Soft skills

 

The Difference Between Hard Skills vs Soft Skills

Key Traits of Soft Skills	Key Traits of Hard Skills

Complete the chart with the following elements:

- Industry specific

- Related to emotional intelligence

- Natural abilities
- Based on technical knowledge

- Learned through training

- Useful across all industries

1. Communication

Communication skills are the effective oral or written ways you express yourself in the workplace. 

Some examples of communication skills include:

• Presentation skills
• Confidence
• Mutual respect
• Empathy
• Active listening
• Verbal communication
• Non-verbal communication
• Written communication
• Constructive feedback
• Friendliness

2. Teamwork

Employers are always looking for candidates that are great at collaborating with a team. Teamwork skills help you operate well in a group and quickly and effectively accomplish tasks. 

Some examples of teamwork-related skills include:

• Conflict management
• Listening
• Active listening
• Collaboration
• Cooperation
• Coordination
• Idea exchange
• Negotiating

3. Adaptability

Adaptability and flexibility are essential skills for embracing and adjusting to change (like what we faced in 2020, and are currently facing in 2021). These soft skills are particularly important when working in fast-paced or constantly evolving work environments.

Some examples of adaptability-related skills include:

• Curiosity
• Self-management
• Decision-making
• Calmness
• Optimism
• Open-mindedness
• Analysis
• Self-confidence
• Organization (the skills you need to make sure you don’t fall behind on your work. They’re the many abilities needed to prioritize tasks, manage your time, and deliver results. )
• Self-motivation

4. Problem-Solving

Problem-solving skills depend on your ability to use analytical and creative thinking to find solutions. Candidates who can tackle problems and find intuitive solutions will always be in high demand.

Types of problem-solving skills include:

• Analysis
• Logical reasoning
• Initiative
• Persistence
• Observation
• Persuasion
• Negotiation
• Brainstorming
• Decision making

5. Creativity

 Creativity is considered by some experts to be the most important soft skill of the future.

Types of creative skills include:

• Inspiration
• Imagination
• Mind mapping
• Innovation
• Experimenting
• Questioning
• Design

6. Work Ethic

The foundation for any great employee, work ethic is one of the most basic, widely transferable soft skills there is. By showcasing your work ethic, you communicate to employers that you believe in the importance of work and the value of putting forward your best effort.

Soft skills examples related to work ethic include:

• Responsibility
• Discipline
• Initiative
• Dependability
• Commitment
• Self-motivated
• Professionalism
• Teamwork
• Time-management

7. Interpersonal Skills

Interpersonal skills refer to your ability to communicate well and interact with others, maintain relationships, and otherwise leave a positive impression on people.

Examples of skills related to interpersonal skills include:

• Empathy
• Humor
• Mentoring
• Networking
• Sensitivity
• Patience
• Tolerance
• Public speaking
• Positive reinforcement
• Diplomacy

8. Time Management

Time management skills describe your ability to work efficiently and productively by using your time wisely. 

Some skills related to time management skills include:

• Goal setting
• Prioritizing
• Self-starter
• Planning
• Decision making
• Focus
• Delegation
• Stress management
• Coping
• Organization

(resource: https://resumegenius.com/blog/resume-help/soft-skills)

Here are 15 soft skills examples that are essential traits among employees:

• Communication
• Teamwork
• Problem-solving
• Time management
• Critical thinking
• Decision-making
• Organizational
• Stress management
• Adaptability
• Conflict management
• Leadership
• Creativity
• Resourcefulness
• Persuasion
• Openness to criticism