You may be a computer wizard, a science genius, or a master of mathematics. The education in high school imparts knowledge pertaining to that field. However, to secure your dream job and to be successful, there is something more than technical skills that you need to possess.
It is said that challenging times call for innovative minds. A strong background in hard skills coupled with a repertoire of soft skills makes one an ideal candidate in today’s competitive world. What makes you stand out in a vast sea of applicants vying for a role is the right mix of these competencies.
You may be wondering- What are soft skills? What value do they add to your identity? These are the personal attributes or qualities that enable you to interact effectively and harmoniously with other people. They are less about qualifications and more about one’s personality.
Soft skills are critical to build a strong work ethic and to climb the corporate ladder faster than your colleagues. They make you ready to deal with any situation at work, no matter how demanding it is.
Now is the time to reflect on your strengths and assess your capabilities. Here is a list of top soft skills that employers look for and every professional must develop in the workplace.
1. Teamwork and Collaboration
Learning to work in a team, to trust others, to embrace their ideas with open hands, and to negotiate to reach an outcome is a skill difficult to master- but if you can, you are well ahead of the competition.
Most of the jobs require you to inculcate the essence of teamwork and to make a valuable contribution to the company’s goals. You can hone this skill by participating in team sports or by engaging in group events in college.
2. Professional Communication
This includes writing thoughtfully, speaking fluently, and listening intently. In these changing times, it is also imperative to master the art of virtual communication, be it online meetings or job interviews.
Being able to communicate effectively with potential clients is the most crucial skill in the world of business and it is never too late to build a flair of speaking confidently. This skill is key to fostering valuable relationships with clients and other employees.
3. Adaptability
Every job requires you to adapt yourself to the culture of the workplace and to blend with the employees. Adaptability refers to the ability to grasp new learnings and behaviours in response to evolving circumstances.
A person who demonstrates this skill is flexible and responds to unusual situations efficiently without explicit instructions. This skill is particularly useful for leaders in a transitory world. Being self-aware and open to improvements is one way of developing this competency.
4. Creative Problem Solving
Employees who can find viable solutions to daily challenges are of immense value to any organization. In the face of unprecedented adversities, it is essential to use one’s creativity to develop innovative ideas or improvements within the company.
Along with creativity and analytical skills, problem-solving requires a systematic approach and a calm mind. Every role involves hurdles in some way. The one who overcomes them successfully is a winner.
5. Discipline and Time Management
Corporate life is associated with managing work and meeting deadlines. It is closely related to the art of working under pressure and delivering the best performance amidst tight deadlines or sometimes, high stakes.
One can easily provide a good quality of work with proper utilization of time and prioritization of tasks. It is no secret that these skills make you more productive and systematic especially as a working professional.
6. Leadership and Persuasiveness
A good leader is one who has an optimistic outlook and decision-making abilities. People with leadership skills exhibit exemplary problem solving and conflict management. They inspire others and lead teams on the pathway to success.
As a leader, it is necessary to cultivate trustworthy relationships across the organizational chain. Understanding how to positively influence people and accommodate their needs is an essential element of leadership.
7. Responsibility
Being responsible means taking ownership or accountability of the company’s goals along with your own. It is one of the highest valued skills in the job market. A responsible employee is someone who takes initiatives to stimulate or accelerate the growth of the organization.
It leads to an increase in commitment to work and employee morale, boosting one’s contribution. responsibility in the workplace is key to unlocking sustained business success.
8. Integrity and Business Etiquette
You must have come across these terms in every company’s mission or job description. Integrity is one of the core values that ensures every decision made is based on ethical or morally correct principles. Employees with integrity are loyal and true to their work even when no one is watching.
Along with integrity, the skill that is sought most often is business etiquette. It is a set of standards that makes the workplace congenial and induces a sense of mutual respect for each other among the personnel. People feel better about their work when they are respected.
The hiring trend is set to change globally due to the changing times. What each one of us must focus on is instilling soft skills along with solid credentials to equip ourselves potentially.
Make it a point to highlight the past experiences that may have helped you develop these skills during interviews to show that you are ready to conquer the said job and grow into a future leader of the company.
Remember that employers value soft skills because they are a reflection of your personality. It is a part of what makes you, you!
Written by- Aishwarya Khandekar
Edited by - Daity Talukdar
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