Soft & Transferable Skills

Soft Skills These are character traits and interpersonal skills that characterize a person’s relationships with other people Have more to do with who we are than what we know Include personal qualities, habits, attitudes and social graces Decide how well we interact with others

Soft Skills Statistics 93% of U.S. employers say soft skills are “weighed more heavily” when looking at job candidates than a candidate’s academic credentials 80% of workers age 18 to 34 believe they are "job ready and possess all the skills, experience and education needed to advance in their desired career path or obtain their next job." Only 16% of 18-34 year-olds surveyed see soft skills as necessary for career advancement. In other words, 84% of potential employees don’t value the skills that 93% of employers want! Wakefield Research

What Employers say about Soft Skills "Job-seekers need to start marketing themselves based on the skills, competencies and traits employers need and value most.” “I would say that they [college graduates] are falling short in knowing how to work as part of a team, conflict resolution and just overall communications” 47% of employers think young workers have a poor work ethic A National Association of Colleges and Employers report identified the ability to make decisions, solve problems, and communicate effectively with diverse groups of people among those qualities most prized by employers. From: Employers find applicants soft on 'soft skills‘ & College Graduates Suffer From a Lack of "Soft Skills"

Soft Skills Generally broken down into two categories: Interpersonal attributes Working with others Personal attributes Working on our own

Examples of Interpersonal Attributes Working with others Empathy Leadership Communication Teamwork Good manners Ability to teach others Works well with diversity Self-confidence

Examples of Personal Attributes Working on your own Optimism Responsibility Integrity Time management Motivation Common sense Flexibility Problem solving Willing to learn

Soft Skills Traditionally one of the most difficult things to teach The most common reason for: Not hiring Not promoting Focus on your soft skills and practice using them: At school At your part-time job With your family and friends For performance evaluations

It is often said that technical skills will get you an interview, but you need soft skills to get and keep the job!

Soft Skills Complete your soft skills inventory and be ready to discuss.