We
all would like to know what skills we have so it can open help us with the
right career options, we also like to know how the skills we have work out for
us and to identify what skill or knowledge gaps that can be addressed with
further training.
What
are skills?
A skill is
the ability to do something. More important to know is that we are not born
with skills, we learn them as we go along - through life and work experiences
that we have.
You don’t always know something is a skill till
we do it’
A skill
varies from simplicity like tying a knot, or more complex, such as writing a
computer program. They may have been developed through work, study or training,
recreational and community activities, or in the home.
The
question that arises is do we know what skills we have? Do we know how to
present them during an interview or on our resume? Do you know what
employers are looking for?
Here's
the scoop. There are two types of skills.
Hard skills that are specific, unique, sometimes technical
activities that a person has acquired and can do well. These may include being
able to:
· do precise, detailed and accurate
work (i.e. carpenter)
· analyse, evaluate and solve problems
(i.e. accountant)
· drive vehicles and use equipment
(i.e. driver)
· organise and co-ordinate activities
and other people (i.e. coordinator)
· do repetitive tasks competently and
reliably (i.e. telephone operator)
· communicate clearly in writing and
orally (i.e. secretary or administrator)
·
sell
products or services (i.e. sales)
Soft skills
are qualities and strengths that are specific to the individual and are in
greater demand than job seekers believe. Every employer wants employees to have
these skills, and they make hiring decisions based on if the candidate has
them! If ignored, the candidate will not get hired. These may include
being able to:
· readily take responsibility
· persuade and influence others
· adapt easily to a wide range of
activities and unexpected changes
· perform work under stressful
conditions.
In
this day and age most employers when recruiting will look at the following
list:
· Personal chemistry with the
supervisor and other team members
· Commitment to life-long learning
· Relating to co-workers in a close
environment
· Being friendly with fellow employees,
supervisors, and customers
ARE
SOFT SKILLS HARD? ARE HARD SKILLS SOFT?
Let’s
start by defining some terms. According to Wikipedia, soft skills refer to the
“cluster of personality traits, social styles, and facility with language,
personal habits, friendliness, and optimism that mark people to varying
degrees.” Simply put, soft skills can be “likeability” or “how well you fit in”
factors. Some call them “people skills” and others simply think it’s all about
attitude. And, whether we like it or not, soft skills are probably going to
make or break in the search for the right job. So then, what are hard skills?
These can be the self-taught or acquired, technical skills learned in school,
on-the-job, or elsewhere that produce immediate, measurable results. That’s a
hard skill. It was learned and mastered, and it can be placed on a resume to “wow”
potential employers.
May
Some of the “Soft Skills” Need Softening? The answer is probably yes. Obtaining
and/or strengthening soft skills take on a completely different approach than
learning hard skills. Reading books, newspaper articles/ trade journals, and
attending conferences/networking mixers will definitely point us in the right
direction. Another great place to get started is in workshops offered by performance
enhancement organization these workshops could include:
· Interviewing skills
· Negotiations skills
· Managing accountability
· Employee performance reviews
Practice
Makes Perfect… Just like anything in life, some practice may go a long way.
Here are some quick and easy ways to help keep your soft skills soft:
1. Learn and Greet co-workers and/or
fellow team member by name each day.
2. Show up on time. Return promptly from
break.
3. Try to understand and embrace the
differences and diversity of people around you.
4. Make someone smile everyday.
5. Do something different at your break.
Hang out with someone you don’t know.
6. Start up a conversation with a
stranger.
7. Attend a variety of soft-skills
strengthening workshops like the ones listed above.
8. Introduce yourself to someone from another department.
9. Join a networking group.
Good
luck in softening up those soft skills, you’ll definitely harden up your hard
ones!