Effective communication may be one of your strengths if you:

Served as the spokesperson for your group in college classes (and got As on all of your papers)

Shine when making presentations at work

Receive positive feedback on written reports

Handle unhappy customers (or colleagues) with ease

Facilitate discussions and bring people to agreement

Teamwork may be one of your strengths if:

Coworkers are constantly asking to run ideas by you

People frequently ask you to join their projects

Youre often invited to lunch with coworkers to talk shop

You are regularly called upon to provide an objective opinion or mediate disagreements

You can find a way to connect with just about anybody

Top 10 Employability Skills

Communication skills Listening, speaking and writing. Employers want people who can
accurately interpret what others are saying and organize and express their thoughts clearly.

Teamwork In todays work environment, many jobs involve working in one or more groups.
Employers want someone who can bring out the best in others.

Analytical and problem-solving skills Employers want people who can use creativity, reasoning
and past experiences to identify and solve problems effectively.

Personal management skills The ability to plan and manage multiple assignments and tasks, set
priorities and adapt to changing conditions and work assignments.

Interpersonal effectiveness Employers usually note whether an employee can relate to co-
workers and build relationships with others in the organization.

Computer/technical literacy Although employers expect to provide training on job-specific

software, they also expect employees to be proficient with basic computer skills.
 Leadership/management skills The ability to take charge and manage your co-workers, if
required, is a welcome trait. Most employers look for signs of leadership qualities.

Learning skills Jobs are constantly changing and evolving, and employers want people who can
grow and learn as changes come.

Academic competence in reading and math Although most jobs dont require calculus, almost
all jobs require the ability to read and comprehend instructions and perform basic math.

Strong work values Dependability, honesty, selfconfidence and a positive attitude are prized
qualities in any profession. Employers look for personal integrity.

1. Effective communication skills

A particularly impressive skill is the ability to articulate and clearly convey information and ideas.
Listen attentively to the questions the hiring manager asks and give succinct and fluent answers.
Dont underestimate the importance of nonverbal communication skills as well. Maintaining good
eye content and paying attention to your body language and gestures will go a long way to ensure
your communication is effective.

2. Leadership skills

A real plus to an employer is an individual who is able to oversee projects, resources and coworkers,
while continuing to deliver optimum results. Even if youve never spearheaded a project, youve
probably been in situations in which youve had to exhibit leadership capabilities. Review your
previous work history and highlight times when you volunteered to train a new staff member or took
the lead by pitching a more efficient plan or process.

3. Problem-solving skills

Looking at complicated business issues and bringing creative solutions to the table is a skill that
employer value. Share any experiences where you have managed to overcome an obstacle that
stood in the way of achieving a desired outcome. Use the STAR technique to outline the Situation you
found yourself in, the Task you were trying to achieve, the Action you took to resolve the problem,
and the Result you achieved.

4. Customer service

Whether the role you are interviewing for is customer-facing or not, being able to deliver effective
customer service with empathy will go a long way in building strong working relationships with your
colleagues and internal stakeholders. Providing an explanation on how you have taking into account
the concerns or considerations of your internal and external stakeholders is skills that will be highly
valued by many employers.

5. Diplomacy and collaboration skills

Being able to collaborate with others even under tense circumstances is a strong selling point to a
hiring manager. Present yourself as a positive individual who enjoys teamwork. Think about times
when you may have had to mediate disputes to keep the team focused. Exercise caution when
speaking about former colleagues or managers though; badmouthing others reflects poorly on you.

When preparing for a job interview, think about what your strengths are in terms of relating to
people. Making these qualities a point of focus during your job interview is one way of edging out the
competition and helping you land the job.

Discover more interview tips

How to improve your interpersonal skills

If you're still developing some of these skills, demonstrate how you're learning new techniques to
deal with some of these every day workplace situations.

Here are some tips on how you can build your interpersonal skills over time:

Hone your communication skills. It may seem like a given that you need to speak and write clearly.
Avoid using jargon or technical concepts that are obvious to you, but might be unclear or unfamiliar
to others.

Related: How to develop effective communication skills (even if youre shy)

Learn conflict resolution skills. Disagreements occur in every office. Learning how to calmly sort
out issues and find acceptable compromises will aid you throughout your career.

