Job Success Series: Top Non-Job-Specific Skills that Employers Want (Skill 5 of 5)
An administrative assistant needs strong PC skills.
A computer programmer needs solid coding skills.
A machinist needs exceptional CNC skills.
Technical skills are undeniably important – and often unique to a position or field. But you know what all jobs require? Listening skills.
Whether you work in a cubicle, in an office or on a shop floor, employers look for individuals who can process instructions accurately and understand others’ points of view.
How can you showcase your empathy and listening skills?
Today, PrideStaff rounds out our series of posts for job seekers on the transferable job skills today’s employers want most.
Skill 5: Listening/Seeing Others’ Point of View
Today’s hiring managers are looking for candidates who can:
- Follow directions. Regardless of the position, candidates should be able to accurately receive and process both written and verbal instructions – whether it’s in-person, over the phone, via email or other digital formats.
- Ask good questions. When something is unclear, good listeners ask appropriate follow-up questions to clarify missing or unclear information before they get to work.
- Understand others’ points of view. Successful employees realize that different people have different values, perceptions and perspectives. When communicating, individuals with strong listening skills appreciate different viewpoints and acknowledge their validity.
- Read non-verbal cues. Posture, tone of voice and other aspects of non-verbal communication greatly influence meaning. Great listeners process not only what is being said, but how messages are delivered, as well.
How can you highlight your listening and skills during your next job interview?
- Remember people’s names you meet before, during and after the interview. Use their names appropriately in your conversation, to show that you’re paying attention.
- Wait your turn, and think before you speak. Be sure that your interviewer is finished asking their question. Then, pause for a moment so that you can respond thoughtfully – and provide a response that fully answers what they asked.
- Prepare examples of your listening and empathy skills in action to share in the interview.
Join the PrideStaff team.
If you are looking for work, PrideStaff will help ensure that you don’t just search, but succeed. Contact the PrideStaff office in your area to find out more about great local job opportunities, including temporary, temp-to-hire and direct hire jobs.
What other non-specific job skills do employers want?
If you missed the first four installments in our job success series, follow these links to learn:
How to Showcase Your Self-Confidence
How to Highlight Your Time Management Skills
Ways to Showcase Your Critical Thinking / Problem-Solving Skills
