10 Soft Skills You Need to Master Now

Your experience and hard skills might get you initially noticed by employers, but it’s your soft skills that will advance your career.

If you’re seeking to get a leg up in your current job or find a better opportunity, it’s important to realize that 77 percent of employers believe soft skills are just as important as hard skills. Employers desire well-rounded employees who are motivated, enthusiastic, and committed to performance in the workplace.

Here are 10 soft skills to master:

1. Positive attitude.

Employers want to hire people who are pleasant to work with and bring uplifting energy to the workplace. According to Millennial Branding, 84 percent of companies look for candidates who have a positive attitude.

2. A great work ethic.

Your hard work and dedication will take you far in the workplace. In fact, 73 percent of companies value strong work ethic as one of their top soft skills.

3. Excellent communication skills.

Eighty-three percent of employers value communication skills in the workplace. Whether you’re a writer by trade or not, you need be able to send well-written emails and deliver solid presentations.

4. Be dependable.

When 73 percent of employers seek dependable candidates during the hiring process, make sure you never let your boss or coworkers down.

5. Ability to work in a team.

Regardless of the type of job you have, there will probably be a time when you have to work in a team and collaborate with others. According to Millennial Branding, 74 percent of employers desire candidates who can work in a team.

6. Motivate yourself.

Motivation is another important soft skill to possess because it increases your productivity and morale at work. Sixty-six percent of employers value individuals who are self-motivated.

7. Strong organizational skills.

Fifty-seven percent of employers desire candidates who can stay organized at work and manage multiple priorities. If you want move forward in your career, show your employer you’re able to stay on top of your projects, deadlines, and daily tasks.

8. Be flexible.

Flexibility is an important quality to have in the workplace because it allows you to be prepared for anything and adapt to changes. Half of employers believe it’s important for employees to be flexible at work.

9. Handle pressure.

Sometimes work can be difficult or stressful, which is why 57 percent of employers look for people who are able to work well under pressure.

10. Confidence is key.

There are a number of reasons 46 percent of employers value confidence in the workplace. Whether it’s being confident enough to share ideas or lead a team, this is another important quality to have.

What soft skills do you believe are important in the workplace?

Image Courtesy of Bigstock

About Heather R. Huhman:

Heather R. Huhman is a career expert, experienced hiring manager, and founder & president of Come Recommended, a content marketing and digital PR consultancy for job search and human resources technologies. She is also the instructor of Find Me A Job: How To Score A Job Before Your Friends, author of Lies, Damned Lies & Internships (2011) and #ENTRYLEVELtweet: Taking Your Career from Classroom to Cubicle (2010), and writes career and recruiting advice for numerous outlets. Follow Heather below to receive all her articles!