1. Top Ten Soft Skills Employers Seek In Candidates
Lori Hoyer
Director of Community Relations

2. What is a Soft Skill?
Soft Skills refer to a cluster of personal qualities, habits, attitudes and social graces that make someone a “good” employee and compatible to work with.

3. 1. Strong Work Ethic
Are you motivated and dedicated to getting the job done, no matter what? Will you be conscientious and do your best?
How to develop:
Arrive to work at least 15 minutes early
Maintain a professional demeanor at all times
Put a positive spin on negative comments
Take initiative
Honor you commitments
Do the job right the first time
Respect what others bring to the work environment
Go the extra mile

4. 2. Positive Attitude
Are you optimistic and upbeat? Will you generate good energy and good will?
How to develop:
Avoid perfectionism
Take a helpful approach
Focus on the future
Choose to be happy

5. 3. Good Communication Skills
Are you both verbally articulate and a good listener? Can you make your case and express your needs in a way that builds bridges with colleagues, customers and vendors?
How to develop
Make direct eye contact
Stay in tune with your body language
Use an appropriate volume
Practice

6. 4. Time Management Abilities
Do you know how to prioritize tasks and work on a number of different projects at once? Will you use your time on the job wisely?
How to develop:
Set goals
Write down daily actions
Make sure actions are focused, relevant and results oriented
Prioritize actions
Rethink your goals if your productivity begins to suffer

7. 5. Problem- Solving Skills
Are you resourceful and able to creatively solve problems that will arise? Will you take ownership of problems or leave them for someone else?
How to develop:
Gather all the facts
Brainstorm possible options and solutions
Consider pros and cons
Select the best option
Explain your decision to those involved

8. 6. Acting as a Team Player
Will you work well in groups and teams? Will you be cooperative and take a leadership role when appropriate?
How to develop:
Demonstrate reliability
Communicate constructively
Listen actively
Be an active participant
Share openly and willingly
Cooperate and pitch in to help
Exhibit flexibility
Commit to the team
Work as a problem solver
Treat others in a respectful manner

9. 7. Self-Confidence
Do you truly believe you can do the job? Will you project a sense of calm and inspire confidence in others? Will you have the courage to ask questions that need to be asked and to feely contribute your ideas?
How to develop:
Recognize your strengths
Don’t fear failure
Set attainable goals
Allow yourself to be imperfect
Review your achievements

10. 8. Ability to Accept and Learn From Criticism
Will you be able to handle criticism? Are you coachable and open to learning and growing as a person and as a professional?
How to develop?
Seek to learn from criticism
Respond to the suggestions
Value criticism
Don’t take it personally
Ignore false criticism

11. 9. Flexibility/Adaptability
Are you able to adapt to new situations and challenges? Will you embrace change and be open to new ideas?
How to develop:
Be aware of upcoming changes
Stay alert
Recognize the stages of change
Maintain open communication channels
Assess yourself
Stay optimistic

12. 10. Working Well Under Pressure
Can you handle stress that accompanies deadlines and crises? Will you be able to do your best work and come through in a pinch?
How to develop:
Plan ahead
Remain calm