Soft Skills

Ability to interact and communicate positively and productively with others.

Sometimes called “character skills”

Relates attitudes and outlooks on life

Learned as we grow up

Often not directly taught in schools

Difficult to explain, but we know when we see effective “soft skills”

HardSkills

Specific skills, task or job oriented Technical skills & academic skills Easy to define Observable Measurable by performance, tests

or quizzes Directly taught in schools

Soft versus Hard Skills

Soft skills make us teachable• Able to work and share with others• Ready to learn & work

Hard skills let us get things done• Performance based• Focus is on accomplishments

We need BOTH soft and hard skills!

Employers Say…

Soft skills are as important as hard skills

Can teach hard skills to those with soft skills

Probably cannot teach soft skills on-the-job

Hard skills/technical skills do not matter without soft skills

What do YOU think?

Before we go forward, what skills or qualities do you think are most important?

Take out a piece of paper and write down your top five.

Feel free to discuss it with a partner if you wish.

When everyone is done, we will review what a recent national survey said.

Number1

PositiveAttitude• Cheerful• Upbeat• “Can Do” Attitude• Sense of humor

Number2

Communication Skills• Written

• Verbal

Number3

Computer skills• Keyboarding• Office

applications• Multi-Media• Internet• Web Design• Graphics

Number4

Strong Work Ethic• Honest day’s work• Work smart• Efficient• On-time• Commitment• Complete tasks

Number5

Honesty & Integrity• Does not lie, cheat,

or steal• Gives a day’s work

for a day’s wages

• Doesn’t make personal phone calls

Number6

Punctuality• Be on time• Don’t take long

breaks• Return from

breaks & lunch on time

Number7

Flexible and adaptable• Ready to make

changes• Adapt quickly

& easily• Cooperative

Number8

Problem Solving Skills• Creative• Open minded• Practical• Helpful

Number9

Interpersonal Skills• Kind• Friendly• Relates to others• Treats others as

they would want to be treated

Number10

Team Work• Respectful• Collaborative• Cooperative• Sharing• Contributive

• Accomplishes Goals

Number11

Initiative & Motivation• Self-starter• Opposite of lazy• Self-directed• Self-motivated• Looks for things to do

Number12

Loyalty• Speaks well of others• Positive about

organization• Positive about job

• Keep confidential information confidential

How About You?

In which of these areas do YOU stand out?

What are some of the areas in which you could improve?

Would YOU hire you?