What common soft skills do job seekers need?


Quick Answer

Generally, job seekers need soft skills such as time management, emotional intelligence, focus, creativity and drive. They must have the analytical and problem-solving skills to evaluate different issues and come up with solutions. Other important skills are to communicate well with others, to naturally adapt to change and to approach team environments with a cooperative mindset.

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Full Answer

“Soft skills” are transferrable abilities that help workers handle interpersonal exchanges well in any environment, regardless of industry or profession. Some skills are specifically related to a job seeker’s internal character, such as confidence, passion and positivity, but they also improve productivity and interactions in the workplace overall. For example, a job seeker who speaks authoritatively and has a confident demeanor is more attractive to job interviewers and more effective at persuading clients or colleagues.

Problem-solving skills are important to potential employers because they need workers to learn quickly and overcome operational challenges. They expect job candidates to have strong analytical skills, so they can think logically to solve problems. To avoid conflicts between workers, job seekers should know how to contribute ideas to a team without complaining or criticizing others. Time management and self-discipline skills are also essential for workers to focus on multiple tasks without constant supervision. Job seekers need flexibility to demonstrate that they can adapt to unexpected changes and are able to transition into more demanding roles.

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