Soft Skills in Practice
Having covered the definition of soft skills and how you can use them in your CV in a previous blog, we believe it will help shed light on the best ways to cover soft skills by expanding upon 10 of the most desired soft skills present in the job market.
Afterall, soft skills are the difference between a passable candidate and an ideal candidate!
Keep in mind that this is an extensive, but not exhaustive, guide of some key soft skills sought after:
1: Communication.
Communication is at the forefront of soft skills with both employers and prospective colleagues considering this to be an ideal trait as is it is intrinsically connected to numerous aspects of any occupation. Count this as one of the most crucial soft talents to have.
Individuals who have strong communication skills can adapt their tone and manner according to who they are talking to. Being able to absorb information and act on instructions quickly will greatly aid in explaining difficult issues to colleagues and clients alike.
Listening is also a crucial communication ability that is all too frequently overlooked.
Whether you are dealing with a client complaint or working with your colleagues, strong listening skills will assist you in learning about and responding appropriately any situation you are presented with.
Your verbal and nonverbal communication abilities are both equally crucial.
The ability to communicate effectively is essential for building relationships that are collaborative, respectful, and ultimately fruitful. This is also true for any written communication you send such as emails and written reports.
2: Computer & IT Skills.
Technology has advanced significantly in the past 20 years within the workplace. Having a strong comprehension of various IT skills and having a capacity to learn more is vital in 2021.
These skills can be separating into two main types: hardware and software skills.
Hardware skills pertain to knowledge on handling the physical components of a computer and other devices. This understanding can begin with concepts as simple as knowing how to turn on and turn off a device.
Software skills relate to the use of computer applications such as Microsoft Office 365 and Zoom.
There are various software capabilities which companies, as a standard, will consider prerequisites to employment.
A candidate will need to have a working understanding of how to use spreadsheets, and for more technical posts may even need to know a specific coding language (this would count as a hard skill).
Computer abilities that are related to this include:
Typography.
Word Processing Documents.
Coding.
Administration of Computer Systems.
Spreadsheets.
Management of e-mail.
3: Leader.
Leadership is a soft skill which can be demonstrated even if you have not directly responsible for others.
The power to inspire others and lead teams to achievements beyond the norm is present within those who possess excellent leadership abilities. This is one of the reasons why it is such a highly sought-after skill.
People with strong leadership abilities will possess a variety of skills that are beneficial to any business.
Having a positive attitude and outlook on life, as well as the ability to make quick and effective decisions are key aspects of this.
You should also have excellent problem-solving and conflict management skills, as well as the ability to communicate effectively.
If you are applying for an entry-level position, don’t be afraid to demonstrate your potential by showing how you have positively influenced others to take action.
4: Management Skills.
Management skills define how well you can control and utilise people, both employees and otherwise.
For a team or project to succeed, a competent manager must be well-organized, empathic, and communicate clearly.
Soft skills and specific technical abilities relating to their industry should be mastered by managers as well as those in other fields.
Management competency will often be measured against metrics such as decision-making, project organisation, delegation of tasks, and inter-team communication.
Think of any time you have utilised these skills and try to include a concise and effective example of this.
5: Emotional Intelligence.
Emotional Intelligence is how well you can recognize, react to, and control emotions, whether these be your own or somebody else’s.
In the workplace, this indicates that you are logical and level-headed, and that you can deal with ups and downs without losing your cool.
In addition to being crucial for everyone, it is a must-have talent to mention on a CV for managerial positions, as being able to remain level-headed and not panic in high pressure situations will lead to surrounding colleagues and employees also being calmed.
6: Teamwork.
Good cooperation, like effective leadership, necessitates the use of a variety of soft skills.
Working in a group toward a common objective necessitates the intuition and interpersonal skills to know when to take the initiative and when to be a good listener, respectively.
The ability to perceive the needs and duties of others, as well as being receptive to those needs and responsibilities, is essential for effective teamwork.
7: Time Management Skills.
Maintaining a healthy work-life balance whilst completing assignments and projects on time can only be made possible by having strong time management skills.
Keeping your workday organized can assist you in allocating your time to various projects based on their relevance.
When selecting how to manage your time, it can be helpful to first gain a thorough awareness of your personal, team, and organizational objectives.
Delegating tasks, setting goals, organizing time, and prioritizing are all time management abilities that are related.
8: Mediation and Conflict Resolution.
This is just another one of those soft talents which aspiring leaders should aim to develop and possess in order to be considered for higher paying roles.
To be a skilled negotiator, one must understand how to be persuasive and exercise influence while gently pursuing a solution that is beneficial to all parties involved in the negotiation.
Conflict resolution, in the same way, is dependent on good interpersonal skills and the capacity to create relationships with both colleagues and clients.
9: Flexibility.
A skill which plays into being able to climb any business ladder is that of flexibility and adaptability.
If you can exhibit the capacity and willingness to take on challenging or unfamiliar activities without becoming frustrated or irritated, then this will be a strong selling point on CV.
Employees that are adaptable are willing to pitch in where they are needed, to take on more duties, and to make quick adjustments when plans change.
Employers search for applicants who can demonstrate a willing and positive attitude, as well as the ability to remain calm in the face of change.
10: Problem Solving.
Problem-solving abilities are characteristics which assist you in determining the cause of a problem and rapidly identifying a viable solution.
This is a skill that is highly valued in any profession and across all industries. Solving challenges is one of the main abilities which can incorporate quick thinking in conjunction with your technical skills to address issues which others would be unable to.
Having a keen eye for detail and willingness to collaborate with others can greatly help this skill develop.
Following through with dedicated research will help any employee, no matter the industry, make headway and impress potential employers.
Adding a portfolio of work which displays your problem solving in action is an effective way to highlight this strength.
Hopefully this list has helped you gain a further understanding on what soft skills are, and even more so, what skills you already have, and which ones may need to be further incorporated and built upon in you CV.
