While each of these occupations demands a different set of job-specific know-how, they also have numerous skill requirements in common. All must be able to perform their work in a professional and productive manner, get along with others, and solve problems as they arise. Often referred to as “soft skills,” these are examples of work habits, interpersonal abilities, and personal qualities needed to succeed across all industries and professions. Other important soft skills include communication, teamwork, conflict management, and customer service, to name just a few.
Though employers are often willing to provide on-the-job training on hard skills, there is reluctance to take more than a small role, if any, in soft skills development. The vast majority of employers believe that the responsibility for building one’s soft skills lies with “employees themselves,” and only 54% of them are willing to provide support in this area. Furthermore, these efforts are typically handled on a case-by-case basis rather than through formal organization-wide training.[1] This may explain why 67% of employers would rather hire someone with strong soft skills and weak technical abilities than vice-versa.[2]
So, what does this mean for you as a job seeker?
It means that you need to keep your soft skills “front and center” throughout the entire employment process. You can do this by:
- Familiarizing yourself with the most “in demand” workplace softs skills;
- Honestly assessing your soft skills strengths and weaknesses, and taking steps to improve the latter;
- Weaving soft skills into your resume;
- Highlighting soft skills in answers to common interview questions that you develop and practice in advance; and
- Being prepared to actually demonstrate soft skills when meeting with potential employers.
Articles in this blog will provide information and tips to help you work through these important activities, as well as strategies for succeeding once you are on-the-job. We hope you find them helpful!
[1]The Importance of Soft Skills in Entry-Level Employment and Postsecondary Success: Perspectives from Employers and Community Colleges (Seattle Jobs Initiative, 2013)
[2]Fitting In, Standing Out, and Building a Remarkable Work Team (OfficeTeam, HR.com, and International Association of Administrative Professionals; 2007)
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