Blog Post: Arizona Mature Workers - "Soft Skills" are Not Hard to Find

Ms. Joyce Finkelstein, Work/Life Coach and Mediator, and resident of Green Valley, Arizona

Mature Workers - "Soft Skills" are Not Hard to Find
by Ms. Joyce Finkelstein

I sit on an advisory committee for the Career and Technical Education program at our local high school.  The Committee, made up of local and regional employers, meets regularly to provide input to the teachers on a number of subjects.  At the most recent meeting, the discussion centered on what types of skills we are looking for in potential employees.  The consensus of the group was that, while “technical” and basic computer skills are important, it is the “soft skills” that these employers felt were vital to the success of a new employee.

So what are “soft skills” you may ask?  They are the types of skills in which Mature Workers excel.  Oral and written communication skills were specifically identified as ones for which employers look. The ability to communicate accurately and directly with customers and co-workers is prized.  Whether in a management or co-worker role, those with strong communication skills, can lead, manage and influence others. They are able to work with others and to accomplish tasks.  Those with good communication skills are good team members and skilled team leaders.

Also identified as important to success was the ability to utilize our analytical skills to solve problems creatively.  Mature workers particularly excel in this area.  Those with excellent analytical skills are able to reason, to evaluate information, to make decisions and to solve complex problems in a wide range of situations.  These skills allow us to solve problems independently and efficiently.

Interpersonal skills, the ability to talk with and to get along with others, were also singled out as important to the success of an employee.  In the diverse workplace that exists today, employers are looking for the new employee that will “fit” into the existing culture. In fact, all things being equal, it is often this “fit” that has the greatest influence on the hiring decision.

So make sure that you have the basic skills that the employer needs, but make sure also that you understand that importance of “soft skills” to your success!

We invite you to visit the Arizona Mature Worker Website, hosted by Jobing.com, at www.azmatureworkers.com   Check it out today!