The Communication Soft Skills You Need in Job Search

What is communication soft skills?

Strong communication skills are the ability to convey one’s thoughts and ideas efficiently to the audience. As communication channels are digitizing, a crucial trait to efficient exchange of information is not only limited to in person communications but on digital platforms too. Businesses invest huge budgets in their communications to attract and engage with their target audience. Similarly employees who can communicate effectively to their bosses, subordinates or clients got an edge in candidate screening phase and landing a promotion. 

Importance of communication on workplace

We use communication in one way or the other in every situation whether it’s our personal life or on the workplace. Workplace communication has evolved from just face to face formal communication, PowerPoint, emails and telephone calls to talking to your consumer on multiple digital platforms. Communication skills are absolutely necessary in building relationships, working in a team or to delegate responsibility. 

Learning and developing communication skills helps in purposing successful career. Whether you are writing a resume, appearing for an interview or already on job, strong communication skills would pay you off in your career progression. 

No hard or soft skill gets as much blame as communication when social situations break down and it’s much common to hear disagreements ending with “you have not communicated properly” or “it must have been due to lack of effective communication”. Or you might end up working and investing resources on the same task again and again as your team failed to coordinate and communicate properly.

You need communication skills for every career

People often assume that communication skills are needed in some particular career fields. Particularly in the IT industry communication skills are often undervalued and often ranked later than technical abilities. Many people assume that they do not need strong communication abilities to work in the tech industry. After all, won’t they be spending more time in front of computer screens than with real people?

This is a false assumption. You are responsible for communicating clearly and effectively with your managers, your colleagues, and your clients. All the technical skills in the world are useless without the ability to communicate efficiently with the stakeholders. 

Here is an example from BrightSpyre.com job portal, for communication soft skills in a Job Description of Admin & Finance Officer

• Minimum Bachelor’s degree, Preferably in Business Administration/Finance.
• Proficient in using MS office computer applications.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills to deal with a diverse clientele and staff;

Here is another example for the JD of .Net developer

DHA is seeking applications for the position of “Dot NET Developer”, responsible for building Dot NET applications using windows form, Asp.Net MVC, Web APIs, MS SQL Server, and other front and back end technologies…. and to coordinate with the rest of the team working on different layers of the infrastructure. A commitment to collaborative problem solving, sophisticated design, and quality product is essential.

Types of Communications

Spoken or verbal communication

Verbal communication is the exchange of information through speaking or sign language. Strong verbal communication helps in your interview, meetings or presentations. Another component of verbal communication is Active listening. Understanding others is the first step towards effectively communicating with them. 

Non-verbal communication

Your body language, gestures made by hands, eye contact, pitch of your voice all contribute to what you are conveying to the sender. A relaxed and open stance makes you more approachable by others to communicate. Self-awareness is the first step to learn and improve non-verbal communication. Notice how a certain emotion affects your outer presentation and adjust it accordingly.

Written Communication

Written communication involves official documentation, emails, letters, social media communications and so on. While searching for a job, resume and cover letter is your first chance to showcase your communication skills. Instead of using cliches, use a simpler way to communicate and use a comprehensive and cohesive writing style. Visual communication includes photographs, charts, illustrations and so on to give the context of your talk. Always understand your audience before using visual aids to avoid any cultural clashes. 

Empathy and friendliness

Friendly tone, personal questions or a smile  will encourage your coworkers to get in communication with you. Even when you disagree, try to understand others’ viewpoints and show understanding.

Takeaway notes

Employers demand more than job specific hard skills

Showcase your communication skills throughout your career from resume writing to job.

Don’t tell, Show your communication skills.