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What Soft Skills Do You Need for Your Career?

“Which Soft Skills Do I Need for My Job?”

It’s a question job seekers ask our recruiters all the time. Regardless of your industry or job function, soft skills are essential to landing a position – and thriving in it once hired. These traits allow you to work well as a functioning member of a team and include things like:

  • Communication. Most roles require you to communicate professionally and efficiently with others, whether that communication is verbal, written, or both.
  • Listening. Active listening skills allow you to follow directions, address concerns, uncover needs, and do your job well.
  • Problem-solving. When challenges arise, the ability to assess a situation and develop a plan to effectively address it (without getting paralyzed by indecision) is important in a variety of job categories.
  • Accountability. Doing what you say you will do (when you say you’ll do it) and taking responsibility for your actions are both important components of career success.
  • Empathy. This is the ability to “step into someone else’s shoes” and understand their feelings, without letting them impact your own.
  • Emotional Intelligence. Commonly referred to as EQ, emotional intelligence allows you to accurately interpret other people’s emotions and adjust your approach and/or response accordingly.

“Why Are Soft Skills Important to Career Success?”

In today’s workplace, technical skills will help you complete tasks, but soft skills build a foundation for interpersonal success. For example, an administrative assistant can have the best software and typing skills in Middle Tennessee – but without effective communication and listening skills, they won’t be able to serve their boss or external customers well.

And while you may increasingly rely on technology to interact with others at work, you probably still often want or need to communicate with other humans. Soft skills give you an edge in building relationships, helping others, effectively solving problems, and working well as part of a team.

Top Soft Skills for Popular Jobs

Administrative Jobs

  • Listening skills
  • Verbal and written communication
  • Attention to detail
  • Accountability
  • Empathy
  • Patience
  • Flexibility

Industrial & Warehouse Jobs

  • Listening skills
  • Dependability
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Safety consciousness
  • Teamwork
  • Accountability

Accounting Jobs

  • Multitasking
  • Leadership
  • Verbal and written communication
  • Empathy
  • Emotional intelligence
  • Problem-solving skills

Information Technology Jobs

  • Verbal and written communication skills
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Curiosity
  • Teamwork
  • Accountability
  • Flexibility

Management & Professional Jobs

  • Verbal and written communication
  • Listening skills
  • Empathy
  • Emotional Intelligence
  • Leadership
  • Coaching abilities
  • Adaptability

Need a job where you can put your hard and soft skills to good use?

Find a job that truly suits you by connecting with one of our recruiters. We can help you:

  • Access jobs that complement your personality and soft skills.
  • Identify assignments and positions to help you develop your soft skills.
  • Match you to Middle Tennessee employers where you will be naturally poised for career success.
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