In a previous article featuring an interview with executive recruiter John Self, we discussed some of the best ways to be prepared and to develop your resume. However, there are some other skills that will help lead you to success that aren’t technically written out on your resume, and those are your soft skills. Hard skills and soft skills are both essential to achieve success.
While it is easy to represent your hard skills on a resume, your soft skills come into play at your interview and in your daily interactions with clients and colleagues. A popular image being shared on social media features 10 soft skills that require absolutely zero talent—just a little effort:
10 Things that Require Zero Talent
- Being on Time – “Punctuality is one of the cardinal business virtues: always insist on it in your subordinates.” – Don Marquis
- Work Ethic – “Parents should plant deeply the seed of the work ethic into the hearts and habits of their children.” – Joseph B. Wirthlin
- Effort – “Strength and growth come only through continuous effort and struggle.” – Napoleon Hill
- Body Language – “Language is a more recent technology. Your body language, your eyes, your energy will come through to your audience before you even start speaking.” – Peter Guber
- Energy – “The energy of the mind is the essence of life.” – Aristotle
- Attitude – “People may hear your words, but they feel your attitude.” – John C. Maxwell
- Passion – “Follow your passion, be prepared to work hard and sacrifice, and, above all, don’t let anyone limit your dreams.” – Donovan Bailey
- Being Coachable – “I’m used to being coached. Something I learned long ago is that a coach is trying to make you better and to be the best version of yourself.” – Meryl Davis
- Doing Extra – “One extends one’s limits only by exceeding them.” – M. Scott Peck
- Being Prepared – “Life belongs to the living, and he who lives must be prepared for changes.” – Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Each of these skills will align you to a path of greater success. While talent and hard skills will give you an extra boost, it is possible to be successful right where you are. Which skills are you lacking, and where do you occasionally fall short?
After doing an honest self-evaluation, make a conscious effort to improve in these areas. Soft skills are absolutely invaluable in every organization, and each will boost you towards greater personal, professional, and organizational success!
