Professional Documents
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soft skill_merged
soft skill_merged
interpersonal qualities that affect how you work and interact with others, while hard skill refers to
the technical and practical knowledge that you need to perform a specific job or task.
Some examples of soft skills are communication, teamwork, problem-solving, creativity, adaptability,
and emotional intelligence. These skills are often transferable across different jobs and industries,
and they can help you succeed in various aspects of your personal and professional life. Soft skills are
usually learned through informal processes, such as upbringing, social interactions, hobbies, and
personal experiences. They are hard to measure and prove, but they can be demonstrated through
your behavior and attitude.
Some examples of hard skills are coding, accounting, graphic design, data analysis, foreign language,
and project management. These skills are often specific to a certain job or industry, and they can be
acquired through formal education, training, and certification. Hard skills are easy to measure and
prove, and they can be shown through your qualifications, work samples, and test results.
Both soft skills and hard skills are important for your career success, as they complement each other
and help you perform your tasks effectively and efficiently. Employers often look for a combination of
both types of skills when hiring candidates, so it is beneficial to highlight them on your resume and in
your interviews.
The components of communication are the essential parts or elements that make up the process of
exchanging information between a sender and a receiver. Different sources may have different ways
of describing the components of communication, but they generally include the following:
- **Sender**: The sender is the person or entity who initiates the communication process by
generating and encoding a message. The sender should have a clear purpose and intention for
communicating, and should choose an appropriate channel and language for the message.
- **Message**: The message is the content or information that the sender wants to convey to the
receiver. The message can be verbal or non-verbal, and it can have different forms, such as text,
speech, image, video, etc. The message should be relevant, accurate, and understandable for the
receiver.
- **Channel**: The channel is the medium or mode through which the message travels from the
sender to the receiver. The channel can be physical or virtual, and it can have different
characteristics, such as speed, reliability, noise, etc. The sender should select a channel that suits the
message and the receiver’s preferences.
- **Receiver**: The receiver is the person or entity who receives the message from the sender. The
receiver should be attentive and receptive to the message, and should decode it correctly. The
receiver should also provide feedback to the sender to confirm or clarify the message.
- **Feedback**: Feedback is the response or reaction that the receiver gives to the sender after
receiving the message. Feedback can be verbal or non-verbal, and it can indicate the receiver’s
understanding, agreement, disagreement, interest, emotion, etc. Feedback helps the sender to
evaluate the effectiveness of the communication process and to adjust it if needed.
Oral communication skills are the abilities and competencies that enable individuals to effectively
convey their ideas, thoughts, and messages through spoken words.
One-on-one conversations: Conversation between two friends, employees or with one’s manager.
This could be personal, professional or just sharing motivational quotes between each other.
Oral communication is important for learning and understanding those in your environment on a
daily basis, both personally and professionally. It is a fundamental aspect of learning a language and
helps solve problems. It also allows people to quickly exchange information and it conveys emotion
in conversations.
Written communication is the art of conveying information or ideas
through the written word. It is a form of expression that can be used
to inform, persuade, entertain, or inspire. Written communication
can take many forms, such as emails, letters, articles, social media
posts, and even text messages. Written communication is usually
more formal and structured than verbal communication, and it can
reach a wider audience regardless of time or distance. However,
written communication can also lack immediate feedback and
emotional cues.
Here are some tips and resources on how to improve your body language
communication skills:
Linguistic barriers: These are caused by differences in language, dialect, or terminology. For example,
if the sender and the receiver do not share a common language, or if they use technical jargon that is
unfamiliar to the other party, they may not be able to understand each other well.
Psychological barriers: These are related to the mental and emotional state of the sender or the
receiver. For example, if the sender is nervous, angry, or depressed, or if the receiver is distracted,
bored, or prejudiced, they may not be able to communicate effectively.
Emotional barriers: These are caused by feelings or emotions that interfere with the communication
process. For example, if the sender or the receiver is too emotional, they may not be able to express
their thoughts clearly, or they may misinterpret the tone or intention of the other party.
Physical barriers: These are caused by environmental factors that hinder the transmission or
reception of the message. For example, if there is noise, distance, or poor lighting, the sender or the
receiver may not be able to hear or see the message well.
