NAME : RUKANZAKANZA PRIMROSE

REG NUMBER: R206274T

FACULTY : ENGINEERING AND THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT

PROGRAMME: MECHANICAL ENGINEERING (HENMECH)

MODULE : STUDENT DEVELOPMENT AND LIFE SKILLS (SDLSEB301)

DATE : 14 November 2022

Question

Survival in the workplace environment requires a delicate balance between hard and soft
skills. Use this assertion to identify the common soft skills human resources practitioners look
for when hiring and justify the importance of these skills in any workplace environment.
Introduction
Soft skills are non-technical skills that impact one's performance in the workplace. They are
likely adopted from school and work experience, and can also be developed during volunteer
activities, and by participating in training programs and classes. They are considered a
complement to hard skills, which refer to a person's knowledge and occupational skill, and
unlike hard skills they are not necessarily something you learn in a course but rather they reflect
your communication style, work ethic and work style. Soft skills have always been critical to
career success and their relevance in the world of work is ever evolving. Nowadays, these skills
are now more universally required and crucial independent of field of work especially in a world
where digitalization is taking place faster than ever, it is important stand out among others with
the relevant soft skills that impress human resources practitioners and further more in the case of
Zimbabwe it can greatly help in the achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development goals and
improving Zimbabwe to an Upper-Middle Income economy due to increased efficiency. The
following essay seeks to identify some of the soft skills human resources practitioners look for
when hiring while justifying the importance of those soft skills in any workplace environment.

Problem Solving
This is a special soft skill that human resources practitioners look for when hiring individuals in
any workplace environment as it proves to be a valuable asset. It allows the student to experience
a range of emotions associated with various stages in the solution process. According to
(Zimmerman and Campillo, 2003) problem solving skills demonstrate a strong awareness of how
a skill one acquired is transferred to both academic and real-world environments, with great
impact. Obstacles always appear, despite how flawless an organization might be and how
educated the employees are. This needs one to be capable of analyzing situations and be
knowledgeable on to work towards the best possible solution to new and complex problems. This
will ensure more successful outcomes. Effective problem solvers are able to identify real
problems being faced by first looking deep into the causes, are diligent in researching the
situation, that is they are not lazy and work with the information on the surface only but rather go
deeper by researching and processes behind the problem, they also understand all complexities
then draw their critical thinking to brainstorm possible solutions, determine the best possible
solution and simultaneously innovative. Such an attribute makes one to stand out above others in
their professional qualification certificates and having such a skill benefits the organization as
you will have the capabilities to identify possible problems that can come within the workplace
environment thus the need of such an individual when hiring as they look for independent, driven
professionals.

Teamwork
Human resources practitioners have a higher affinity for individuals with the ability to work as a
team. An organization is defined as an organized group of people with a particular purpose, such
as a business or government department. This means that a variety of people in terms of culture,
morals, race and beliefs are made to come together as well as working together in order to
achieve the organizational goals. This makes teamwork a crucial soft skill in any workplace
environment. According to Silber (2009), with effective teamwork, teams are more productive,
deadlines are met, relationships with other teammates are made stronger and knowledge is
shared. It makes the workplace a better place to be in. Working well with a team makes one to be
able to achieve common goals while supporting and complementing the strength of others, that is
one realizes the importance of other individuals in contributing to the success of the organization
rather than being self-centered and thinking that he or she can do it by herself or himself which
proves to the rather tiresome and strenuous. It therefore makes is crucial for human resources
practitioners to look for individuals with such a soft skill because employees with strong
teamwork skills keep their teams objectives in mind, understand their own individual
responsibilities as well as the responsibilities of all team members, are very supportive, positive ,
communicate regularly and actively listen to others which is a very crucial attribute in any
employee in any workplace environment for it to be successful in achieving its organizational
goals.

Communication
This is one of the common soft skills that human resources practitioners look for when hiring any
individuals in any workplace environment. Good communication skills mean you are able to
actively listen to and understand as well other perspectives while also being able to share your
own effectively. After all, an idea isn’t any good if it can’t be communicated properly. Whether
you work with a team or with clients, good communication is key according to Cameron,
Deborah (2000). Good communicators are skilled at verbal and written communication, while
also they understand non-verbal communication cues. This skill is derived from discussing
puzzles with classmates, family and friends, and further identified benefits from working with
people of different thinking and learning styles. Being an effective and concise communicator
can avoid conflicts from arising. For example, strong communicators know their audience, stick
to the point, use clear and concise language and are empathetic. They are aware of how their
body language and tone of voice convey their message. This is again a crucial attribute that is
looked for in an employee of any workplace as without good communication practices makes the
realization of organizational goals nearly impossible.

