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The Soft Touch

Oct 2, 2008
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One of the key qualities that employers look for in applicants is soft skills. What are these nebulous skills that are so important? Soft skills include attitude, communication skills, leadership abilities, character, business acumen, flexibility -- and on and on. For a longer list, check out "On the Up" at http://blog.ontheup.org/2008/03/31/identifying-soft-skills-for-the-social-innovation-camp/. Soft skills are the skills, characteristics, and personal attributes that are hard to define and even harder to teach. Employers can teach you the basics of their business and help you develop your technical expertise in the area of interest; however, they have less ability and even less time to teach you the nuances of interpersonal communication, coping skills, and the other intangibles that will make you a valued employee.

How can you develop and demonstrate soft skills, you ask? First of all, seek out opportunities for different experiences -- volunteering in the community, shadowing a professional in your target field, participating in cross-cultural groups, managing projects for classes and internships. The wider the variety of your experiences, the more skills you will develop. Then, be sure to focus your resume and cover letter to showcase your accomplishments -- not merely participation but quantifiable achievements, where possible.

NO: Participated in sorority for 4 years.

YES: Developed management and leadership skills by leading sorority fundraising committee.

NO: Spent a semester studying abroad in Spain.

YES: Polished interpersonal communication and conflict negotiation skills during 2-week homestay portion of study abroad in Spain.

When all else is equal (and sometimes when it isn't), employers will choose the candidate with top-notch soft skills over the candidate with top-notch technical skills. Make sure you demonstrate your "soft touch" during the job search process!