Hard skills are those tangible skills developed over time through experience, training, and education. It’s easier for companies to assess these skills. While these skills are essential for job performance, often, the majority of top skills employers are looking for are soft skills. Interpersonal in nature, these skills can be innate or developed over time through intentional effort. And the more senior the role is, the more important soft skills become.
Whether you’re new to the job market or have been in your role for several years, reviewing and improving your soft skills can better position you for a promotion or improve your chances of landing a new role. HR Digest provided a great list of skills to work on. Below are some of those skills.
Teamwork and Empathy
Being a good teammate is essential regardless of the department or industry. The ability to get along with colleagues raises the team’s work level. Working well with teammates means taking the time to understand their perspectives and showing empathy to build trust.
Communication Skills
Your ability to communicate well can not be overstated. Conversations with peers, direct reports, or leadership are important to how others perceive you and your abilities. Sharing your ideas, suggestions, challenges, and feedback in a positive way will build your credibility.
Problem-solving and Decision-Making Abilities
Even if you are more junior in your role, the ability to solve problems and make sound decisions can signal that you’re a thoughtful strategic thinker. “If you can think critically, look at all sides of the problem, and come up with the concept of a solution at the least, you’ll master one of the most essential workplace skills automatically.”
Listening Skills and Clear Comprehension
One of the most challenging skills to master is listening. Too often, we think about what we want to say next instead of actively listening to what is being said. This is one of the top skills companies value, and becoming a better listener will benefit you regardless of your role.
Flexibility and Adaptability
Being open to new approaches and ideas is a skill that is becoming more valued. With technology changing the workplace faster than ever, staying focused on how things have always been done can be detrimental to success. Instead, work on agility in thinking and action.
Time Management and Organization Skills
Time management and organization skills can be a secret weapon to a new job or promotion. Knowing how to manage your day to get critical work done while not letting other responsibilities slip may seem mundane, but employers expect it.
Initiative and Self-Driven Work
Being proactive is a skill set that all employers like to see. Instead of waiting for direction, show initiative by taking on tasks without being reminded. Provide a timeline and updates to your supervisor, and when challenges arise and when bringing them up, also provide your ideas for solutions.
Professionalism and Respect for the Rules
Acting professionally and understanding the culture of the organization should be a given. This includes dressing appropriately for the job, being on time, and acting with respect towards others in the office. If there is an issue at work, follow the guidelines for handling it.
These areas scratch the surface of the soft skills you’ll develop throughout your career. They provide a good baseline of the qualities companies expect from their employees. If you want to develop your soft skills further, you can ask HR for suggestions, seek out a mentor, or engage a coach to help you.
These skills are the same ones our executive recruiters look for when interviewing a candidate for a role. If you have questions on how we work, send us a note.