The Importance of Soft Skills

There is a great deal of focus on the skills we possess while looking for a job. Everything is important, from language skills, to communication skills, to computer skills.

The general consensus is that you can never have enough concrete skills that will make you an asset to a company.

But what about our soft skills? Soft skills are usually associated with a person’s Emotional Intelligence Quotient and apply more to an employee’s personality traits than their actual learned attributes.

Here are the top 10 soft skills according to CareerSherpa.net and we’ve given you the reasons why they’re so important.

Strong Work Ethic – Employers want people who are dependable, reliable, enthusiastic, and enjoy hard work. Employees that are committed need very little supervision or motivation to do their best and get the job done.

Dependable – If an employer can depend on you, then they can trust you. They know that you will perform to the best of your ability, be punctual and generally make their life much easier.

Positive Attitude – Having a positive mental attitude is essential, not only for when the going gets tough, but because when people get together in groups, they have a tendency to complain. By not getting disheartened and demotivated when things get difficult, you will not only be able to keep yourself motivated, but you will also motivate others around you.

Self-Motivated – This goes hand in hand with the previous 3 soft skills. If you are self-motivated, then your boss will be able to leave you to your own devices without having to worry about whether or not you can get all your work done.

Team Orientated – A good team player has the team goals clear in their mind and works with others to achieve them. They are open and honest, and offer constructive suggestions and listen to others.

Organised – With looming deadlines and a hefty workload, an employer wants to know that you will be organised enough to work as efficiently and as effectively as possible.

Works Well Under Pressure – Not cracking under pressure is probably one of the best things you can do in the eyes of your employer. Whether it’s a big presentation, or a massive project has been dropped in your lap at the last minute, your employer wants to know that you can put the stress to one side and focus on the task at hand.

Effective Communicator – Skilled communicators get along well with colleagues, listen and understand instructions, and put their point across without being aggressive. They are also invaluable when it comes to interfacing and liaising with clients, especially when it comes to handling conflict.

Flexible – Although everyone has their role and their specific part to play in their company, it is essential that you can be flexible to the needs of the company. Your skills should be interchangeable and apply well outside your comfort zone. If you are adaptable you’ll also be able to change with the times, picking up additional skills and progressing as necessary.

Confident – Being confident doesn’t always mean being the life and soul of the office, but that you are quietly confident in yourself and in your abilities. You don’t second guess yourself, you trust yourself and your decision abilities.