Editor’s Note: This story originally appeared on Monster.
Advancing in your career isn’t just about having the right technical skills; it’s also about how effectively you work with others.
This is where soft skills come into play — those essential personal traits that help you navigate the complexities of any job, from communicating clearly to adapting to change. And we’re here to share some of the best soft skills examples to help you stand out.
Employers value these skills because they’re the foundation of strong professional relationships and a harmonious workplace. Sharpening your soft skills at work can make a big difference, whether you’re aiming to grow in your current role or exploring new opportunities.
In this article, we list examples of soft skills that are highly sought after by employers and explain how to apply them in the workplace. We also show you how to improve your soft skills and highlight them on your resume so you can land more interviews.
What Are Soft Skills?
So, what is the definition of soft skills?
These skills, also known as interpersonal or people skills, are those intangible qualities that really shape how we interact with others and navigate the workplace.
Although hard skills and soft skills are both essential in the workplace, soft skills are more about how you communicate, collaborate, and handle various situations. They help you connect with colleagues, manage stress, and approach challenges with a positive attitude.
Why Are Soft Skills Important?
Soft skills are critical as they are the key to thriving in any work environment, whether collaborating on a project, leading a team, or simply navigating day-to-day tasks.
Employers especially value soft skills in the workplace because they’re essential for building a cohesive, productive team; they drive collaboration, innovation, and problem-solving — vital for any organization’s success.
In essence, soft skills make you not just good at your job but great to work with, which employers and coworkers alike deeply appreciate. They’re the qualities that can turn a good career into a truly successful one.
Are Soft Skills Equal Across All Jobs and Industries?
While some soft skills, for example, communication and teamwork, are valued across all jobs and industries, others may be more or less critical depending on the job. For instance, in customer-facing roles like retail or hospitality, soft skills such as empathy, patience, and active listening are crucial because they directly impact the customer experience.
In contrast, roles in industries like technology or engineering typically place a higher value on different soft skills, for example, problem-solving, critical thinking, and adaptability.
While these jobs require technical expertise, collaborating with others on complex projects and adapting to new tools or methodologies are essential for success.
How to Identify Your Existing Soft Skills
Before we look at some soft skills examples, it’s essential to first identify your existing skills. This can be a revealing process that highlights your strengths and potential areas for growth. Here’s how you can go about it:
- Observe your daily interactions. Pay attention to how you interact with others in your everyday life. Are you an attentive listener? Do you naturally empathize with others? How do you respond to feedback or criticism? These everyday interactions can provide valuable clues about your soft skills.
- Take a self-assessment. There are numerous online tools and assessments designed to help you identify your soft skills. These typically involve questions about your behavior and preferences in various situations, offering insights into your key soft skills based on your responses.
- Seek feedback from others. Sometimes, others see qualities in us that we might not recognize in ourselves. Ask colleagues, friends, or mentors for their perspective on your strengths. They might highlight that you excel at staying calm under pressure, resolving conflicts, or supporting your team.
15 Examples of Soft Skills Employers Value
Soft skills not only make you a valuable team member but also position you as someone who can contribute meaningfully to a company’s culture and long-term success.
So, what are some soft skills you should absolutely have in your arsenal? Here are some examples of soft skills that are particularly sought after and tips on how to develop the soft skills.
1. Communication
Communication is about ensuring ideas are shared clearly, and everyone is on the same page. Imagine you’re in sales or customer service, where you’re constantly interacting with people. Being able to communicate effectively can make or break a deal or customer experience.
To use this skill, make it a habit to update your team, clarify expectations, and tweak your message depending on who you’re talking to. If you want to improve, practice active listening, join a public speaking group, or get feedback on how well you express yourself in different situations.
2. Teamwork
Teamwork is about working well with others to achieve a shared goal. Think of a project manager, a nurse, or a software developer — they all rely heavily on teamwork to succeed.
You can show good teamwork by jumping into group discussions, supporting your colleagues, and sharing the glory when your team hits a milestone. To build your teamwork muscles, get involved in team projects, observe how successful teams operate, and participate in activities that require collaboration and trust.
3. Adaptability
Adaptability is your ability to roll with the punches and adjust to new situations. Change is constant in fast-paced fields like tech, journalism, or event planning, and adaptability is key to thriving.
You can demonstrate adaptability by staying open to new ideas, learning new skills as needed, and keeping a flexible attitude when plans change. To develop this skill, take on new tasks that challenge you, step outside your comfort zone regularly, and learn from feedback to become even more adaptable in the future.
4. Critical Observation
Critical observation means paying attention to the little details that others might miss, which can lead to better decisions and solutions. If you’re in quality control, data analysis, or investigative journalism, your ability to spot and interpret subtle details is vital.
At work, use this skill by thoroughly reviewing information, analyzing patterns, and providing insights that can help solve complex problems. To sharpen your critical observation, practice mindfulness, engage in detail-oriented tasks, and seek feedback on how well you notice and interpret details in your work.
5. Conflict Resolution
Conflict resolution is the art of resolving disputes in a way that everyone feels heard and respected. It’s an essential skill in human resources, customer service, and management, where interpersonal dynamics can make or break a situation.
You can apply conflict resolution skills by addressing issues directly but tactfully, mediating between differing viewpoints, and working toward solutions that satisfy everyone involved. To improve, study conflict resolution techniques, practice active listening, and role-play various scenarios to refine your approach.
6. Leadership
Leadership is about guiding and inspiring others to reach common goals. It requires vision, motivation, and strong decision-making, whether you’re managing a team, running a startup, or leading a military unit.
