Five Soft Skills Employers Value

You can be the next Albert Einstein, but your brains will get you nowhere if you don't know how to talk to people. This ability to get along well with others is known as a soft skill. Soft skills are considered the personality traits and interpersonal skills that enhance a person's ability to build relationships with others effectively. Hard skills, on the other hand, are measurable and typically obtained through formal education. Employers want to know that a potential new hire can complete the essential duties of their job and get along well with their colleagues. Below are five examples of soft skills that will impress any employer. 

1. Negotiation

Negotiation is a soft skill that allows two sides of an issue to come to a compromise. It is a delicate art that cannot be learned by simply reading a book. It takes years of practice to perfect and is an invaluable skill to have. While some people negotiate every day at work, others use tools like negotiations training to get their feet wet. Employees can use negotiation in several industries, including law, sales, and real estate. Whatever your path, the art of negotiation is something that will take you far.

2. Leadership

Despite what you may think, a leader is not always in the spotlight, nor does he need to know the answer to every question. A good leader is someone who can listen well, empower teammates, and manage disagreement. A good leader is a person who can set goals and follow through on achieving them. They have learned discipline, follow-through, and accountability. 

3. Problem-Solving

A good problem-solver can think dynamically about a problem to find the best solution to an issue. A person who excels at problem-solving is typically solution-focused. Concentrating on the issue tends to create a negativity loop and slow the problem-solving process. It is easy to get bogged down in minute details of a problem, follow long lines of questioning, and get off track. This process is known as "analysis paralysis." Keep it simple, define the problem, get back to the basics about what needs to be solved, and start with the most straightforward solutions. 

4. Active Listening

Did you know there is more than one type of listening? Listening can be achieved both passively and actively. A passive listener does not provide feedback or indicate that they understand what the speaker is trying to convey. An active listener uses body language and vocalizes that they understand by asking questions or summarizing what the other person says. Active listening shows the person you are communicating with that you are engaged, interested, and understand. 

5. Humility

There is a fine line between practicing humility and allowing yourself to be humiliated. When it comes to soft skills, what is meant by humility is twofold. One aspect involves being able to admit when you're wrong. If you find yourself in a conversation realizing your original stance was incorrect, don't double down. Admit that you may have been off base, as it shows that you have an open mind to new ideas. Another aspect of humility involves the knowledge that there is always more to be learned. Even if you are an expert in your field, you will become stagnant and stunt your personal and professional growth if you're not willing to continue learning.

Soft skills are arguably as essential as hard skills. If you can list examples of your ability to problem-solve, negotiate and take on a leadership role, you'll be a step ahead of others. Display your active listening skills during your interview, and your potential employer will be impressed with your ability to engage them in conversation. And always prepare yourself for the age-old interview question, "Describe a time when you made a mistake or were wrong." If you can identify such an instance and describe your ability to navigate the situation successfully, you'll show that you're a master at soft skills and will be a solid member of their team.