Cultural barriers: These are caused by differences in values, beliefs, norms, or customs between
people from different backgrounds. For example, if the sender and the receiver have different
cultural assumptions, expectations, or preferences, they may not be able to communicate effectively.
Organisational structure barriers: These are caused by the hierarchy, rules, policies, or procedures of
an organisation that affect the flow of information. For example, if there is too much bureaucracy,
red tape, or centralisation, the sender or the receiver may not be able to access or share information
easily.
Attitude barriers: These are caused by negative or hostile attitudes towards the sender, the receiver,
or the message. For example, if the sender or the receiver is arrogant, defensive, or resistant to
change, they may not be willing to listen or cooperate with each other.
Perception barriers: These are caused by differences in how people perceive reality. For example, if
the sender and the receiver have different viewpoints, opinions, or interpretations of a situation,
they may not be able to communicate effectively.
Physiological barriers: These are caused by physical or biological factors that affect the
communication process. For example, if the sender or the receiver has a hearing impairment, a
speech disorder, a visual impairment, or a medical condition, they may not be able to communicate
effectively.
Use clear and simple language that is appropriate for the audience and context.
Be aware of one’s own and others’ emotions and feelings and try to manage them constructively.
Respect and appreciate cultural diversity and avoid stereotypes and prejudices.
Maintain a positive and open attitude towards communication and avoid being judgmental or
defensive.
Listening and speaking tools are software applications or platforms that help
you to improve your listening and speaking skills in a language, such as English.
They can provide you with various types of audio and video materials, such as
podcasts, songs, stories, news, interviews, etc., that you can listen to and
practice your comprehension, pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar. They
can also give you feedback on your performance, such as your fluency,
accuracy, clarity, and confidence.
Self-management is the ability to control your own actions, emotions, and
thoughts in a productive and positive way. It is a skill that can help you achieve
your personal and professional goals, as well as improve your well-being and
happiness. Some of the aspects of self-management include:
- Time management: This is when you plan and organize your tasks according
to their importance and urgency. You also avoid distractions and
procrastination that can interfere with your work. Time management can help
you stay focused, efficient, and productive.
- Self-motivation: This is when you have the drive and initiative to pursue your
goals without needing external rewards or pressure. You also have a positive
attitude and confidence in your abilities. Self-motivation can help you
overcome challenges, learn new skills, and grow as a person.
- Self-regulation: This is when you monitor and adjust your emotions, thoughts,
and behaviors according to the situation and your values. You also have the
self-discipline and self-control to resist impulses and temptations that can harm
you or others. Self-regulation can help you cope with stress, manage conflicts,
and make ethical decisions.
- Self-awareness: This is when you have a clear and accurate understanding of
yourself, including your strengths, weaknesses, preferences, feelings, and
motivations. You also have the ability to reflect on your actions and their
consequences. Self-awareness can help you improve your performance,
communicate effectively, and develop empathy.
- Self-care: This is when you take care of your physical, mental, and emotional
health by engaging in activities that nourish and rejuvenate you. You also have
the ability to recognize and express your needs and boundaries. Self-care can
help you prevent burnout, enhance your mood, and boost your resilience.
These are some of the main skills that can help you improve your self-
management. However, self-management is not a fixed trait that you either
have or don’t have. It is a dynamic process that requires constant practice and
feedback. You can always learn new strategies and techniques to enhance your
self-management skills and become a better version of yourself.
A SWOT analysis of soft skill is a way of evaluating your personal
strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats related to your soft
skills. Soft skills are the interpersonal, communication, emotional and
social skills that you use to interact with others in various situations.
Some examples of soft skills are teamwork, problem-solving,
creativity, adaptability and leadership.
To conduct a SWOT analysis of your soft skills, you can follow these
steps:
Once you have identified these four elements, you can use them to
plan your career development and personal growth. You can use your
strengths to leverage your opportunities and overcome your threats.
You can also work on reducing or eliminating your weaknesses by
acquiring new skills, seeking feedback, or getting coaching or
mentoring. A SWOT analysis of soft skill can help you understand
yourself better and prepare for growth.
Personality development is the process of developing, enhancing, and
changing one’s personality over time. Personality is the characteristic way of
thinking, feeling, and behaving that makes a person unique. Personality is
influenced by many factors, such as genetics, environment, parenting, social
learning, and personal experiences. Personality development can occur
naturally or through intentional efforts. Some people may want to change
certain aspects of their personality to achieve their goals, improve their
relationships, or cope with challenges.
