The society we live in has made us believe that the only way to be successful is to have a successful career. This for the most part involves getting a job that can give you the lifestyle that you want or deserve.
As a result of this, we are pushed too well in school, get high grades and do all it takes to learn all the necessary technical skills that will put us in a position to have a great career.
However, in the process of getting technical skills, there is one thing that we often neglect. This very thing is not only a major player in the making of a successful career. It is also one of the many things that employers look out for when recruiting new staff.
These skills are known as soft skills. These are the skills that separate an average worker from worker of the month. This is why employers look out for these skills when hiring. Burning the midnight oil and paying someone to take your online class can go to waste if we do not pick up these skills.
To excel in today’s competitive job market, it is crucial to not only possess technical expertise but also develop strong interpersonal skills. These skills, often referred to as soft skills, are what differentiate an average worker from an outstanding one. One effective tool for gaining insights into your interpersonal strengths and weaknesses is the disc personality test which can help you understand your own personality and how you interact with others. It is based on four personality types: Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, and Conscientiousness. Each type has its own strengths and weaknesses, and understanding your own type can help you to develop your soft skills.
This article will show you some of the essential employment skills employers look for when hiring employees.
Communication
It is virtually impossible to get anywhere in the workplace if you can’t communicate effectively with people around you. Fantastic speaking and impressive writing skill are major tenets of being a great communicator. Another important thing that is necessary is having confidence. When expressing your ideas, you should sound like you are sure of what you are saying.
Knowing what to say (technical skills), how to say it(communication skills) and sounding like you know what you are saying(confidence) are three completely different things.
Confidence puts some level of validity in what you are saying.
Time Management
In a world that seems to always be in a rush, the ability to manage time effectively is very important in running our daily activities.
In the workplace, time management is very important so do take some time management course. Deadlines have to be met and multiple tasks have to be effectively juggled. This skill is very important whether you are a remote worker or a workplace person.
Employers would rather invest the time they’d use to micro manage an employee on other productive ventures.
The funny thing about this skill is the fact that it can be easily tested during the interview session. This is why you should always arrive at the venue for your interview on time. First impressions really do matter.
Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
The purpose of your employment is to solve one problem or the other. You are solving a problem whether you are cleaning toilets or supervising a construction project. The only way problems can be effectively solved is through critical thinking. Critical thinking involves looking at a situation as objectively as possible in order to determine the next best action.
Teamwork
“Teamwork makes the Dream work”. Although that line is corny as hell, the importance of teamwork in any organization cannot be overstated. Collaborating with co-workers on projects is going to be a major part of your job. Success becomes more attainable when people work together. This is why during recruitment, employers look out for people who can work well with others.
Other essential skills employers look out for include:
Digital Literacy
Initiative
Emotional intelligence
Conclusion
A lot of time and money is invested into getting formal education so that we can have a great career. However, these skills are just as important in building an amazing career.
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