Employers Desperate for Soft Skills, Critical Thinking
Communicating clearly, collaborating well, taking initiative, and problem solving are in dangerously short supply, employers say. Candidates who can demonstrate these qualities will have a leg up on the competition.
As more industries move toward automation, the need for people who can do what machines cannot—chit-chat with customers, organize complex projects, work well in teams—has amped up.
The most valued trait, according to a LinkedIn analysis? The ability to communicate. Other qualities in demand include organization, punctuality, critical thinking, and adaptability. One employer summed up the situation thus: “I can teach somebody to slice and dice onions. I can teach somebody to cook a soup. But it’s hard to teach someone normal manners … and work ethic.”
–From The Wall Street Journal
Job Hopping Common but Not Necessarily Wise
In today’s workplace, one-fourth of employees have held five or more jobs. However, a recent CareerBuilder study found that 43 percent of employers will not look at candidates with short job tenure.
Job hopping is viewed differently by various industries. For example, in the technology sector, frequent job changes are not deal killers. However, in more traditional fields and within firms having longer histories, job hopping is viewed negatively.
The survey also noted that younger employees have more latitude with job tenure. An older worker with a résumé showing frequent job changing can lead a future employer to worry about why the individual cannot seem to hold on to a job. The same cannot be said for younger employees.
In recent decades, staying at a job for a minimum of five years was the norm. However, today’s workers should stick out jobs—even those in which they are unhappy—for a minimum of two years, recruiters advise.
–From The Washington Post
College Major Affects Earnings
The value of a college education in today’s workplace cannot be denied. However, new research illustrates that college students’ majors greatly affect their future earnings.
A report produced by Georgetown University’s Center on Education found that engineers—one of the STEM majors—top the list of earners. However, simply choosing a major in STEM fields alone does not guarantee an individual top-paying positions. Many fields require workers to earn graduate degrees to see a significant boost in earnings.
Likewise, the research showed a wide range in salary within typically high-paying fields. While many finance majors earn in excess of $100,000 annually, 25 percent bring in $50,000. –From Fast Company
While it’s true that college major may dictate future earnings, experts caution students to think hard about entering a field for which they do not possess the skill set required to succeed in those fields.
—From The Wall Street Journal
5 Habits Leaders Practice
It’s commonly known that leaders are self-aware and admit their mistakes. Those who excel also practice these five habits:
- Keeping their eye on a goal. Whether playing golf or chatting during a business dinner, successful leaders always know what they want out of every situation.
- Looking to improve constantly. Leaders feel comfortable asking questions to get to the root of a problem, even if the problem comes as a result of something they’ve said or done.
- Taking care of themselves. From exercising to reading for pleasure to meditating, leaders understand that life is more than work.
- Showing generosity. Strong leaders give praise and recognition easily and cultivate their team members.
- Paying it forward. Peers, friends, family, community—leaders build connections everywhere they go.
–From Fast Company
