Today’s job market is ever-changing. Where technology goes, the job markets follow. That’s because technology sets the stage for a lot of other industries. Construction, education, marketing, home services industries, all have improved and developed as new technologies bleed into every aspect of our lives. Workers in these industries continue to grow. This means that the exact course of things is never fully mapped out one hundred percent. What does this say about the job market? Employers will always look for a combination of technical skills, knowledge, and soft skills. Let’s take a look at a few soft skills that will make you successful in your job.
So we hear this term called ‘soft skills’ quite often. Why are they called that? And how can they be valuable in your new career?
What do Employers Mean When they Soft Skills?
Many would argue—and have argued— that the term “soft” skills is quite a misnomer. The word “soft” gives inappropriate connotations and it suggests skills that are simply agreeable, complacent, or delicate. Some job market experts have suggested that the term should be changed to ‘power skills’—something that reflects their very real and potential value in the workplace. Advocates of this phrase change argue that due to so much of the workplace becoming automated, it is the ability to think critically, innovate, find new approaches to work, etc, that will become even more valuable in many industries.
The term soft skill is used in contrast with “hard skill”, which refers to more technical and easily quantifiable skills. The word ‘soft’ refers to the idea that these other skills are far more intangible, difficult to measure, and, in a lot of ways, more difficult to instill or train, as they speak more to a way of thinking or approach to work.
Several studies have found that some companies’ most productive and successful teams are often composed of interdisciplinary groups of people that bring creativity, ideas, innovation to the table. These are what are normally termed ‘soft skills,’ although we like to think of them more of a power skill than anything else.
Power Skill 1: Adaptability
It’s a difficult quality to train into people. It’s more of a mindset. Maintaining an open mind with the ability to take in new information and make changes to one’s process, learning, and approach to a particular task or objective is key to being adaptable and a good asset to any company. Increasing numbers of employers see adaptability as an essential and desirable work skill. In fact, many workplaces have gone as far as offering training to some of their staff in ways to help them become more adaptable and harness the ability to change and rethink things in new and innovative ways.
Power Skill 2: Communication
Communication can refer to verbal, written, and remote communication. Having versatility and the ability to communicate through a variety of ways and different mediums will likely help you become more successful, accessible, and looked upon as a leader in any workplace. Despite the fact that the 21st century seems to be the century of communication and ‘sharing,’ studies show that many young people are struggling with communication skills because of their dependency on digital communication.
Power Skill 3: Creativity
How do employers train creativity? There are plenty of ways that companies experiment with encouraging creativity and collaboration in their teams but this, like other soft skills, is a mindset that begins with every individual. People often have the mistaken assumption that they are not creative, but everyone is. It’s just a matter of harnessing your creativity by working hard and seeking new alternatives of doing the work.
Power Skill 4: Work Ethic and Time Management
These two are not always lumped together but in a lot of ways they work hand in hand. A good work ethic is at its optimal functionality when time is managed in an organized and disciplined way. Consistency with your work ethic and a reliable time management side will ensure that you are productive for longer periods of time and demonstrate consistency and reliability that is often lost on people without a disciplined work ethic.
Power Skill 5: Problem Solving
Oh yes. Every job comes with problems. Every new attempt comes with unprecedented issues or roadblocks. Employers want someone that can face these situations with confidence and calm. Understanding problem-solving means the ability to think critically, look at evidence, patterns, and the ability to use your knowledge to push through and find answers and workable solutions.
Be the Next Generation Worker and Apply Power Skills To Your Work
Big players like Google and other giants are discovering the value of these so-called ‘soft skills.’ That’s because competency and technical knowledge infused with soft skills is the gateway towards innovation. Market trends and insights from top business leaders and industry data point to the very real fact that these ‘soft skills’ are leading factors in employee success and jumpstarting new careers in a diverse and dynamic work environment of the 21st century.
Looking for that next opportunity? Call Job Connection to find out more about how we can find you your new start in your new career.
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