Your hard skills might be what gets noticed on your resume, but your soft skills are what sets you apart from the rest of the competition. Hiring managers will scan your resume to see if you have the right training and education, the proper coding or project management skills, and the amount of experience they’re looking for. But when you interview and chat with those hiring managers in person, it’s critical to show off your soft skills.
Here are four soft skills that might land you your dream job.
Ambition
No employer wants to hire someone who doesn’t want to work hard, learn more and get better, and move up in the world. They want to hire people who will tackle new challenges, problem solve independently, develop their skills, and strive to achieve goals. Mention goals that you’ve accomplished in the past and talk about your short-term and long-term career goals. Be enthusiastic and highlight your passion for your industry and your career.
Positive attitude
Work can be pretty stressful sometimes, and employers are looking for people who can handle that stress and who won’t get overwhelmed by obstacles and setbacks. Instead, they’re looking for employees who can be positive even in the face of adversity and who will work to persevere and achieve goals no matter what. Attitudes are contagious, so the impact of your attitude is even greater than you realize. If you exude energy and optimism, your coworkers will soon feel that way, too.
Flexibility
Roll with the punches and accept change. Change happens. Your responsibilities might change, you might get a new supervisor, your company starts using new software, or you might have to move your workstation. Whatever the change is, you need to show that you can handle it and even embrace it. Describe some times in your previous jobs when you’ve had to change. Talk about how you dealt with it and what you learned from it.
Team player
No matter what industry you’re in, collaboration is essential. Everyone has unique strengths and skills and responsibilities that are important to the collective good. Even if most of your work is done independently, your company has goals that rely on everyone’s contributions to achieve them.
Find your dream job today
SSi People is committed to matching skilled and talented jobseekers to the job and company that’s best suited for them. For help navigating your job search, crafting your resume, and preparing for interviews, contact our team today.