Soft Skills  Ability to interact and communicate positively and productively with others.  Sometimes called “character skills”  Relates attitudes and outlooks on life  Learned as we grow up  Often not directly taught in schools  Difficult to explain, but we know when we see effective “soft skills”

HardSkills  Specific skills, task or job oriented  Technical skills & academic skills  Easy to define  Observable  Measurable by performance, tests or quizzes  Directly taught in schools

Soft versus Hard Skills  Soft skills make us teachable Able to work and share with others Ready to learn & work  Hard skills let us get things done Performance based Focus is on accomplishments We need BOTH soft and hard skills!

Employers Say…  Soft skills are as important as hard skills  Can teach hard skills to those with soft skills  Probably cannot teach soft skills on-the-job  Hard skills/technical skills do not matter without soft skills

What do YOU think?  Before we go forward, what skills or qualities do you think are most important?  Take out a piece of paper and write down your top five.  Feel free to discuss it with a partner if you wish.  When everyone is done, we will review what a recent national survey said.

Number1  PositiveAttitude Cheerful Upbeat “Can Do” Attitude Sense of humor

Number2  Communication Skills Written Verbal

Number3  Computer skills Keyboarding Office applications Multi-Media Internet Web Design Graphics

Number4  Strong Work Ethic Honest day’s work Work smart Efficient On-time Commitment Complete tasks

Number5  Honesty & Integrity Does not lie, cheat, or steal Gives a day’s work for a day’s wages Doesn’t make personal phone calls

Number6  Punctuality Be on time Don’t take long breaks Return from breaks & lunch on time

Number7  Flexible and adaptable Ready to make changes Adapt quickly & easily Cooperative

Number8  Problem Solving Skills Creative Open minded Practical Helpful

Number9  Interpersonal Skills Kind Friendly Relates to others Treats others as they would want to be treated

Number10  Team Work Respectful Collaborative Cooperative Sharing Contributive Accomplishes Goals

Number11  Initiative & Motivation Self-starter Opposite of lazy Self-directed Self-motivated Looks for things to do

Number12  Loyalty Speaks well of others Positive about organization Positive about job Keep confidential information confidential

How About You?  In which of these areas do YOU stand out?  What are some of the areas in which you could improve?  Would YOU hire you?