What are Soft Skills and are they necessary for success?
CHARLESTON, S.C. - When you think about your current skill set for the workplace, what key words come to mind? Many of us think of concrete examples such as skill with computer software, typing skills, proficiently speaking more than one language, data analysis skills, or basic mechanical skills. These skills are called hard skills. Hard skills are a specific set of skills that are relatively easy to improve and are taught in traditional and non-traditional school settings.
What are Soft Skills? Soft skills are inter-personal skills that are directly related to an individual’s personality. Softs skills illustrate the way one person socially relates to another. Examples of soft skills are listed below.
- Communication
- Positivity
- Leadership
- Problem Solving
- Self-Motivation
- Flexibility
- Work Ethic
- Time management
- Listening
- Innovation
- Personal resilience
- Responsibility
The table to the right illustrates examples of both Hard and Soft Skills.
Why are Soft skills important in the workplace?
In short, companies who have employees lacking in adequate soft skills experience more negative customer service ratings and fiscal loss. It is financially advantageous for employers to invest in soft skill training for employees. According to researchers at Clomedia.com, employers who invested in Soft Skills training received nearly four times their return on the investment in profit. Soft skills training reaps benefits. Diversifying your soft skill set will enable you to develop more transferable skills that make you more attractive and valuable to employers and better at relating to others in your personal life.
With a little bit of practice and self-patience, you will be ready to take on the next steps in your future career. If you would like more information about developing soft skills, assistance in finding resources, tips on how to get the job-hunting process started or more, please reach out to us at CCPL by email, chat, or text. You may also call us at 843-805-6930, leave a voice message, and a library staff member will return your call. Remember, you are not alone.
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