How to find the right job for you with qualifications and experience in your field of expertise will go a long way toward your success… unless your last performance review read, “Does not play well with others”.
We get it. You didn’t go into civil engineering to make tjommies; you chose a career for job satisfaction and financial security. And now you find yourself surrounded by actual people, and it’s exhausting!
Instead of wondering how to find the right job with minimal interpersonal dealings, let’s look at how to develop skills that will stand you in good stead to help you land any job that you truly want.
They’re called “soft skills” and they’re kind of a big deal
Hot on the heels of the Emotional Intelligence (EQ) movement, which swept across LinkedIn and brought waves of change to companies worldwide, the term ‘soft skills’ is one of the latest buzz phrases to bring change to how we approach work-life balance and team success.
Among many, there are 7 key soft skills that we’ve identified as crucial to the ongoing success of teams and individual members. These are skills that reportedly now matter more to employers than actual technical qualifications – let that sink in:
Adaptability
In this day and age, change is inevitable, and the ability to move with change is seen as a formidable strength. Employers and managers rely on people who are flexible in the face of sudden changes, and who are also able to wear different hats within the company when the need arises.
Work Ethic
With more teams now working remotely or flexible hours, it falls to employees to ensure that their work ethic is solidly in place. Employers are becoming less concerned with hours, and more concerned with outcomes and client satisfaction. Show up, and you’ll get noticed.
Communication skills
Effective communication, both verbally and in writing, is a powerful asset to have, as employers value and appreciate the ability to communicate the why, when, where, how and what of a project, in a way that team members can understand and in a way that is received well and with respect. Communication relies on verbal and writing skills, body language, facial expressions and tone, and the ability to listen.
Teamwork
While many prefer to work alone, the greatest successes occur when entire teams come together, working toward one single objective. If you’re going to spend more than half your life at work, you may as an attempt to build positive relationships with the people around you – employers value this trait, as company culture affects every aspect of business and, ultimately, the bottom line.
Problem Solving
In the words of American psychologist, Abraham Maslow, “If you only have a hammer, you tend to see every problem as a nail.” Creative and effective problem-solving is a skill that takes guts and practice and is highly regarded by managers and employers, who have enough on their plates already. It’s said that if you really want to prove yourself to your superior, approach them with a solution before they’ve even noticed the problem.
Leadership qualities
We’re not talking about mini-bosses charging all over the place trying to run the show. It’s absolutely possible to be a leader, without being in any position of leadership. Employers admire a worker who can build sturdy and trustworthy relationships with peers, relationships that turn into positive influence and inspiration. True leadership doesn’t require a title.
Conflict management
Any workplace is a mixing pot of personalities, values, cultures and preconceived ideas – sooner or later, someone is going to upset someone else. Displaying conflict management means not getting sucked into the emotional debates, calmly listening to all parties, and making mature efforts at addressing disagreements. Managers respect the ability to remain diplomatic intense environments.
These all sound like self-development programs…?
Exactly.
These are the skills that will get you noticed not just for your technical skills, but for who you are as a person… and people don’t forget people. If you’re wondering how to find the right job, start by turning yourself into the right candidate. You can develop soft skills by completing courses in leadership, coaching, and mentorship, conflict resolution, problem-solving, or building a strong team.
Soft skills are the kind of skills that you will be able to use in every aspect of your life, for the rest of your life. Don’t stop learning!
