Introduction
Aspects of Job Skills
Among the job skills that are mentioned in the article but are not related to content knowledge are:
- Communication skills
- Listening skills
- Confidentiality
- Good troubleshooting capability
- Organization
- Positive attitude
- Dependability
- Ability to meet deadlines
- Being a team player
- Problem-solving/decision-making skills
Top Ten Skills
According to the information found with the help of the internet search, the top ten skills that are required by employers this year are:
- Ability to work in a team structure
- Ability to make decisions and solve problems
- Ability to communicate verbally with people inside and outside an organization
- Ability to plan, organize and prioritize work
- Ability to obtain and process information
- Ability to analyze quantitative data
- Technical knowledge related to the job
- Proficiency with computer software programs
- Ability to create and/or edit written reports
- Ability to sell and influence others” (Adams par. 4).
Looking at this list, one can understand that today the majority of required skills are not related to content knowledge. They are based on the interests of our society – information and teamwork. Employers want to get the staff that has no problems within the group and can easily find a common language with other employees and consumers. They also pay attention to the ability to find information and evaluate it. Now it is not that important to know something; it is more significant to be able to get this data.
The skills mentioned at the end of the list are connected with content knowledge. They include the abilities to analyze quantitative data, create and/or edit written reports, sell and influence others, technical knowledge related to the job, and proficiency with computer software programs. Still, all these skills seem to be related to technology. Nowadays it is almost impossible to imagine an organization that works without computers. That is why employers search for people who can operate them without any training. This also shows that more attention is paid to the white-collar professions.
Good Communication Skills
Communication skills are very important in both personal and professional lives. I believe that the best way to see if a group or individual exhibits good communication skills is to observe the communication and notice several factors.
- People are listening to each other and do not interrupt each other. They perform active listening by being attentive, clarifying information, and paraphrasing it to underline something better or ask to explain.
- They perform nonverbal communication and evaluate it. While talking, people use gestures, mimic and make their words and look support the sense of the message. A friendly tone, a smile, eye contact, and an open pose show that one is positive-minded and wants to appeal to the companion.
- A decent message is delivered. When interacting with others one should speak clearly so that everyone can understand what is said.
- The listener provides feedback to show that one is focused and interested.
- People show their confidence by controlling diffidence and organizing confused thoughts.
- It is also significant to show respect and understanding. One can disagree with some points but should do it politely.
- A right form of communication is to be chosen. It is indecent to speak to an employer like to the best friend.
In the first video, the man looks nervous. He avoids eye contact and twirls his pen in his hands. This is poor communication as he lacks concentration, does not give clear answers, and seems to want to end the conversation.
The second video includes an example of good communication. The men provide feedback, speak clearly and perform eye contact and active listening. They look confident and friendly.
References
Adams, Susan. The 10 Skills Employers Most Want In 2015 Graduates. 2014. Web.