There is a wide range of technical jobs geared primarily toward very specific sets of skills and expertise. It’s a necessity for people in these positions to have a high degree of education, training, and experience in their field, or the ‘hard skills’ needed to be able to perform difficult and complicated work.
However, many technically-focused employers and job-seekers tend to overlook the so-called ‘soft skills,’ the less tangible but still important set of skills that can help employees thrive in the workplace. Soft skills may not be tied to any particular field of work but can apply across any number of jobs in ways you might not expect.
Here at ResourceTek, we understand the hard facts about soft skills. Often, they make the difference between being able to do a job and being able to excel at it.
These are skills that employers should look for in potential employees, and that job-seekers should develop in themselves to stand out from the pack.
Communication
Technical jobs require knowledge of specialized terms and concepts that may go over other people’s heads. One of the most valuable soft skills a technician can learn is the ability to effectively cross-communicate with and listen to experts and laypersons alike.
Problem Solving
Few technical projects go from start to finish without a few hitches along the way. When problems arise, being able to identify and solve them in an efficient and effective manner is essential for any technical position.
Organization
Most jobs in technical fields require keeping track of inventory, equipment, and parts, as well as messages, standards, regulations, and any number of other things. An ideal employee should be able to keep all the physical and mental elements of their job in order.
Prioritization
Along the same line as organizational skills, being able to prioritize tasks based on what matters is important. An employee with strong prioritization skills can make sure that attention and effort go where it’s needed most.
Time Management
When there are deadlines to meet, it’s crucial to have someone who knows how to make the best use of the available time. This can increase a team’s productivity and efficiency, while also reducing stress as the team knows the work will be done on time.
Teamwork
Even in specialist positions, working within a team is a must for most jobs. Being able to collaborate, delegate, empathize, and actively listen to team members can be vital to maintaining a productive and healthy workplace.
Leadership
Leadership is not about telling employees what to do. A good leader uses all the above skills to set their team up for success, listening to everyone’s needs while keeping everyone on task and motivated. Displaying solid leadership skills is also a great way for employees to get noticed for possible promotions.
Stand Out from the Pack
While hard skills are necessary in order to perform any technical job, soft skills are what make the difference between doing a job and doing it well. Employees who can effectively communicate, organize, prioritize, and work well on a team can be a tremendous benefit to the workplace. Because of this, job-seekers who have developed their soft skills are more likely to be selected for employment, and more likely to go further in their careers.
ResourceTek is committed to matching outstanding candidates to engaging and lucrative jobs. We have long-standing relationships with some of the best companies in the country and can get through the red tape and bureaucracy to place you in the position you want. If you’ve got the skills (including soft skills) to succeed, there’s no limit to where you can go with ResourceTek.
See what technical job openings are waiting for you here.