SOFT SKILLS:

Connection to Successful Careers

Definition:
Soft skills is a sociological term relating to a person's "EQ" (Emotional
Intelligence Quotient), the cluster of personality traits, social graces,
communication, language, personal habits, friendliness, and optimism that
characterize relationships with other people.

• Soft skills are: Skills, abilities and traits that pertain to personality,
attitude, and behavior
• Soft skills are Not Formal or technical knowledge
importance of soft skills
 These skills are key to succeed.
 Many people have no idea how to function in the real world.
 Many computer science students mistakenly believe that technical
skills are the only skills that are important.
 To handle interpersonal relations.
 To take appropriate decisions.
 To communicate effectively .
 To have good impression and impact to gain professional
development .
 To gain a Competitive advantage in today’s economy.
 Resumes and interviewing skills.
 Written communication skills, e-mail/cell/text message etiquette.
 Team dynamics and generational differences.
 Working with a dysfunctional team.
What Industry/Business Wants
Skill sets that include:
• Oral and written communication skill
• Critical thinking ability
• Problem-solving resourcefulness
• Ability to work productively on a team
Soft skills could contain:

• Communication Skills
• Time Management
• Organization
• Problem Solving

And many more but those four might be considered as 4

corner stones of soft skills
Communication Skills
 listening
 written, verbal, and presentation skills
 documentation
 teamwork
 supportive peer-critique
 customer service
 professional behavior (manners and deportment)
Time Management

These skills can include:

 breaking down a project into specific tasks
 determining what can/should be achieved given
time restrictions
 developing effective timelines (project
milestones)
 teamwork (assigning tasks and follow-up)
 working to deadlines (and meeting them!)
 knowing when to ask for help
Organization

These skills can include:

 information gathering
 making sure all the pieces of the puzzle fit and
are included in the final project package
 using individual strengths within a team
 leadership skills
 valuing all team members
 conflict resolution
 ensuring all team members are on task and on time
Problem Solving

These skills can include:

 analyzing a problem
 identifying missing information
 formulating possible solutions
 evaluating potential solutions
 testing the solution
 implementing effective solutions
 refining solutions using feed-back