While having the necessary educational qualifications is important in securing a new job, employers have begun looking for something more in their applicants. Soft skills, often defined as a series of mindsets and behaviors, have become essential for long-term career success.
Soft skills are comprised of the personal character traits, qualities, and habits that make you who you are. “Your work ethic, your attitude, and the way you interact with other people are a few examples of soft skills” (Reiman, 2022).
The following list from Soft Skills For Dummies identifies and describes the nine different factors that impact a person’s soft skills:
Attitude – A positive attitude is necessary for any job. Employers seek people who demonstrate optimism and determination while performing their everyday tasks.
Character – Good character is something that continuously develops each day and is based on the choices and decisions a person makes.
Diversity and cultural awareness – Employers often hire people who have experience working with others from various cultural backgrounds. It is important to be accepting of and willing to work with others who are different from you.
Appearance and etiquette – Dressing professionally can leave a positive lasting first impression. On average, it only takes 4 seconds to make an impression, so you’ll want to make it a good one!
Time management – Showing up to interviews, birthday parties, and any other personal or professional event on time consistently will show others that you are reliable and that you value being prompt and present.
Teamwork – Teamwork indeed makes the dream work, and no team can reach its goals without each member’s full support. Therefore, it’s important that you can work well in either group or team settings.
Work ethic – Everyone has the choice to work hard or not. Choosing to complete your tasks on time whether you enjoy them or not demonstrates a good work ethic.
Critical thinking and problem solving – Holding yourself accountable for the choices and decisions you make will help you to find solutions to issues that arise while also helping you to communicate with others more effectively.
Leadership – Having the willingness to guide and encourage others shows employers that you are not afraid to step up and take the lead when necessary.
It has been proven that soft skills not only improve your performance and opportunities for success in the workplace but also in your personal life (Reiman, 2022). Maintaining a positive mindset, being accepting of others, and leading a team toward a common goal are all ways you can continue building on your soft skills.
For more information on how you can incorporate soft skills into your professional life, be sure to check out the Soft Skills subject guide on the South College library website.
Cindi Reiman. (2022). Soft skills for dummies. For Dummies.
While having the necessary educational qualifications is important in securing a new job, employers have begun looking for something more in their applicants. Soft skills, often defined as a series of mindsets and behaviors, have become essential for long-term career success.
Soft skills are comprised of the personal character traits, qualities, and habits that make you who you are. “Your work ethic, your attitude, and the way you interact with other people are a few examples of soft skills” (Reiman, 2022).
The following list from Soft Skills For Dummies identifies and describes the nine different factors that impact a person’s soft skills:
Attitude – A positive attitude is necessary for any job. Employers seek people who demonstrate optimism and determination while performing their everyday tasks.
Character – Good character is something that continuously develops each day and is based on the choices and decisions a person makes.
Diversity and cultural awareness – Employers often hire people who have experience working with others from various cultural backgrounds. It is important to be accepting of and willing to work with others who are different from you.
Appearance and etiquette – Dressing professionally can leave a positive lasting first impression. On average, it only takes 4 seconds to make an impression, so you’ll want to make it a good one!
Time management – Showing up to interviews, birthday parties, and any other personal or professional event on time consistently will show others that you are reliable and that you value being prompt and present.
Teamwork – Teamwork indeed makes the dream work, and no team can reach its goals without each member’s full support. Therefore, it’s important that you can work well in either group or team settings.
Work ethic – Everyone has the choice to work hard or not. Choosing to complete your tasks on time whether you enjoy them or not demonstrates a good work ethic.
Critical thinking and problem solving – Holding yourself accountable for the choices and decisions you make will help you to find solutions to issues that arise while also helping you to communicate with others more effectively.
Leadership – Having the willingness to guide and encourage others shows employers that you are not afraid to step up and take the lead when necessary.
It has been proven that soft skills not only improve your performance and opportunities for success in the workplace but also in your personal life (Reiman, 2022). Maintaining a positive mindset, being accepting of others, and leading a team toward a common goal are all ways you can continue building on your soft skills.
For more information on how you can incorporate soft skills into your professional life, be sure to check out the Soft Skills subject guide on the South College library website.
Cindi Reiman. (2022). Soft skills for dummies. For Dummies.