Landing your dream job isn’t just about degrees, certifications, and experience. It also enters on soft skills, In fact, your soft skills can often be the deciding factor when HR makes the final decision between the three candidates on his/her short list. According to Stefanie Cross-Wilson, “Today, employers want to see a candidate’s ability to show value in the workplace beyond the job description. It’s the tangible skills, or core competencies, that get you in the door. It’s the soft skills that often get you the job.”

So, what are the top soft skills, companies are looking for today and how do I sell myself as having them?

The Skills

Leadership/Team Building

  • The ability to get along with, organize, and inspire others to join hands and row the boat together
  • Able to clearly see the picture, identify problems, and provide and implement solutions
  • Consistently maintaining an attitude of collaboration while still being true to personal principles

Work Ethic

  • Having the Ability to see the work that needs to be done, take the initiative, make a plan, and follow through – getting the work done on time, every time
  • A self-starter who is able to work on his/her own without constant supervision
  • Understands the power of “taking a break” but also can be depended upon to stay the extra hour(s) and make the deadline.

Communicator

  • The ability to write coherently
  • Able to give clear, concise verbal instructions, and present information in easily understood format’
  • A good listener who relates to other people, collaborates, and manages conflict.

Flexibility

  • The ability to wear many hats – sometimes within one day
  • Able to bend with unexpected changes and still accomplish the task

Computer Literacy

  • Basic understanding of computers, operating systems, software, internet, etc
  • In some cases, specific certifications

Project management skills

  • Able to manage people, processes, and projects
  • Ability to take an assignment, organize, plan, and complete on time, all the while managing the people needed to conduct the process, and complete the project – on time
  • Typical project management skills include organization, planning, self-management, and task completion.

Selling Your Skills

Pain Spotting

Taking the time to research the company and discover their pain spots. Why are they hiring someone for this position? Has there been extensive company growth, a merger or buyout, loss of good staff to competitors, etc. Once you know what the company’s “pain” is, you can customize your resume, video, interview presentation, etc. to meet that pain. Be relevant – fit your skills to the needs.

Storytelling
Share short, but powerful mini stories that outline how your talents were effective in previous job situations. Customize your stories to fit the company’s needs. Use a “human” voice – don’t come across dry and robotic.
Know your value. Be confident when sharing yourself – whether online or in person.

Taking time to develop and grow in your soft skills and then learning to present those skills effectively will help you secure that dream position.

As does connecting with Robbins Staffing. Always on the lookout for candidates who have the necessary soft skills and the ability to sell themselves, we specialize in connecting top quality candidates with our top quality clients. Contact us today for a consultation – we can make a difference in your job search.