Soft Skills and Employability

There has been great progress in the field of education in India ever since the time of independence. Today, we have thousands of universities and colleges through which millions of students graduate every year. The current job market is bright and there are many international companies that have their branches in India today. We have many homegrown companies that are driving the wheel of economy in the industrial sector. With the job market blooming at rapid pace, there is an increase in demand for candidates who are employable. One of the key problems that has been affecting employability is the lack of soft skills in both technical and management students. Traditionally, Indian education system has given more importance to technical education than other skills when it comes to training students. The globalized market has signaled the need for change and today we have colleges and institutions who are investing greatly on training students in developing soft skills to improve employability. With increase in competition, it is important for students to be aware of the skills companies expect them to possess and work towards improving the same.

Why is it Important to Have Soft Skills to be Employable?

Soft skills play a vital role when working in an organization. Effective communication, positive attitude, taking initiatives, team building, appreciating and motivating are some of the skills which can go a long way in a person’s career. From an organization’s perspective, without these soft skills, a person’s technical knowledge, skill sets and potential may remain partially untapped which is a loss to both the company and the individual since it hampers growth. Therefore many companies focus on creating special tests to assess these soft skills of interview candidates. The significance of soft skills is such that there are examples where companies have invested money to get these special tests for soft skills prepared from external organizations which specialize in psychology.

Once a candidate enters job market, every opportunity he/she comes across is of great importance. An interview call from an established company could change the fortune of a candidate. Group discussion, communication skills, critical thinking may be tested during the interview process. In order to perform the best, candidates should ensure that their soft skills are honed as much as their technical knowledge is.

What are the Soft Skills Required to be Employable?

Soft skills help a person contribute greatly to organization’s growth and climb the ladder of success in career. Interviewers look for these skills during the time of interview. There are many skills which candidates should focus on developing. Some of them are listed below.

Taking Initiative

Companies seek for candidates who go out of the way of performing routine tasks to look for more efficient ways of doing the job. Candidates should be flexible and should show the willingness to learn and explore. Sincerity and diligence towards job can be a big plus for the candidates personally and for the company.

Effective Communication

Communication is one of the most vital aspects that can determine how efficiently an organization functions. Communication within the organization should be precise, in the appropriate tone and should ensure that the work is done. Candidates should be able to create a healthy and motivated environment through their communication. This can help the company on the long-run. 

Positive attitude

Candidates may be expected to work in teams irrespective of their designation. Even if they are at the associate level, there may be a team of associates. Positive attitude can help build team morale and keep the project running in the right direction. Attitude plays a crucial role in the effectiveness and efficiency of work and successful completion of projects. 

Leadership

Leadership skills are among the key skills that are expected from graduates and post graduates. All the above skills and few more may be required to become a good leader. Motivation, appreciation, taking responsibilities and effective communication can all help candidates to become leaders. 

Time Management

Time management is crucial at work place. Companies look for candidates who are able to effectively prioritize tasks and allocate time for completion of the same. At times, candidates may have to handle multiple projects with tight deadlines. Time management can be very important in such cases.

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