Self-learning and management are two important skills that can help you achieve your personal and
professional goals. Self-learning is the process of acquiring new knowledge and skills without the
help of another person. Management is the process of planning, organizing, leading, and controlling
your resources and activities to achieve desired outcomes.
Self-learning and management can benefit you in many ways, such as:
- You can learn at your own pace and according to your own interests and needs. You can choose the
topics, sources, and methods that suit you best. You can also learn from a variety of sources, such as
books, online courses, podcasts, videos, etc.
- You can improve your self-confidence and self-esteem by mastering new skills and knowledge. You
can also develop a growth mindset that helps you overcome challenges and embrace feedback.
- You can enhance your creativity and innovation by exploring new ideas and perspectives. You can
also apply your learning to solve problems and generate solutions in different contexts.
- You can boost your productivity and performance by managing your time, energy, and resources
effectively. You can also set SMART goals and track your progress and achievements.
- You can advance your career by updating your skills and knowledge to meet the changing demands
of the workplace. You can also demonstrate your initiative, self-reliance, and adaptability to potential
employers.
If you want to improve your self-learning and management skills, here are some tips that might help
you:
- Identify your learning objectives and goals. Be clear about what you want to learn, why you want
to learn it, and how you will measure your success.
- Find reliable sources of information. Use the internet, libraries, or experts to find credible and
relevant sources that match your learning objectives.
- Choose the best learning methods for you. Depending on your learning style, preferences, and
availability, you can choose from different methods of learning, such as reading, listening, watching,
writing, practicing, etc.
- Plan your learning schedule. Allocate enough time for your learning activities and stick to it. Use a
calendar or a task management tool to organize your learning tasks and deadlines.
- Review and reflect on your learning. After each learning session, review what you have learned
and reflect on how it relates to your objectives and goals. You can also use self-assessment tools or
feedback from others to evaluate your learning outcomes.
- Apply your learning to real-life situations. Try to use your new skills and knowledge in practical
ways that benefit you or others. For example, you can write a blog post, create a presentation, or
teach someone else what you have learned.
The motivation is the reason or reasons why you do something or behave in a certain way. It is what
makes you want to achieve a goal, overcome a challenge, or pursue a passion. Motivation can be
intrinsic or extrinsic, meaning it can come from within yourself or from outside factors. Motivation
can also be positive or negative, meaning it can be driven by the desire to gain something or avoid
something.
- You study hard for an exam because you want to get a good grade and impress your teacher
(extrinsic and positive motivation).
- You exercise regularly because you enjoy the feeling of being fit and healthy (intrinsic and positive
motivation).
- You quit smoking because you are afraid of getting lung cancer and dying (extrinsic and negative
motivation).
- You volunteer at a local shelter because you care about the animals and want to make a difference
(intrinsic and negative motivation).
Motivation is important for your personal and professional growth, as it can help you set and achieve
your goals, overcome obstacles, improve your performance, and enhance your well-being.
To increase your motivation, you can try some of the following strategies:
- Identify your purpose and values, and align them with your actions.
- Set SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) goals that are meaningful
and challenging for you.
- Break down your goals into smaller and manageable steps, and track your progress.
- Surround yourself with positive and supportive people who inspire you and share your vision.
- Find role models or mentors who can guide you and motivate you.
- Use affirmations or positive statements that boost your self-confidence and self-esteem.
- Use motivational quotes, images, or videos that resonate with you and spark your enthusiasm.
- Challenge yourself to step out of your comfort zone and try new things.
Image building technique in soft skill is the process of developing and
projecting a positive and professional image of oneself or one’s organization to
others. Image building in soft skill can help to create trust, credibility, and
rapport with various stakeholders, such as customers, clients, colleagues,
employers, or investors. Image building in soft skill can involve various aspects,
such as:
- Formal events: These are occasions that require you to dress in a sophisticated
and elegant way, such as weddings, galas, or black-tie parties. You should wear a
tea- or floor-length gown, a tuxedo, or a suit with a tie. You can also accessorize
with jewelry, shoes, and a hairstyle that match the formality of the event.