You can show leadership at work by setting a positive example, mentoring your colleagues, and guiding your team through challenges. To develop this skill, take on leadership roles in projects, find a mentor who can offer guidance, and study the strategies of leaders you admire.
7. Problem-Solving
Problem-solving is all about figuring out what’s wrong, exploring your options, and implementing the best solution. In roles like engineering, IT support, or consulting, problem-solving is a daily necessity. However, this is one of the most important examples of soft skills, regardless of your job or industry.
You can use this skill by tackling issues methodically, brainstorming potential solutions, and testing them to find the best one. To enhance your problem-solving abilities, practice by working through different kinds of challenges, engage in activities that require creative thinking, and reflect on past problems to learn from your experiences.
8. Attention to Detail
Attention to detail is another prime example of soft skills that employers prioritize. It’s the ability to catch even the smallest errors, ensuring that your work is accurate and high-quality. Jobs like editing, accounting, and architecture demand a high level of precision, making attention to detail crucial.
At work, demonstrate this skill by double-checking your work, thoroughly reviewing documents, and maintaining a meticulous approach to tasks. To further develop your attention to detail, focus on tasks that require precision, use checklists to stay organized, and challenge yourself to spot inconsistencies in your daily activities.
9. Emotional Intelligence
Emotional intelligence (EQ) is all about understanding and managing your emotions while being aware of others’ emotions. In fields like counseling, leadership, and customer service, EQ is essential for building strong relationships and responding effectively to others.
You can use EQ at work by practicing empathy, managing stress well, and fostering positive relationships with your colleagues. To build this skill, engage in regular self-reflection, seek feedback on how you handle emotional situations, and practice mindfulness to become more aware of your emotional responses.
10. Creativity
Creativity is about thinking outside the box to develop new ideas and solutions. It’s vital in roles that thrive on innovation, like marketing, design, writing, and product development.
To bring creativity into your work, suggest new ideas, try different approaches, and encourage brainstorming sessions that spark innovation. To develop your creativity, engage in creative hobbies, expose yourself to new experiences, and challenge yourself to think in new ways, whether through creative exercises or by tackling problems from new perspectives.
11. Decision-Making
Decision-making involves choosing the best course of action from various options, keeping both short-term and long-term impacts in mind. This skill is particularly important in management, finance, healthcare, and law, where decisions can have significant consequences.
At work, demonstrate this skill by carefully weighing the pros and cons of each option, considering potential outcomes, and making informed, confident choices. To improve this soft skill, practice making decisions in low-risk scenarios, reflect on past decisions to learn from them and seek advice from experienced colleagues.
12. Empathy
Empathy is the ability to understand and share others’ feelings, which helps build strong interpersonal connections. It’s essential in nursing, counseling, customer service, and teaching roles, where understanding and responding to others’ emotions is key.
You can use empathy by actively listening to colleagues’ concerns, offering support when needed, and approaching interactions with understanding and compassion. To develop empathy, engage in activities that encourage it, like volunteering or team-building exercises.
13. Active Listening
Active listening means fully focusing on the speaker, hearing their message, and responding thoughtfully. It’s crucial in jobs like mental health counseling, teaching, sales, and customer service, where understanding and addressing others’ needs is essential.
You can demonstrate active listening at work by giving the speaker your full attention, asking questions to clarify their message, and providing feedback that demonstrates your understanding. To improve this skill, practice focusing on the speaker’s perspective before responding and participate in activities that require deep listening, such as mediation or conflict resolution.
14. Patience
Patience is staying calm and composed, especially in stressful situations, which helps you handle challenges effectively. This skill is vital in roles like teaching, healthcare, customer service, and social work, where difficult situations are common.
At work, show patience by approaching tasks methodically, giving others the time they need, and remaining calm under pressure. To develop patience, practice mindfulness, use relaxation techniques to manage stress, and set realistic expectations for yourself and others.
15. Time Management
If you’re wondering what soft skills relate to being on time, time management is one of the most important and prized examples of soft skills to have under your belt! It’s about organizing your time efficiently to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines consistently, and, of course, be punctual.
It’s essential in roles like project management, administrative work, event planning, and writing, where balancing multiple responsibilities is critical. To develop this skill, use tools like calendars and planners, practice setting realistic deadlines, and regularly review and adjust your schedule to improve productivity and efficiency.
How to Identify Required Soft Skills in a Job Listing
Identifying requested soft skills in a job listing is key to ensuring your application stands out and you’re well-prepared for the interview.
Here’s how you can spot them:
- Read between the lines. Job postings often hint at soft skills without explicitly naming them. Phrases like “works well under pressure,” “manages multiple tasks,” or “strong communicator” point to examples of soft skills like stress management, multitasking, and communication.
- Focus on responsibilities. Look closely at the tasks and responsibilities mentioned. Leadership, conflict resolution, and teamwork are crucial if the job involves leading a team. If it’s a customer-facing role, examples of soft skills listed will likely include empathy, active listening, and customer service.
How to Highlight Soft Skills on Your Resume
Incorporating your best soft skills into your resume is a great way to show employers that you have the interpersonal strengths they’re looking for. A resume builder can help you showcase these skills with guided prompts and professional formatting.
Here’s how to make those skills shine:
- Weave them into your summary. Kick off your resume with a summary or objective highlighting your top soft skills. For example, instead of just saying you’re a project manager, you could say, “Detail-oriented project manager with a knack for leadership and clear communication, known for guiding teams to hit goals on time.”
- Show soft skills in action. In your experience and skills section, don’t just list what you did — show how you did it. For example, instead of “managed a team,” you could say, “Led a team of ten to consistently meet project deadlines through clear communication and collaborative problem-solving.”
