Standing Out: Why Soft Skills in the Workplace Matter

Have you ever felt like you missed out on a job, but can’t understand why? 

Technical or hard skills are tangible, easily defined and verifiable, but technical ability isn’t everything.

In the past, hard skills were the type most valued by employers. After all, they can be more clearly demonstrated and are easy to list on a resume.

But, hard skills aren’t always front of mind for employers anymore. 

Why you should highlight your soft skills in the workplace 

Soft skills are intangible; that is, you can’t see them at play. Rather, you get a sense of them.  

In contemporary times, soft skills are rising in importance in the eyes of employers. A Manpower survey of 2,000 US employers showed “61% of American companies rated such “soft” abilities as communication, collaboration and problem-solving as the most desired skills in prospective hires.” 

With ongoing developments in technology and the changing nature of the workforce today, these skills are essential. And because of this, and the need to remain employable long-term, it’s important to make sure prospective employers know about your competence with soft skills. 

This can be a blind spot, and It’s easy to get caught up with demonstrating hard skills to potential employers. but if you are really committed to moving up the ladder it requires a heavy focus on soft skills, like influence and internal selling. Making your soft skills clear to potential employers can give you the direction needed to land the opportunity you have been looking for.  

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Greg Weiss is Australia’s foremost outplacement and career support coach.

He has coached over 1,000 people to successfully relaunch, pivot, and accelerate their careers.

He also works with many of Australia’s leading employers to help employees during the risky and emotional times of transitioning into or out of an organisation.

Founder and Director of CareerSupport365, Greg’s expertise has helped everyone from early graduates to CEOs.

Greg has also written two books helping people solve career confusion and embark on new jobs and careers. See careersupport365.com and www.wtfisnext.wtf.