Focus on teamwork. Is a colleague working on a major initiative and everything must be completed
by next week? Offer to help out if youre not overloaded yourself. The way to win support is by giving
support when its needed.

Emphasise diplomacy. Always maintain a professional tone when communicating with others. This
means never corresponding when youre angry or frustrated. You could regret it later.

Positive attitude - demonstrating that you're dedicated, honest, and willing to work hard
 Problem solving - brainstorming and identifying solutions rather than just pointing out
problems with a focus on achieving goals
Enthusiasm - everyone likes someone who's excited to come to work
Quick to learn - the ability to take on and synthesize new tasks and prioritize work
Flexibility - the ability to take on a range of tasks, chip in where needed, and focus on a
common goal

1. Communication Skills

The umbrella term communication skills includes a trifecta of abilities, including the capacity to
listen, write and speak. This is one of the top qualities employers look for in modern-day hires; it's
essential for receiving, interpreting and giving direction. Likewise, a sense of social intelligence is also
vital: Employees need to be able to understand where peers, colleagues and strategic partners are
coming from, not just the words theyre saying, so they can better empathize and act on this
information.

2. Multi-Tasking

Chances are your employees will be simultaneously involved in several projects, tasks or initiatives.
Therefore, the ability to juggle all with aplomb is a highly-valued skill. Effective multi-tasking is
achieved when work is completed both efficiently and correctly, with a minimum of stress.
Tomorrows workers must be well-equipped to juggle multiple tasks.

3. Enthusiasm

Enthusiasm is a valuable asset in new hires, as it shows the employee in question is passionate about
the tasks he or she is performing for the organization. It goes hand in hand with positivity, and both
can make a noticeable difference in whats often a stressed, strained and/or hectic work
environment. Plus, according to Sigal Barsade, professor of management at the Wharton School of
the University of Pennsylvania, positivity is not only contagious, but also has an impact on overall job
performance, decision-making, creativity and turnover. A winning attitude can be invaluable and
contagious.

4. Decision-Making

Problem solving is a skill that sits somewhere at the nexus of creativity, level-headedness and logic.
Those who exhibit it demonstrate a proven ability to objectively interpret incoming signals, and act
both thoughtfully and with grace when a solution is needed. Workers with solid problem-solving
skills arent just strategic thinkers; they should be able to keep a cool head when a situation arises
and stay on task without the need for micro-management.

5. Organization
While not a single defining trait, solid organizational skills can be an asset to any worker. They
indicate an employee is self-disciplined enough to gather the necessary information and data to keep
his or her tasks both well-managed and on schedule important traits for any leader. Powerful
organizational skills alone do not great managers make, but they do help drive job candidates to be
more professional, efficient and productive.

6. Integrity

Integrity means being true and honest to oneself and others. It shows that someone knows his or her
strengths and weaknesses, isnt afraid to make mistakes or accept responsibility for doing so, and
possesses a high degree of loyalty. Someone with strong integrity can be trusted to show respect,
take responsibility and stand by the old adage honesty is the best policy all a boon to your
enterprises.

7. Likeability

Chances are your open positions will require employees to cooperate and collaborate seamlessly
with others. Therefore, youll want someone warm, friendly, easygoing and genuine a solid team
player can help bolster any winning lineup. With teamwork key to business success, look for
candidates who are ready and willing to become a meaningful part of your organizations roster of
all-star performers.

Soft skills for your career

1. Communication

Why you need it: Both written and verbal communication skills are of utmost importance in the
workplace because they set the tone for how people perceive you. They also improve your chances
of building relationships with co-workers. Communication skills boost your performance because
they help you to extract clear expectations from your manager so that you can deliver excellent
work.

Why employers look for it: Workers are more productive when they know how to communicate with
their peers, says Robinson. If you can clearly express the who, what, when, where, why, and how of a
project, youll be a hot ticket.

How to gain it: One way to hone your communication and presentation skills is to join Toastmasters,
a national organization that offers public speaking workshops.
2. Teamwork

Why you need it: A companys success is rarely dependent on one person doing something all by
him/herself. Success is the result of many people working toward a common goal. When employees
can synthesize their varied talents, everyone wins. (Bonus: Having friends at work can also boost
your job satisfaction, a Gallup poll found.)

