reported that
they had a hard time finding entry-level graduates who have the soft skills they need.
Manpower Group’s Talent Shortage Survey of 2013 found that 20 percent of employers
had open positions because they could not find workers who met their expectations for
teamwork, creativity, and self-direction.

Communication

Communication abilities are 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 his or her 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 also is 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 creativity doesn’t stop
there. 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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Higginbottom, Karen. “Graduates with Soft Skills Will Become Increasingly Important.”
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Klaus, Peggy. “Introduction.” The Hard Truth About Soft Skills: Workplace Lessons Smart
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Pritchard, Jennifer. “The Importance of Soft Skills in Entry-Level Employment and

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Source: Salem Press Encyclopedia, 2p
Item: 100259308