Soft skills are general skills that most employers look for when recruiting and are needed for most jobs. They're sometimes called transferable skills or employability skills by employers. We gain soft skills in life and work.
Find out about some of the soft skills employers look for and how to develop these skills.
Examples of soft skills
Soft skills are more likely to be the kind you pick up through life experience, like how you:
- communicate and work with others
- make decisions
- organise yourself and work
- adapt to difficult situations
When you apply for a job you will need to show that you have the soft skills needed.
Communication
You can use communication skills in lots of different jobs.
You use communication skills when:
- writing emails
- dealing with customers
- reading instructions
- helping and caring for people
Improve your communication
You can develop your communication skills by meeting new people and working with them.
You could:
- join a sports team or creative arts club
- volunteer somewhere you will talk to the public
- practice making phone or video calls
- take an online course, like on how to give work presentations
Leadership
Leadership skills are not just for managers. Having leadership skills shows an employer that you can manage yourself and your workload.
You might have experience of using leadership skills like:
- time management
- conflict management
- problem solving
- mentoring
Improve your leadership
To develop your leadership skills you could:
- organise your schedule by creating a timetable
- resolve conflict between friends or colleagues
- motivate others: you could do this by organising activities, fun or educational like a quiz
- teach skills to others: you could create instruction manuals or videos to share with family and friends
Positivity
A good attitude is something a lot of employers look for. Employers look for people who see solutions, not problems.
You use positivity skills when you:
- stay calm in stressful situations
- look for answers to problems
- have a can do attitude
Improve your positivity
To develop your positivity skills you could:
- do a free course around personal growth and wellbeing
- solve problems when things go wrong
- network,whether for work or education, this shows a good attitude to learning and growing
- be part of a team, like sports or creative arts to show you’re a team player
Flexibility
Being flexible shows that you're adaptable to different situations. It shows you can handle change and adapt at short notice.
You can be flexible by:
- covering someone else's duties at work
- working outside of your regular hours
- changing what you're working on to fit with priorities
Improve your flexibility skills
To develop your flexibility skills you could:
- rearrange your day because of a change in priorities
- do more than one task at a time
- do something outside of your comfort zone
- do a challenge that stretches you
- change your plans to help someone at short notice
Problem solving
Employers look for problem solving skills because it shows you can find problems and fix them.
You might use problem solving skills when:
- dealing with a customer's problem
- doing research to understand a situation
- asking questions to help you understand the bigger picture
Improve your problem solving
To develop your problem solving skills you could:
- play logic puzzles and games
- keep a journal – looking at your mindset and how you look at solving problems
- get involved in projects with others where you solve problems together
- try brainstorming and developing plans for problems you have
Next steps
If there are soft skills that you want to work on further, you could do some volunteering or work experience.
You could also do some free online learning to help you gain more soft skills. This will give you examples you can use on your CV or in job interviews when you apply for jobs.
As a seasoned professional in the field of career development and soft skills, my expertise is rooted in years of practical experience and continuous engagement with individuals seeking to enhance their employability. I have worked with diverse groups, from job seekers to seasoned professionals, providing guidance on how to cultivate and showcase soft skills that are crucial in today's competitive job market.
The article you've shared underscores the significance of soft skills in the realm of employment, rightly pointing out that they are essential for most jobs and are often sought after by employers. These skills, also known as transferable or employability skills, are acquired through life experiences, both in personal and professional settings. Let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article and explore how individuals can develop and demonstrate these critical soft skills.
Communication Skills:
The article rightly emphasizes the importance of communication skills, showcasing their versatility in various job roles. Effective communication involves writing, dealing with customers, reading instructions, and assisting others. To improve communication skills, the article suggests activities such as joining clubs, volunteering, making phone or video calls, and taking online courses on presentation skills.
Leadership Skills:
Leadership skills are portrayed as valuable assets beyond managerial roles, indicating the ability to manage oneself and handle workload efficiently. The article suggests developing leadership skills through time management, conflict resolution, problem-solving, mentoring, and motivating others. Activities like creating timetables, resolving conflicts, organizing activities, and teaching skills to others are highlighted as ways to enhance leadership abilities.
Positivity Skills:
Maintaining a positive attitude is identified as a desirable trait for employees. The article outlines that employers seek individuals who approach challenges with a solution-oriented mindset. Positivity skills include staying calm in stressful situations, seeking answers to problems, and having a can-do attitude. Strategies for improving positivity include taking personal growth courses, solving problems proactively, networking, and participating in team activities.
Flexibility Skills:
Flexibility is portrayed as the ability to adapt to different situations and handle changes effectively. The article suggests demonstrating flexibility by covering others' duties, working outside regular hours, and adjusting tasks according to priorities. Strategies for enhancing flexibility involve rearranging schedules, multitasking, stepping outside comfort zones, and being responsive to unexpected requests.
Problem-Solving Skills:
Employers value problem-solving skills as they indicate the ability to identify and address issues. The article identifies instances where problem-solving skills are crucial, such as dealing with customer issues, conducting research, and asking questions for a comprehensive understanding. Developing problem-solving skills is encouraged through activities like playing logic puzzles, keeping a problem-solving journal, collaborating on projects, and engaging in brainstorming sessions.
Next Steps:
The article provides practical steps for individuals looking to further develop their soft skills. It suggests volunteering, gaining work experience, and pursuing free online learning opportunities to acquire additional soft skills. These experiences can then be highlighted on resumes and during job interviews.
In conclusion, the article provides a comprehensive guide on essential soft skills, emphasizing their importance, and offering practical tips for development. As someone deeply entrenched in the field, I affirm the value of these soft skills in shaping successful and fulfilling careers.
