More Than Technical Qualifications Needed to Move Ahead in Your
Career
In a 2008 survey of more than 2,000 businesses in the state of
Washington, employers said entry-level workers in a variety of professions were
lacking in several areas, including problem solving, conflict resolution and
critical observation.
You'll likely see these "soft skills" popping up in job
descriptions, next to demands for technical qualifications. Employment experts
agree that tech skills may get you an interview, but these soft skills will get
you the job -- and help you keep it:
Communication Skills
This doesn't mean you have to be a brilliant orator or writer. It
does mean you have to express yourself well, whether it's writing a coherent
memo, persuading others with a presentation or just being able to calmly
explain to a team member what you need.
Teamwork and Collaboration
Employers want employees who play well with others -- who can
effectively work as part of a team. "That means sometimes being a leader,
sometimes being a good follower, monitoring the progress, meeting deadlines and
working with others across the organization to achieve a common goal,"
says Lynne Sarikas, the MBA Career Center Director at Northeastern University.
Adaptability
This is especially important for more-seasoned professionals to
demonstrate, to counter the (often erroneous) opinion that older workers are
too set in their ways. "To succeed in most organizations, you need to have
a passion for learning and the ability to continue to grow and stretch your skills
to adapt to the changing needs of the organization," Sarikas says.
"On your resume, on your cover letter and in your interview, explain the
ways you've continued to learn and grow throughout your career."
Problem Solving
Be prepared for the "how did you solve a problem?"
interview question with several examples, advises Ann Spoor, managing director
of Cave Creek Partners. "Think of specific examples where you solved a
tough business problem or participated in the solution. Be able to explain what
you did, how you approached the problem, how you involved others and what the
outcome was -- in real, measurable results."
Critical Observation
It's not enough to be able to collect data and manipulate it. You
must also be able to analyze and interpret it. What story does the data tell?
What questions are raised? Are there different ways to interpret the data?
"Instead of handing your boss a spreadsheet, give them a business summary
and highlight the key areas for attention, and suggest possible next steps,"
Sarikas advises.
Conflict Resolution
The ability to persuade, negotiate and resolve conflicts is
crucial if you plan to move up. "You need to have the skill to develop
mutually beneficial relationships in the organization so you can influence and
persuade people," Sarikas says. "You need to be able to negotiate
win-win solutions to serve the best interests of the company and the
individuals involved."
