As we all know and have probably experienced for ourselves, adapting to a new job is difficult. We need to learn all its nuances, technical requirements, and professional procedures. Even more challenging, however, is adapting to a whole new workforce. When we go to a new country, not only do we have to think about re-training to ensure we have the necessary hard skills required for a role, but since we are in a new work culture, we have to identify what soft skills are valued. CERIC, the Canadian Education and Research Institute for Counselling, highlighted an interesting post-pandemic trend. Changes in job seekers’ readiness pre-pandemic and during the pandemic were “negligible,” but rose by 2 percent post-pandemic. One of the reasons cited was a “substantial influx of newcomers.”
While there may be a clear-cut path for hard skills, soft skills can be more difficult to acquire. Some people may even see them as a fixed trait rather than a skill that can be developed with focused effort. In this article, we’ll go over the main soft skills Canadian employers look for, how to convey them in your CV, as well as practical next steps to take if you’re looking to improve on them.
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Adaptability
Employers value adaptability because it demonstrates an employee’s ability to thrive in ever-changing environments. In today’s dynamic workplace, being able to pivot and quickly learn new skills is crucial for staying competitive and meeting evolving business needs.
On your CV: Mention any certifications, courses, or workshops you’ve completed to acquire new skills or knowledge, indicating your willingness to adapt and grow professionally.
Book: “Mindset: The New Psychology of Success” by Carol S. Dweck to learn about fostering a growth mindset.
Communication
Effective communication is fundamental for building strong relationships, resolving conflicts, and ensuring clarity in tasks and goals. Employers rely on good communication skills for many functions within the organization, such as innovative development or effective project output.
On your CV: “Presented quarterly reports to senior management, effectively conveying complex data in a clear and concise manner.”
Book: “Nonviolent Communication” by Marshall B. Rosenberg offers practical techniques for communicating with empathy, honesty, and clarity.
Teamwork
Collaboration is essential for accomplishing complex tasks and achieving organizational goals, because of which employers now seek individuals who can work well with others and contribute positively to team dynamics. This makes teamwork an indispensable soft skill to master if one is to make a positive first impression on a hiring manager.
On your CV: “Collaborated with cross-functional teams to launch a new product line, contributing ideas and solutions that resulted in a 20% increase in sales.”
TED Talk: “Why Good Leaders Make You Feel Safe” by Simon Sinek for insights into fostering trust and cooperation within teams.
Work Ethic
A strong work ethic reflects an employee’s dedication to delivering high-quality results, making it one of the most valuable soft skills to have under one’s belt. After all, that is the end goal of any organization – to produce the most effective results using the least amount of time and resources. Employees who know how to work hard are some of the most valued members of any organization.
On your CV: Highlight specific accomplishments that demonstrate your dedication and diligence. For example, mention exceeding sales targets, consistently meeting deadlines, or receiving performance awards.
Book: “Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance” by Angela Duckworth
Positive Attitude
If there is one attribute that could even outdo a strong work ethic, it’s a positive attitude towards work. Employers want all their employees to succeed and deliver strong results, for which it is vital for all to work positively and smoothly with each other. Therefore, an employee with a positive attitude at the workplace is a valued member of the team, as they often boost others’ morale and keep motivation up through their optimistic attitude.
On your CV: “Acted as a mentor to junior colleagues, providing encouragement and guidance to help them overcome obstacles and achieve their goals.”
TED Talk: “The Happy Secret to Better Work” by Shawn Anchor
