What skills do job candidates need in today’s dynamic work environment? There are two types of skills: hard and soft. Hard skills can be clearly defined and measured, while soft skills are much less tangible.
Hard skills are the specific knowledge and abilities required for a particular job, such as technical skills that are learned through education and training. Soft skills are those personal qualities that help you to succeed in the workplace.
Think of soft skills as the 4 C’s: communication, collaboration, creativity and critical thinking. Because if you don’t get along with others, can’t work well as part of a team, and aren’t able to think creatively and critically, it won’t matter how talented you are.
In many cases it’s not the job-specific hard skills that employers are seeking, but rather the soft skills that can be applied to get the job done. In fact, 73% of business leaders feel that soft skills are more important than hard skills.
This infographic from Queens University of Charlotte highlights what employers are looking for in new employees, as well as what millennials have to offer. It contains suggestions for incorporating new social tools and technologies to improve communication within a company. Learn what managers have come to expect and what millennials should be able to deliver in the modern workplace.
