Possessing the necessary skills for the job you’re applying for is crucial in getting it, that is true. However, with how fiercely competitive the job market is today, having these in your resume alone isn’t enough anymore. You should also have the soft skills employers want if you want to stand out from the competition.
But first, what are soft skills? Soft skills refer to various interpersonal skills and traits a person has that affect how they interact with others. In short, soft skills determine how easy it is for your co-workers to work with you.
That said, developing essential soft skills isn’t something you can do overnight. It would be helpful to have a list of the most vital soft skills in the workplace to prioritize, right?
Fortunately, this article’s just that. Here are 10 soft skills employers want that you should have to make a great impression on them.
Communication Skills.
Whether you’re working in a traditional or online job, you cannot avoid interacting with others. If you want to stay ahead of the competition, possessing excellent written and verbal communication skills is a great way to do so. Especially now that most communication is done via emails, skype, or zoom.
Having excellent communication skills helps you build trust and establish good relationships with your boss, co-workers, and clients. Aside from being able to convey what you mean well, part of excellent communication skills is listening well.
Problem-Solving Skills.
Another of the soft skills employers want from candidates, especially today, is problem-solving skills. Employers want someone who can rise to whatever challenges they may encounter in this rapidly changing work environment without needing too much assistance. They also want someone who can come up with innovative solutions instead of just doing what they’re told.
So how do you present this soft skill to potential employers? When asked about your previous work experience, highlight an experience where you were tasked to solve a crucial problem and how you accomplished it.
Teamwork.
No matter how qualified you are at a job, if your employers notice you don’t work well with others, they may still not hire you. Employers don’t want office drama to negatively impact employee morale and productivity. They prefer applicants who can integrate well with their team, even if they’re not as skilled or experienced.
Learning teamwork isn’t always easy, particularly if you’re introverted. However, learning to work with others will help you bond with your co-workers on and off work and improve your productivity. This is where your communication skills will also come in handy.
Honesty.
As the saying goes: “Honesty is the best policy.” Whatever you do, never lie or omit facts from your employer, either in your resume or during your interview. Once your employer finds out you lied, you can kiss your career goodbye.
If you have little to no experience, state it clearly to your employer. There’s no point lying about it anyways, as you’ll just make yourself suffer if you lack the skills you need for the job. Besides, employers prefer someone honest about their inexperience because it means they’re willing to learn what is necessary for the job.
Independence and Self-Management.
Self-disciplined employees are productive employees. As companies shift to a remote setup, they want employees who don’t require micromanaging to get things done. These employees often show initiative and can be relied upon to follow through with their commitments.
This is perhaps the most challenging example of soft skills to hone, as independence and self-management require you to build good habits over time. However, if you take your time and grow them, you’ll be more efficient with your time and organized in and out of work.
Time Management.
Keeping up with all your deadlines isn’t easy, especially if it’s your first time working remotely. With so many distractions in your house and no boss to remind you of work, it’s easy to lose track of time. Producing quality work means nothing if it’s submitted late.
Part of being independent is having excellent time management. This soft skill enables you to balance your time well to accomplish your work and still have time for leisure. Finishing your tasks in time also improves your employers’ and co-workers’ respect for you.
Adaptability.
Thanks to the pandemic, how we do work has changed permanently. Online jobs have become popular, with all the problems associated with working at home. And productivity is now measured on how much you’ve accomplished rather than your presence in the office.
To remain competitive amidst these changes, you need to become adaptable. Instead of clinging to what worked for you, don’t be afraid to expand your horizons and learn new skills. Doing this allows you to confidently meet whatever challenges you encounter at work and in life.
Computer Skills.
In today’s digital age, everyone has at least a basic understanding of using their computers. What should separate you from the rest of the competition is just how well you know your way around your trusty computer.
The skills you should prioritize learning include familiarity with Microsoft office tools, your company’s chosen online communication app, and the basics of constructing emails. These are often the computer skills employers are looking for in their applicants. Becoming an expert in these will impress potential employers and improves your chances of getting the job.
Humility.
Having the right skills for the job is one thing; having the wisdom not to shove it to everyone’s face is another. Yes, it’s great that you’re highlighting your skills to your employers and supervisors, but you don’t need to do so all the time.
Being humble is more than downplaying your achievements or shifting praise to your co-workers. It’s also acknowledging that despite your skills and experience, you still have plenty of things to learn. This includes being able to take criticism and feedback, as well as follow your older co-workers’ lead.
Leadership.
Another soft skill employers want in an applicant is leadership potential. This soft skill is a culmination of all the aforementioned soft skills, alongside the drive to excel and inspire others. So if you’re eyeing a promotion, this is one soft skill you should develop as soon as possible.
That said, be careful not to confuse practicing your leadership skills with being an overbearing co-worker. It’s good that you’re not afraid to take leadership roles, but be sure you can accomplish your tasks. You don’t want to cause more problems for your co-workers now, do you?
Knowing What to Do Isn’t Enough Anymore.
Although often overlooked in favor of work skills, having the soft skills employers want is just as essential. Sure, they don’t help you do your work, but they help keep you at your job. The soft skills included here are just some of the skills you need, but they’re a great place to start improving yourself.
