To succeed in the modern workplace, it's not enough to have technical skills.
In a highly competitive job market, employers are looking for "soft skills" in prospects.
Some of the most sought-after "soft skills" combine common sense, courtesy, and some learned behaviors.
Flexibility/Adaptability: Employers need workers able to complete a wide range of tasks. The ability to switch tasks quickly, and to adapt to situations outside your comfort zone goes a long way toward helping you stand out.
Interpersonal skills: Several so-called soft skills fall into this category: the ability to communicate effectively; work with others as part of a team; and resolve conflicts are all considered interpersonal skills.
Time and project management: In the working world, employees must meet and manage deadlines. Time management and project management go hand-in-hand because managing your time well requires prioritizing tasks and projects to get the most important or most beneficial done as efficiently as possible.
Emotional intelligence: Many jobs require this, but you won't see it on a job description.
Sometimes called EI, it is the ability to assess social cues and social situations and manage your reactions to these situations.
Leadership skills: When you're consistently looking for ways to improve your skill levels and to show initiative, it shows your leadership ability. Even if you're not in a management position, the ability to lead can make a big difference.
Rick Good spent ten years in the newspaper business, including with The News & Observer (Raleigh, NC) and The Greenville News (Greenville, SC). He co-wrote, with Melinda Coleman, Rutledge to Riley: Governors of South Carolina, 1776–Present (Published by The Greenville News), and is the author of Mind Games Trivia #1 (Amazon). He has recently spent 15 years creating original trivia content through Sounds Good Mobile Entertainment and continues that with his new company, SGME Software. He edits The Smart Reader’s money, real estate, and business coverage.