MARKET YOUR SOFT SKILLS

Don’t just list your soft skills on your CV or in interviews – try to give examples.

“If you see a job ad indicating communication is an important skill, mention times when good communication brought resolution,” says Sylvia Baloyi, an industrial psychologist and transition coach from Gauteng.

Even if you don’t have work experience, keep in mind that soft skills are important in every area of your life.

Laura Pycraft, a Johannesburg talent-management specialist, suggests highlighting your soft skills using the STAR method where you structure your example to include the Situation, Task at hand, Action you took (using the soft skill) and Result you achieved.

“Use clear, concise examples of situations where you have exhibited a particular soft skill – making sure it is relevant to the role or employer to which you are applying”.