1. HOW SHARP ARE YOUR SOFT SKILLS?
Christina L. Herman
Director of Student Services & Career Development

2. What are Soft Skills?
“The greatest ability in business is to get along with others and influence their actions!”
~ John Hancock

3. Hard Skills vs. Soft Skills?
Hard Skills (Specific)
Soft Skills
Back up a truck without hitting anything!
Teamwork
Write Reports
Optimistic
Computer Skills
Friendly Attitude
Write Directions
Reporting to work on time

4. Emphasizing Soft Skills...
TEAMWORK – Sharing is important. Helping others and seeking help when needed. Working together. Fitting in.
COMMUNICATION SKILLS – Have you noticed that effective communication is often the key ingredient to success? Ability to speak, read and write – critical! Be aware of your body language too.

5. INTERPERSONAL SKILLS - Effectively communicating, building rapport and relationships with all kinds of people.
PROBLEM SOLVING ABILITY - Tackling new challenges - solving problems quickly and efficiently. (Outside the Box thinker!)
LEADERSHIP SKILLS – Be the lead on a project or assist in mentoring team member.

6. INTEGRITY/HONESTY – doing the right thing because it’s the right thing to do - being a trustworthy person
SELF DISCIPLINE/CONFIDENCE– Being able to manage what we do, learn from experience, ask questions, make mistakes, correct mistakes and accept direction/criticism.
CUSTOMER SERVICE can be someone purchasing a product or for your expertise

7. Be On Your Way To Success...
Always ask for feedback from others to improve
Be courteous/positive
Don’t mix verbal and nonverbal messages
Listen carefully
Practice brevity
Show enthusiasm
Ask lots of questions
Be specific and clear

8. “Demonstrating Soft Skills” Activity...