4 Underestimated Skills That Will Get You the Job
Posted on: September 11, 2017 | By: Craig Thompson | Logan Consulting News
Having a degree in chemical engineering will go a long way in landing you the ideal job, but what solidifies getting the position over the next candidate with the same credentials? The question is—what else are you bringing to the table as a potential employee? Obviously, technical skills are still something hiring managers seek, but soft skills can play to your advantage if you know how to apply them effectively in the workplace. Check out these 4 skills you are going to want to mention during your next interview!
Conflict Management
Are you someone that steps up to the challenge and works to find a solution during conflict? Or do you hide in the shadows and wait for someone else to problem-solve? Even if you are someone who takes charge, knowing the right way to approach conflict is essential. Having an unbiased perspective on the issue at hand is first and foremost. Second, it’s important to create a compromise that benefits all parties involved and will result in satisfaction and praise to your management style. Using this soft skill in the workplace is extremely beneficial and easy to discuss when hiring managers ask questions like—tell me a time where you solved a problem effectively? If you exemplify your conflict management skills regularly your answer will roll right off the tongue!
Creativity
Some jobs more than others rely on creativity to succeed, but this soft skill is used in a variety of ways in the workplace. Whether you brainstorm a new idea to help improve the culture of your work environment, find a creative way to complete your latest project on-time, or apply this skill outside of the workplace—this all contributes to the many reasons you stand out from the crowd. Showing that you are an avid reader in your spare time by discussing your favorite non-fiction or that you developed a new organization at your university provides tangible examples of how multifaceted you are as a person.
Face-to-Face Communication
Being able to have a successful face-to-face conversation with higher-ups is a huge advantage, especially for millennials entering the workforce. Technology has eliminated the need for face-to-face interaction and millennials are relying on calls, emails, texts, and social media to do the dirty work in communicating. But nothing is more effective than having a genuine one-on-one conversation that allows you to pick up on eye contact, body language, and tone.
Organization
Nothing is worse than having an employee who is constantly “misplacing” documents and emails. Showing employers that you are responsible and organized gives you extra kudos in the workplace. If previous managers have given you praise about your organizational skills—leverage this! Ask for letters of recommendation and drop subtle reminders about how you’ve never missed a meeting in your 3 years at the company. Although it may seem small, future employers will appreciate this trait, and with a second opinion they’ll know they can rely on you to get the job done.
It may seem like these traits are ones individuals either have or don’t have, but these skills can all be learned and practiced. It is no secret that some may be better than others at mastering these soft skills, although it really is possible to practice these attributes and get better at them. It’s time to take out your resumes and get editing, folks!