Soft Skills Hack: Learning Soft Skills on Campus

"Emotional competence is the single most important personal quality that each of us must develop and access to experience a breakthrough.  Only through managing our emotions can we access our intellect and our technical competence. An emotionally competent person performs better under pressure."  --Dave Lennick, Executive VP, American Express Financial Advisers


At the risk of stating the obvious, the primary goal of college students is to learn academic and technical skills to get a satisfying job that will provide adequate financial security--in other words, getting a job you love that pays well enough to be comfortable.  Going to classes, reading textbooks, taking exams, and creating concrete evidence that one understands a topic (such as giving a presentation, flying an airplane, manufacturing nanoscale products, painting a landscape, or creating a delicious meal) are the hoops we all need to jump through to get us to strengthen our core competencies (otherwise known as "hard skills" or "technical skills").  There are, however, another set of skills learned or improved in college that are equally (if not more) important than book-smarts or being technically competent.  They are called "soft skills" or "social skills."

Soft skills refers to a group of personal qualities, habits, attitudes and social graces that make someone a good employee and compatible to work with. Companies value soft skills because research suggests (and experience shows) that they can be just as important an indicator of job performance as hard skills.

When looking for a job, it's important to remember that each company looks for a different mix of hard skills and experience depending on the business it's in. Given the current dismal job market and customer-service philosophy, however, it's no longer enough to be a functional expert. As a result, employers scrutinize every applicant's qualifications; not only do they seek intellectually and technically adept employees, they are more likely to place greater emphasis on the applicant's people skills and how well they will "fit" within the company.  With the help of Kate Lorenz, here are the top ten soft skills employers value the most:

1. Strong Work Ethic
Motivated and dedicated to getting the job done, no matter what it takes. Conscientious and does the best work possible.  Reports to work every day and on time.  Admits when a mistake is made, and has the willingness to learn how to do it better next time.  Considers deadlines as non-negotiable and works diligently to complete tasks before the deadline.  Treats all members of the organization with respect, regardless of their position.

2. Positive Attitude
Optimistic and upbeat, generates positive energy and good will with supervisors, colleagues, customers, and vendors.

3. Good Communication Skills
Verbally articulate, writes well and is a good listener. Expresses needs in a way that builds bridges with colleagues, customers and vendors.

4. Time Management Abilities
Knows how to prioritize tasks and appropriately manages working on a number of different projects at once. Uses time on the job wisely.  Meets deadlines every time.

5. Problem-Solving Skills
Resourceful and able to creatively solve problems that will inevitably arise. Takes ownership of problems and doesn't blame or leave them for someone else.  Asks for help when needed.

6. Acting as a Team Player
Works well in groups and teams. Willingness to assist colleagues as needed.  Cooperative and takes a leadership role when appropriate.

7. Self-Confidence
Truly believes he/she can do the job well. Projects a sense of calm and inspires confidence in others. Has the courage to ask questions that need to be asked and freely contributes ideas.

8. Ability to Accept and Learn From Criticism
Handles criticism gracefully and in a mature manner.  Views this kind of feedback as a "teachable moment" rather than a personal attack.  Is coachable and open to learning and growing as a person and as a professional.

9. Flexibility/Adaptability
Able to adapt to new situations and challenges. Embraces change and is open to new ideas.

10. Works Well Under Pressure
Appropriately handles the stress that accompanies deadlines and crises. Able to do the best work and comes through in a pinch.

So how does a college student learn these important job and personal skills?  Read my next blog entry to gain some valuable tips to give you an edge over others who are competing for the job you want.

(c) 2011-2016 Robyn King.  All Rights Reserved.