What Are Soft Skills?

"Soft skills" is a term that refers to personal qualities, habits, attitudes, and social graces that make someone a good employee and a compatible co-worker. Research shows that soft skills can be just as important in job performance as technical skills.

Some of the most common soft skills employers look for when assessing whether you would be a good employee include these:

• Strong work ethic: Are you motivated and dedicated to getting the job done, no matter what? Will you be conscientious and do your best work without being told or supervised?

• Positive attitude: Are you optimistic and upbeat? Do you keep your negative opinions and comments to yourself unless they lead to correcting a problem or eliminating a potential problem?

• Good communication skills: Are you both verbally articulate and a good listener? Do you make eye contact when you talk to people? Does your body language deliver the message that's needed?

• Time management abilities: Do you know how to prioritize tasks and work on a number of different projects at once? Will you use your time on the job wisely? Do you work quickly and accurately?

• Problem-solving skills: Are you resourceful and able to creatively solve problems that will arise? Will you take ownership of problems or leave them for someone else? Will you refrain from blaming others for your own mistakes?

• Acting as a team player: Will you work well in groups and teams? Will you be cooperative and take a leadership role when appropriate? Can you overcome any tendencies to manipulate situations to your advantage?

• Self-confidence: Do you truly believe you can do the job? Will you project a sense of calm and inspire confidence in others? Will you have the courage to ask questions that need to be asked and to freely contribute your ideas?

• Ability to accept and learn from criticism: Will you be able to handle criticism? Does your self-esteem allow you to accept rejection when other team members disagree with you?

• Flexibility/Adaptability: Are you able to adapt to new situations and challenges? Will you embrace change and be open to new ideas? Will you be locked into your previous company's procedures and fail to see the importance of adapting to new ways?

• Working well under pressure: Can you handle the stress that accompanies deadlines and crises? Will you be able to do your best work and come through in a pinch? Can you maintain focus and work efficiently under pressure?

Remember, whether you are applying for a service position or a technical job, it's your combination of core and soft skills that will set you apart from the crowd.



Adapted from a CareerBuilder/MSN article