0Now a days, people are more willing to take up several jobs in a variety of sectors under different employers. They want to paint their professional with variety. In such a scenario, flexible skill set is a must to have prospects in different jobs and/or sectors.
By flexible skill set we mean a set of skills which are not confined to a particular career path but are generic across all employment sectors. While education and experience makes you eligible to apply for a job, but to be successful in the role you need to exhibit certain trails, known as "Employability Skills".
This means that the specialist, technical skills associated with the jobs may be less important than the 'soft skills' that can be used in between different jobs. A major amount of focus of the employer lies in these skills because once the criteria for the post is fulfilled what differs an applicant from the other is these skills and their reciprocation play an essential role.
So what are these skills which have such a great impact on the selection procedure? Why these skills are “Must haves” in today's dynamic job market?
When we think of skills needed for a job, soft skills top the list which includes interpersonal skills, interaction skills, communication skills, art of presentation and persuasion. Well-honed interpersonal skills allow you to be a valuable part of a team, satisfy customers and clients expectations, to empathize and build rapport with colleagues and clients.
In soft skills, Communication Skills come handy. The ability to communicate both verbally and in writing with a wide range of people, maintain good eye contact, and write clearly and succinctly are all essential skills that employers seek out. Similarly, active listening skills involve not only hearing but gaining and understanding information. The ability to speak and write with clarity and conciseness is essential for managers.
Critical Thinking Skills: The ability to solve problems and make appropriate decisions are critical in any job, people with these skills are especially helpful in customer service positions.
Time Management Skills: The ability to be able to effectively plan and organize the job in hand to be done correctly in the first attempt, thus saving both time and money. Lifelong learners are always valued in organizations. In order to stay ahead of the competition, you need to constantly develop yourself.
Personal Development Skills: This is all about having the right attitude towards work and the organization you work for. Employers look for people who are keen to develop and learn.
Presentation Skills: Whether as an administrator, manager or executive, a good presentation skills is required to present ideas and findings to put to work. Presenting information clearly and effectively is a key skill to hone in the work place and required in almost every modern employment area.
Leadership: This is one of the utmost important qualities one must definitely possess. Leadership is the ability to influence others towards the achievement of goals. It is not about title which one has, it is about how you approach your job and how you influence people around to work under your vision and develop something mind blowing.
Analytical Skills: An understanding of numbers come handy because you will be dealing with enormous amount of data, statistics and graphs on a regular basis and a good knowledge helps to predict and sometime create an ever-lasting impact in the outcomes. This is surely a nice and easy way to come into limelight and emerge as a champion.
IT Skills: Presently every organization uses computers. So acquiring basic IT skills and being familiar with using computer may open up a wide range of employment opportunities and increase your marketability in the workplace.
Remember this - “85% of your financial success is due your personality and ability to communicate, negotiate and lead. Shockingly, only 15% is due to technical knowledge.” - Carnegie Institute of Technology
