Soft skills are character traits and interpersonal skills that complement hard skills in the workplace. They are general traits that are not specific to any job, helping employees excel in any workplace. Soft skills are applicable to all professions and include critical thinking, problem solving, public speaking, professional writing, teamwork, digital literacy, leadership, professional attitude, work ethic, career management, and intercultural fluency. Soft skills are often described as transferable or interpersonal skills. They are essential for professional success and are considered to be a complement to hard skills, which refer to a person’s knowledge and occupational skills. Soft skills have more to do with who people are than what they know, and they encompass the character traits that decide how well one interacts with others. In a competitive labor market, employees who demonstrate that they have a good combination of hard and soft skills often see a greater demand for their services.
Some examples of soft skills include communication, teamwork, problem-solving, time management, critical thinking, decision-making, organizational skills, stress management, creativity, adaptability, and conflict management. Soft skills are personal attributes and abilities that allow individuals to effectively interact with others in a professional setting. They are essential traits among employees and are needed for success on the job. Employers look for candidates with soft skills as they are general traits that can help employees interact with others and succeed in the workplace.