Why employers look for it: Employers look to team players to help build a friendly office culture,
which helps retain employees and, in turn attracts top talent. Furthermore, being able to collaborate
well with your co-workers strengthens the quality of your work.

How to gain it: To generate goodwill, lend a hand when you see a co-worker in need. (Hey, I know
you have a ton on your plate. How can I help?) Another way to build rapport is to cover for a
colleague while shes on vacation, says business etiquette and career coach Karen Litzinger.

3. Adaptability

Why you need it: Things dont always go as planned, and instead of digging in your heels, you need to
be able to pivot and find alternate solutions. Successful leaders are the ones who know how to be
flexible when problems arise, says Robinson.

Why employers look for it: The speed of change in any given workplace is so rapid, says Joel
Garfinkle, executive coach and author of Getting Ahead: Three Steps to Take Your Career to the Next
Level. Consequently, employers need workers who can adapt to industry shifts and keep the
company current.

How to gain it: Push yourself to be an early adopter of change. For example, adapting to technology
without mourning what used to be true yesterday is crucial for people to be seen as someone who is
capable of meeting new challenges, says Garfinkle. Inquire about training sessions and offer to
teach your co-workers what you learn.

4. Problem solving

Why you need it: When something goes wrong, you can either complain or take action. Tip: Its the
latter that will get you noticed. Knowing how to think on your feet can make you indispensable to an
employer.
Why employers look for it: Nothing is a given. Companies rely on problem solversa.k.a. their top
performersto navigate unexpected challenges.

How to gain it: Always approach your boss with a solution, not a problem, says Robinson. So when
an issue crops up, sit down and think through how youre going to address it before bringing it to
your boss attention.

5. Critical observation

Why you need it: Data doesnt mean much if you dont know how to interpret it. Is there a pattern
emerging? What else should you be looking for? Being a critical observer can help make you a better
worker all around.

Why employers look for it: Companies need critical thinkerspeople who bring a fresh perspective
and offer intuitive solutions and ideas to help the company get a leg up on the competition or
improve internal processes.

How to gain it: To be a critical observer, you need to be able to analyze information and put it to use.
One tactic is to try to identify patterns of behavior at work. For example, does your boss actually
read the weekly sales reports? What was her reaction to bad news in the staff meeting? Whats the
best time of day to approach your manager with a question? By observing how people respond to
the constant flow of information you can better understand the critical aspects of improving business
operations.

6. Conflict resolution

Why you need it: Any time you put more than one person into an organization, there is going to be
conflict, says Robinson. Its human nature. Therefore, being able to resolve issues with co-workers
will help you maintain relationships with peers and work more effectively.

Why employers want it: Being able to constructively work through disagreements with people is a
sure indicator of maturityas well as leadership potential. Someone like this helps to promote a
healthy, collaborative workplace.
How to gain it: The best way to resolve disagreements between co-workers is to address issues
directly but delicately. So, when stepping in as a mediator, let both parties air their grievances in a
judgment-free environment and then work together to find a solution.

7. Leadership

Why you need it: Having confidence and a clear vision can help influence your co-workers and get
them on board with your ideas now and in the future. Displaying such leadership skills helps you gain
visibility within an organization, which can lead to more opportunities for promotions or salary
bumps.

Why employers want it: Bosses and managers are always looking for employees with leadership
potential because those workers will one day be taking over the reins and building on the companys
legacy.

How to gain it: Being a leader isnt merely about getting people to do what you want. Leadership
means inspiring and helping others reach their full potential. One way to do that is to become the
internship supervisor, which gives you the opportunity to manage people, learn how to motivate a
team, and take on more responsibility.

Interpersonal Skills

Interpersonal skills are vital when seeking employment and may be the single most important factor
for many recruiters.

Interpersonal skills are the skills we use to interact with other people. Good interpersonal skills allow
you to participate effectively as a member of a team, satisfy customers and clients' expectations,
negotiate, make decisions, manage your time efficiently, take responsibility, and work effectively
with other employees. Well-honed interpersonal skills allow us to empathise and build rapport with
colleagues and clients, leading to a better working environment which can be less stressful.

Read more at:

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