Currently job searching? Did you know that your hard skills, or the technical skills that the work requires, are only part of the story? Soft skills, which make you a better team member and leader, also play a vital role in landing the job. No matter what industry you’re interested in, here are six soft skills that can help with your job hunt.
Adaptability
As we all learned during the pandemic, there are never any guarantees. Everything you think you know about work can flip in a moment. This means that adaptability is crucial. Employers want to know that you can go with the flow, whether that means shifting to remote work or changing your job duties to help keep things moving. Being able to quickly adapt is especially in the first 100 days of your employment. If you’re job is a new position, requirements may change as you progress through defining what the job responsibilities may be. This may be especially important for temp jobs and gigs where well-defined responsibilities are not established.
Problem-solving
No matter what role you’re in, occasional problems are inevitable. The ability to take in conflicting information, sort through it, and use critical thinking skills to solve the problem is incredibly valuable. You don’t need to know everything. A huge part of problem-solving is knowing where to find answers to the questions that arise.
Communication
Whether you’re a manager or a team member, you’ll need to be able to communicate effectively with others. This includes everything from giving your input during meetings to explaining where you are on a particular project. And remember, communication isn’t just talking. It also includes the ability to actively listen to others and take their feedback into consideration. As it is with showing recognition and accomplishment, expressing gratitude for your position, the company, and your coworkers, goes a long way towards encouraging communication and developing teamwork.
Teamwork
You might be working on a production line or collaborating on a new project with someone in a different department. Either way, you need to be a great member of the team. You should know how to work with people from different backgrounds and points of view, how to build consensus, and how to share the spotlight. Even if you’re a machine operator with minimal contact or interaction with others, soft skills are valuable and will enhance your career.
Self-awareness
We all have strengths and weaknesses. Knowing what yours are, and how to compensate for your limitations can go a long way at any company. You should also have a basic understanding of how you carry yourself, the words and actions you choose, and how those things fit together to create your work persona.
Monica Guillory, Surestaff’s SVP of People & Culture says, “Understanding your strengths, weaknesses, and capabilities help improve your focus. It is more difficult to be ‘self-aware’ than many people think”.
Desire to Learn
Great employees don’t just want to do the same thing forever. They’re hungry to learn and grow, and to take on new challenges. If you’re curious and eager to know more, you can find success nearly anywhere. If you have no experience, then this desire to learn is a soft skill many employers want to see in candidates.
Ready for a new job?
If you think a new role could be in your future, consider searching with SURESTAFF! We can help you find a light industrial position in Illinois, Indiana, or Wisconsin.
