Employers are increasingly looking for candidates with strong soft skills. These are the interpersonal behaviours, personality traits, and abilities that help you work effectively with others and succeed in your role. Examples include creativity, communication, active listening, teamwork, time management, and adaptability.
If you feel your soft skills need improvement, the good news is there are practical steps you can take to develop them. Here’s how:
1. Ask for Feedback
Understanding your strengths and weaknesses is the first step. Ask for honest feedback from:
- Friends and family
- Trusted co-workers
- Former managers or supervisors
This feedback will help you identify which soft skills need work and give you a clear starting point for improvement.
2. Take on New Challenges
Once you know which skills to develop, look for opportunities to practice them.
At work:
- Lead or support a new project
- Take responsibility for a specific task
- Run a team meeting or discussion
- Write reports or take minutes
- Organise an event or internal function
Outside of work:
- Volunteer for a community cause
- Join or coach a team sport
- Participate in a networking group
- Take a class such as drama or public speaking
Choose activities that target your skill gaps and align with your career goals.
3. Consider Training or Courses
If you want structured learning, explore short courses or micro credentials focused on soft skills. Topics might include:
- Critical thinking and problem-solving
- People management
- Emotional intelligence
- Time management and leadership
Check options from TAFE NSW, universities, or professional associations. When choosing a course, make sure it relates to your current or future work environment and supports your career goals.
4. Practice Regularly
Improving soft skills takes consistent effort. Apply what you learn in everyday work and social situations. The more you practice skills like communication, adaptability, and leadership, the more confident and capable you’ll become.
Why It Matters
Soft skills are just as important as technical skills for career success. By developing and showcasing these abilities, you’ll stand out to employers and be better prepared for future opportunities.
Workforce Skills: Hard Skills, Soft Skills and Hybrid Skills
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