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Technical skills or hard skills are, of course, important. However, employees with great soft skills are becoming increasing sort after.

Why? Because these skills allow an employee to integrate seamlessly into a workplace, work well with others, communicate effectively and, they often complement their technical skills. So, what are some of the key soft skills employers look for?

Key soft skills

Employers can look for a range of soft skills in a potential employee. It depends on the individual company and the role, but in most circumstances, the following soft skills are important;

1. Problem solving skills
2. Strong communication skills
3. The ability to adapt
4. Open to feedback
6. Ability to build strong relationships & work in a team environment
7. Time management skills
8. A strong work ethic

Why do you need soft skills?

You may be thinking, ‘why are these soft skills important’ or ‘I’m highly qualified for my role, isn’t that enough?’ Well, yes and no. When an employer is looking to fill a position, they are looking for a person that possesses all the right hard skills.

However, if the role comes down to two people who are equally as qualified, an employer will tend to choose the person that also possesses soft skills. In fact, in some circumstances, soft skills may outweigh technical skills that can be taught on the job.

Have you ever worked with some that is always in demand, asked for their input on every project, or are involved in each meeting? In fact, the same person is chatting away to most people across the company with ease. And yes, everyone likes them.

That person has well developed soft skills.

Soft skills will help you integrate into the workplace, help with career growth and generally make your everyday work life easier and more enjoyable. But don’t worry. Soft skills can be learnt, but for some it comes a little easier.

Don’t feel you have soft skills?

If you feel you don’t have soft skills, you’d be wrong. You've been developing them since you were born. But there are simple things you can do to improve your existing soft skills.

1.Watch and observe interactions
2.Be open to feedback and ask for feedback when appropriate
3.Communicate often and reflect on the responses you receive
4.Build positive relationships within the workplace
5.Step outside of your comfort zone
6.Positively react to workplace changes
7.Arrive to work on time

Utilising soft skills effectively can help you with career progression. The people that are successful in organisations are those that use their technical skills and their soft skills all the time.

What soft skills do you think are important to you a person’s success? Feel free to comment on our LinkedIn Page.

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