Transferable skills are skills that will be developed and applicable in every profession. They are the foundation of professional success, and they happen to be the most desirable skills employers are searching for in potential candidates.
Whether you are completing an internship or working a part-time job this summer, use that time to develop these essential skills:. Communication includes listening, writing and speaking. Employers want to see you can articulate your thoughts and ideas clearly and effectively.
Challenges will arise in every job you have. Many jobs require you to work effectively and respectfully with others, whether that be your coworkers or clients. Employers desire someone who brings out the best in others. You can show initiative by proactively handling situations and finding answers to questions without direction. This shows employers that you are taking personal responsibility and developing as a leader.
Use thoughtful analysis to identify problems and make informed decisions. Assess the situation, ask crucial questions, consider possible solutions and plan a course of action. Employers want to see you demonstrate personal accountability for your actions and work habits.
Be sure to show up on time, work productively with others and understand the impact of your non-verbal communication. Take responsibility and learn from your mistakes to show integrity and ethical behavior. You can show leadership by using interpersonal skills to coach and develop others. Lastly, you should end on a strong note, to ensure that your entire presentation leaves a lasting impression.
If you understand how or what someone is feeling, you can assess how to best communicate with them, and choose the right approach. The best way to approach this is to be patient, respectful, and open to learning and understanding cultural differences.
Digital communication involves all online communication for an organization. Proficiency in digital communication is becoming increasingly necessary in the workplace, with the onslaught of social media and digital devices. To be successful in digital communication, adopt a growth mindset because you will have to continue learning to keep up to date with ever-evolving digital media. Conflict management skills are hugely important in the workplace.
Successful conflict management involves hearing all sides of a situation, being able to empathize, and resolving any issues. Usually, conflicts can be managed with compassion, patience, and some problem-solving.
There are numerous skill-building resources available online, including LinkedIn Learning modules. Formal education can also be a very powerful tool in helping you improve your communication skills. Seek a program that will:. Ready to take the next step toward your ideal career? Stay up to date on our latest posts and university events. Plus receive relevant career tips and grad school advice. Subscribe By providing us with your email, you agree to the terms of our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.
Return to Blog Homepage. What Is Effective Communication, Really? Active Listening Active listening involves paying close attention to what others are saying, and asking clarifying questions to demonstrate interest and understanding.
Awareness of Communication Styles There are four main communication styles you might encounter in the workplace, and Zangerl recommends that professionals be aware of all of them in order to facilitate effective communication. They can act indifferent or agreeable, depending on the situation, in order to keep the peace and not rock the boat. Aggressive: Aggressive communicators are the opposite of passive communicators, and often express their emotions freely without any consideration for others.
They can be intimidating or abusive in their interactions with others. Passive-aggressive: Passive-aggressive communicators strive to appear aloof, even when they are actually upset or annoyed. It is subtly evident that they are angry, but because they tend to avoid confrontation, it can be unclear what they are truly thinking.
Assertive: Assertive communicators are considerate and express themselves in a clear and direct manner. They are respectful in their interactions with others. Persuasion The ability to persuade others is very useful in the workplace, and employers value employees who demonstrate proficient persuasive skills because it can lead to increased productivity.
Related: How to Be Empathetic in the Workplace. A key aspect of respect is knowing when to initiate communication and respond.
In a team or group setting, allowing others to speak without interruption is seen as a necessary communication skill tied to respectfulness. A great deal of communication happens through nonverbal cues such as body language, facial expressions and eye contact. Related: Examples of Nonverbal Communication in the Workplace.
One method is to consider how long your response will take. Is this a request or question you can answer in the next five minutes? If so, it may be a good idea to address it as soon as you see it. Communication skills are abilities you use when giving and receiving different kinds of information. While these skills may be a regular part of your day-to-day work life, communicating in a clear, effective and efficient way is an extremely special and useful skill. Learning from great communicators around you and actively practicing ways to improve your communications over time will certainly support your efforts to achieve various personal and professional goals.
Communication skills involve listening, speaking, observing and empathizing. It is also helpful to understand the differences in how to communicate through face-to-face interactions, phone conversations and digital communications, like email and social media.
There are four main types of communication you might use on a daily basis, including:. Verbal : Communicating by way of a spoken language. Nonverbal : Communicating by way of body language, facial expressions and vocalics. Written : Communicating by way of written language, symbols and numbers.
Visual: Communication by way of photography, art, drawings, sketches, charts and graphs. Read more: 4 Types of Communication With Examples. Types of Communication. Be intentional about your nonverbal communications. Mimic nonverbal communications you find effective. Take time to review your written communications. Keep a file of writing you find effective or enjoyable. Here are a few ways you can highlight your communication skills in your resume, cover letter and job interview:.
A well-written resume is itself a demonstration of strong communication skills. Ensure that your resume is structured appropriately and free of spelling and grammatical errors. Additionally, you may also want to include some positive communication skills in your resume skills section , especially if the job post calls for specific communication skills in the description.
You can add skills to your Indeed Resume for employers searching for candidates with your skillset. Your cover letter is a great opportunity to elaborate on your communication skills. The first, most important way you can communicate in your interview is through how you present yourself.
Avoid actions such as slouching or looking at your phone during the interview. Looking your interviewer in the eye, employing active listening skills and displaying confidence are all positive ways to communicate in your interview. Almost everything you do—both on the job and in life—can be seen as a form of communication. By identifying your strengths and weaknesses and regularly practicing good habits, you can improve the way you connect and communicate with others.
With experience and practice, you can learn and improve your communication skills. Start by identifying your strengths and then practice and develop those areas.
Identify professionals, family and friends who consistently communicate ideas and information clearly with respect, empathy and confidence. Observe and take notes on the specific ways they communicate with others.
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