Soft skills are often referred to as ‘people skills’.  These are the skills that determine how others will perceive you at work and in your life outside of work. To be a success at work, and even in life, you will need to develop a good soft skill set.   Let’s look at some of the more important skills that will help to propel you to be whom and where you want to be.

Communication Skills

In almost every job ad, one of the most frequent requirements is good communication skills. What makes some a good communicator? For starters, the ability to listen – to stop talking and just listen. Learn to repeat back what the other person is saying to let them know you heard and understood them.

Speak calmly and with fore thought.  Think about what you want to get across and how to present it in a non-insulting or threatening manner. You heard it a thousand times – think before you speak.

Team Work

Sometimes, being a leader in a team is called for, while other times, being a follower is just as important. Team work is like when you played with others in the school yard.  You got sick of the bully that always was in charge – basically, you need to know how to play well with others.

Good Problem Resolution

You are faced with problems every day, both on and off the job. Confront the problem, analyze the situation and come up a plan for resolution.

Self-Direction

This is the ability to work and accomplish your goals with minimal supervision. If you need some direction, you should certainly seek it, but first try to figure it out on your own. Don’t be the employee who runs to their supervisor with every little decision or obstacle.

Adaptability

This is the ability to change, to be fluid – not stuck in the old ways.  Always be on the look out for new ideas, more efficient ways to accomplish things and be open minded.

If you develop a solid core soft skill set, you will have a set of tools that will be invaluable in your career and in your personal life. Identify a mentor who presents them and watch and learn how they handle themselves.

Want more info? Reach out to the great recruiters at HCR Personnel Solutions to discuss where you can put your soft skill sets to work!