Soft Skills for Employability

JOSH BHARAT NEWS|BIHAR

Soft  Skills  for  Employability

AUTHOR
DR. PRALAYANKAR KUMAR SINGH
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, ENGLISH
GAYA COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

GAYA

The LinkedIn Global Talent Trends Report (2019 & 2020) mentions that 89% of recruiters say when a hire doesn’t work out, it’s usually because of a lack of soft skills, not technical competence. It alludes that gone are the days when it was believed that one’s hard skills would get an interview or job. In today's competitive job market, technical proficiency alone is no longer sufficient to guarantee success. Better customer service is the key to success for an organisation. Employers increasingly seek candidates with a diverse set of abilities that extend beyond knowledge and technical skills. These abilities, often referred to as "soft skills", play a crucial role in securing a job and contributing to long-term career success. While technical expertise and qualifications remain important, soft skills often serve as the differentiating factor between candidates with similar qualifications.   The absence of soft skills makes it extremely difficult for a person to get a job or sustain themselves at the workplace.

Soft skills, often known as "people skills" or "interpersonal skills", are a collection of attributes and traits that help individuals interact effectively and harmoniously with others. Unlike hard skills, which are specific to a particular job or industry and can be learnt through formal education or training, soft skills are broader in scope and related to how individuals communicate, collaborate, solve problems, and adapt to various situations. Soft skills are complementary in honing the hard skills of a job seeker. One needs soft skills to develop and maintain good relationships with the employers, seniors, peers, subordinates, clients and customers in one’s professional career. At the outset of the career, hard skills may weigh higher in getting an assignment, but when it comes to advancing in an organisation, employees with a good set of soft skills have an edge because several employees with similar hard skills compete for a position.

Soft skills mainly include communication skills, teamwork, emotional intelligence, critical thinking, creativity, problem-solving, decision-making, leadership, adaptability, time management, conflict resolution, stress management, life-long learning, etc. The ability to convey information clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing. National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) Job Outlook Survey 2023 confirms that employers rate communication skills, collaboration, teamwork and problem solving as the most desirable skills.

During the hiring process, candidates are often evaluated not only on their resumes but also on how they present themselves in interviews. The ability to communicate clearly, express enthusiasm, and demonstrate professionalism in an interview can leave a lasting impression on hiring managers or interviewers. Candidates with strong interpersonal skills are more likely to create a positive first impression, which can greatly enhance their chances of being selected for the role.

Most jobs today require individuals to work in teams, often with people from diverse backgrounds and areas of expertise. Employers are looking for candidates who can collaborate fruitfully, communicate their ideas effectively, and contribute to a positive team dynamic. Soft skills such as active listening, empathy, and conflict resolution are key to working well with others and fostering a collaborative work environment. Moreover, cultural fit is a crucial consideration for employers. While hard skills can be trained, soft skills such as adaptability and emotional intelligence are essential for adapting to an organisation's culture. Candidates who demonstrate the ability to align with the organisation's values and work well within its culture are often viewed as more desirable hires.

Soft skills such as critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving are essential in today’s fast-paced and dynamic work environments. Employers seek candidates who can think outside the box, approach challenges from different perspectives, and come up with innovative solutions. Strong problem-solving skills enable employees to address obstacles proactively and ensure that projects move forward smoothly. Additionally, decision-making is an important aspect of many roles, whether it involves selecting the best approach to a task or choosing between competing priorities. Candidates who can demonstrate good judgement, rational thinking, and the ability to make decisions under pressure are highly valued by employers.

While not every employee needs to be in a managerial position, employers look for individuals who demonstrate leadership potential. Leadership is not just about overseeing others; it involves the ability to take initiative, motivate others, and guide teams toward achieving goals. Employees who show leadership qualities, such as accountability, responsibility, and vision, can stand out in the hiring process. Furthermore, a candidate who exhibits strong emotional intelligence and the ability to handle interpersonal challenges is often seen as a natural leader. Self-awareness is a key component of emotional intelligence. Regularly seek feedback from colleagues, mentors, and managers to identify areas for improvement. Take time to reflect on your strengths and weaknesses, and make an effort to address any gaps in your soft skills. These soft skills are essential for managing teams, motivating colleagues, and fostering a positive work environment. The World Economic Forum report on the Future of Jobs 2020 & 2023 categorises ‘analytical thinking, emotional intelligence and leadership qualities’ as top soft skills needed in 2025 and beyond.

This era is dominated by effective communication. Effective communication remains one of the most important soft skills in the workplace. It enables individuals to express their ideas clearly, listen actively, and collaborate with others efficiently. Listening is a vital aspect of effective communication. To improve your communication skills, practice active listening—paying full attention to the speaker, asking clarifying questions, and summarising key points. This not only helps you understand others better but also builds trust. Strong communicators are better able to build relationships, influence others, and navigate workplace challenges. For example, an employee with strong communication skills can manage client relationships effectively, present ideas persuasively, and give and receive feedback constructively. These abilities are essential for career growth and leadership opportunities.

The modern workplace is constantly evolving, with new technologies, processes, and business models emerging all the time. Employees who possess adaptability and a willingness to learn are better equipped to handle these changes. Soft skills such as curiosity, open-mindedness, and a growth mindset enable individuals to stay ahead of the curve and remain valuable in an ever-changing job market. In addition, employees who are adaptable are more likely to thrive in situations that require them to shift priorities quickly, handle new responsibilities, or learn new skills. In today’s job market, where industries can undergo rapid transformations, these qualities are highly prized.

Building a strong professional network is essential for career growth. Soft skills such as networking, empathy, and relationship-building can help individuals establish meaningful connections with colleagues, mentors, and industry professionals. These connections can provide valuable opportunities for career advancement, whether through recommendations, job referrals, or collaborative projects. Employers also value employees who can build positive relationships with clients, suppliers, and other external stakeholders. This ability to foster trust and communicate effectively is crucial in maintaining long-term partnerships and driving business success.

While some individuals may have a natural inclination towards certain soft skills, the good news is that these skills can be developed and refined over time. Individuals can improve their soft skills and increase their employability by mastering communication skills, practising problem-solving and critical thinking, taking leadership opportunities, organising team-building activities, and embracing lifelong learning. To inculcate these skills, individuals may take courses, browse online resources, attend workshops and webinars and read books on soft skills development. McKinsey & Company’s 2021 report titled “Defining the Skills Citizens Will Need in the Future World of Work” suggests that cognitive skills, self-leadership skills and interpersonal skills will matter for future job success.

To stay competitive and succeed in the globalised job market, soft skills are highly sought after. While hard skills may open the door to job opportunities, it is the ability to communicate, collaborate, adapt, learn, solve problems and motivate that will ultimately determine long-term success. Employers increasingly value candidates who possess strong soft skills, for they contribute to a positive work environment, enhance productivity, and drive innovation. As the workplace continues to evolve, individuals who invest in developing their soft skills will be better equipped to navigate challenges, foster meaningful relationships, and achieve career advancement. By focusing on communication, emotional intelligence, adaptability, and leadership, job seekers and professionals alike can increase their chances of securing employment and building a successful career in today’s dynamic job market.