Essential Soft Skills

The term "soft skills" describe a person’s non-technical skills and abilities. Besides professional skills, employers look for core employability skills.


Employers are likely to perceive soft skills as sometimes more important than professional skills probably because they feel that professional skills can be brought up to acceptable levels far more quickly. CEOs and HR managers are, therefore, ready to hire persons who demonstrate a high level of soft skills and then train them for the specific jobs available.


Subjects like financial management, marketing management and HR management can be taught in the classroom or can be studied at home. But soft skills are acquired and experienced and cannot be developed by merely reading textbooks.


The list of essential soft skills given below is a basic list. Focus on the four or five soft skills you are best at and try your best to emphasize or project them in your interview. Find a way to relate each of these skills to the position you are applying for, as well as the company's needs.

·        Honesty

·        Integrity

·        Reliability/ Dependability

·        Team & Interpersonal skills

·        Disciplined and ability to follow regulations

·        Self Discipline

·        Flexibility

·        Adaptability

·        Energetic

·        Punctuality

·        Good and positive work ethic

·        Good attitude

·        Willingness to learn

·        Good communication skills including writing, speaking and listening

·        Common sense

·        Confidence

·        Good personal appearance

·        Motivational skills

·        Readiness to take instruction and responsibility

·        Ability and willingness to take the lead

·        Conflict management

·        Creativity

·        Problem solving ability

·        Diplomacy

·        Negotiating skills

·        Decision making ability

Illustrate your skills with examples - Say you want to show that you have Team Skills. Talk about the seminar in which you managed the invitees. How you worked with a group of co-organizers and made it a success.

We'll keep posting case studies for you to read.