Critical Thinking
Employers also look for this type of soft skill when hiring employees in any workplace
environment. This is because critical thinking allows one to effectively analyze information
given to him or her and fully make informed decisions. Critical thinking is the ability to think
clearly and rationally about a problem or solution. With such crucial skills one can also fully
analyze the situation at hand, form successful plans, perform effectively, take advantage of
opportunities and always respond rationally to situations and challenges. It is also critical
thinking that makes one a good problem-solver, adaptive as well as innovative. This soft skill
makes one to think outside the box and in most cases thinking without the box, pay special
attention to the environment around them so as to come up with solutions of problems faced. It
also allows diversity in opinions thus resulting in rational decisions being taken that would have
been thoroughly analyzed reducing chances of making mistakes and inquiring losses.

Adaptability
Just as one needs good problem-solving skills to resolve the constant stream of challenges
occurring in our fast-paced world of work, one also needs the ability to adopt in the face of
change. In today’s ever-changing workplace, flexibility and adaptability are essential as
according to (Heckman ,2012). A few people naturally cope in a positive way when faced with
change so being able to quickly and successfully adapt to it is a core soft skill. This is because
one makes sure to understand an impending change and keep an open mind. It also enables one
to look for opportunities in the change and plan the practical actions needed to adopt or perform
differently as a result of the change, thus one will be able to focus on the positives and is not
afraid to step out of their comfort zones to establish a new routine. Such individuals are
considered as priceless and prove to be valuable assets to any workplace as they prove to be
loyal no matter the circumstances and are determined to be successful no matter what thus the
organization also becomes successful resulting in human resources practitioners looking for such
distinctive individuals when hiring in any work place.

Time Management
This is yet another crucial soft skill that Human resources practitioners look for when hiring
employees in any workplace environment. Time Management refers to knowing how to
effectively manage and use your time in a productive manner. It helps one to take control of his
or her day and alleviate the stress that can come with not knowing how to prioritize your day-to-
day tasks, as they say time is precious or like money, once lost it cannot be regained. Time
Management enables one to stand out among others as this ensures that you achieve all your
most important and urgent tasks, without having to work extended hours to the benefit of your
employer, team and career. Those who excel at time management work with team members to
prioritize what is genuinely urgent and important, schedule their days to allocate time to the most
important tasks, then stay committed to their plan all while retaining a level of flexibility in case
priorities shift making him or her a reliable worker.
Interpersonal skills
Interpersonal skills build relationships and communicate well with others and is one of the
crucial skills human resources practitioners look for when hiring. This is because at any given
workplace there will be a number of people interacting so there is need to make sure they get
along for production to be realized. Interpersonal skills are the behaviors you use every day to
interact and get along with people and so underpin positive working relationships as according to
(Whitmore at el,2010). When working as part of a diverse team, you may not always see eye to
eye with others. Managers seek employees who listen to the ideas of others and understand their
point view. This also includes emotional intelligence which is defined by (Flavell, 1987) as a
learned ability to identify, experience, understand and express human emotions in a healthy and
productive ways. Emotional intelligence forms the base of competencies that all soft skills are
built upon and people with high emotional intelligence are better at navigating through difficult
conversations, manage stress and pressure and resolve conflicts. Those with strong interpersonal
skills are active listeners and have a high level of emotional intelligence. They are able to resolve
conflicts, communicate well and collaborate effectively to maintain mutually beneficial working
relationships.

Conclusion
In conclusion, it is clear that achievement tests miss, or perhaps more accurately, do not
adequately capture, soft skills, personality traits, goals, motivations, and preferences that are
valued in the labor market yet these soft skills predict success in life, causally produce that
success. Programs that enhance soft skills are of great importance as they equip workers with a
balance between hard and soft skills, and also improves competence hence human resources
practitioners therefore regard these skills as very crucial during the hiring process in any
workplace for efficiency.
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Silber, K.H. & Foshay, W.R., Handbook of Improving Performance in the Workplace,
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John P., "Procedures for Implementing Soft-Skill Training in CONARC Schools," Paper
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Whitmore, Paul G.; Fry, John P.2010, "Soft Skills: Definition, Behavioral Model Analysis,
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Heckman, James J.; Kautz, Tim (2012-08-01). "Hard evidence on soft skills". Labour
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Cameron, Deborah (2000). Good to Talk?: Living and working in a communication culture.
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