Some skills are job specific and experience is being developed by working in a specific industry for years. But when it comes to entry-level professionals who do not necessarily have years of experience, recruiters are often looking for other aspects when assessing candidates who are at the beginning of their career journey. These skills are often referred to as soft or transferable skills. You can develop your professional skill set by completing professional qualification or taking an online course at your own pace. In this blog post, we will focus on five soft skills that will help you to excel at your entry level position in any organization.
#1 Willingness to learn
Being willing to learn is an essential skill for career progression. Employers look for individuals who are always keen on broadening their horizons and sharpening their skills, as being open to new ways of working could help them learn how to do the job better. Even seasoned professionals have to continuously improve and develop new skills to adapt to the changes in the industry and the business. The preparedness to invest time and effort in learning is one of the most valuable attributes that hiring managers will look for.
#2 Strong communication skills
Effective communication is perhaps one of the top skills, not just at work, but also in everyday life. Whether you need to communicate with customers on a daily basis, or with colleagues and management team, good communication can make all the difference to whether you’re successful in your position. Great communicators are usually great listeners, who are able to speak, question and write with clarity and conciseness – These skills will certainly help you to progress in your career faster! If you feel that you need a couple of tips on how to improve your communication skills, check out this flexible online course which covers the best communication practices in a business environment.
#3 Excellent time management skills
Time management is an important ability to use your time productively. The key is to develop an understanding of how to prioritize tasks and eliminate any distractions. Highly effective people usually work with deadlines that they set to themselves and plan ahead. Every employer will appreciate it if you can differentiate between urgent and important, and are able to complete tasks in a logical order and timely manner. If you want to learn more, have a look at our article 10 Time management tips you have to try, or if you are really committed to improving your skills try out the Time and priority management course and start learning today!
#4 Computer skills and technology use
Computers are basically part of any job these days and employers expect at least basic computer literacy. Working with the essential software programs used for word and data processing, spreadsheets creation, email communication, and data visualization are necessary almost at any workplace. The ability to work with various types of devices and operation systems is also an advantage. Brush off your Personal computer fundamental skills, refresh your knowledge in our Introduction to the internet and computers course or strengthen your ability to use software within the Microsoft Office package efficiently – with these skills you will be in a high demand on the job market!
#5 Industry knowledge
When you make the effort to keep up with the latest developments in the industry, you show a great sign of professionalism, and any hiring manager will certainly value your knowledge. This is essential to show your interviewer that you are genuinely enthusiastic and serious about your career. Try research and find some latest information about the biggest players in your industry. If you are heading for an interview, do a thorough research of the company prior to the interview. The easiest way to access up-to-date information are professional social networks, such as LinkedIn, or business and industry magazines, conferences and industry networking groups. Especially networking and conferences will help you to get inspired and learn from others, and ultimately gain expertise which will help you to progress in your career. If you would like to dig deeper, check out our blog post Five tips to guarantee career progression.