- Casual events: These are occasions that allow you to dress in a relaxed and
comfortable way, such as barbecues, picnics, or family gatherings. You can wear
jeans, shorts, skirts, t-shirts, sweaters, or casual dresses. You can also add some
personality with prints, colors, or accessories.
- Professional events: These are occasions that require you to dress in a smart and
respectful way, such as work meetings, conferences, or interviews. You should
wear a suit, a dress, or a skirt and blouse with a blazer. You should also avoid
anything too revealing, flashy, or casual.
- Special events: These are occasions that have a specific theme or purpose, such
as birthdays, holidays, or costume parties. You should dress according to the
theme or the mood of the event, such as wearing festive colors, costumes, or
cultural attire. You should also consider the venue, the weather, and the
expectations of the host.
Dressing for occasion can be fun and easy if you follow these tips and use your
own style and creativity. If you are ever unsure about what to wear, you can
always ask the host, check the invitation, or do some research online. Remember,
the most important thing is to feel comfortable and confident in your outfit.
Interview and its types
Interview
• An interview is a discussion or conversation
between a potential employer and a candidate.
• It is a selection process designed that helps an
employer understand the skills, scrutinise their
personality and character traits and check the
domain knowledge.
Types of interviews
Employers use many different types of interviews to
evaluate candidates. In most cases, they will tell you in
advance what type of interview to expect.
1) Face-to-face interviews
2) Panel interviews
3) Group interviews
4) Telephonic interviews
5) Video interviews
6) Off-site interviews
7) Stress interviews
8) Structured interviews
9) Unstructured interviews
Face-to-face interviews
A face-to-face interview is one in which you and
the interviewer meet in person to discuss your
credentials. The interviewer can be the
employer, manager, someone from the HR
department or a third party recruitment
consultant hired by the company. The interview
usually takes place on the company premises.
After asking general questions related to your
skills, education and experience, the interviewer
usually proceeds to assess your subject matter
expertise.
Panel interviews
• In a panel interview, you would be facing questions
from multiple interviewers. The interview panel may
include people from different departments or
disciplines. The panel usually takes a collective
decision about your selection for the job. For
example, an interview panel may include a project
lead, HR manager and subject matter expert. The
project lead may focus on your suitability for the
team, the HR manager may evaluate you in terms of
your salary expectations and long-term career goals,
and the subject matter expert may test your subject
knowledge.
Group interviews
• In this type of interview, companies interview
several candidates simultaneously. Companies
mostly use group interviews when they need to
recruit multiple candidates in a short period of
time. The interviewer may ask questions to the
entire group at a time or may ask each candidate
to answer individually. They may also ask you to
interact with other candidates or may even give
you a task to perform in a team in order to assess
your communication, interpersonal and
teamwork skills.
Telephonic interviews
Companies often use a telephonic interview to
shortlist candidates for a subsequent face-to-
face interview. When there are multiple rounds
of interviews planned for a position, companies
may conduct the telephonic interview in the first
round. They may ask you some basic questions
like your background and why you applied for
the position. If they decide to move further with
your selection, they may call you for a face-to-
face interview.
Video interviews
Companies usually conduct video interviews for
remote positions or in cases where it is not
possible for the candidates to attend an
interview in person. You can attend a video
interview using a PC, laptop or smartphone. You
may have to install the teleconferencing
application your employer uses for the interview.
Off-site interviews
Off-site interviews are mostly informal in nature.
The recruitment manager may invite you for a
personal meeting over lunch or dinner. Your
etiquette and personality may be more in focus
during these types of interviews. The interviewer
may observe you and assess your interpersonal
skills and table manners.
Stress interviews
• Companies use stress interviews to see how a
candidate reacts in a stressful situation. You may
encounter this type of interview if you are
applying for a high-stress position. The
interviewer may try to assess your ability to solve
challenging problems, work in a multi-tasking
environment or deal with clients that are
difficult to handle.
Structured interviews
• In a structured interview, the interviewer asks
the same set of questions to all the candidates.
The interviewer then compares the responses of
the candidates to find the suitable one. The
questions you encounter in a structured
interview can either be open-ended or close-
ended. In the case of close-ended questions, you
usually need to choose the right answer from a
list of alternatives. Open-ended questions can
have several different answers and may allow
you to elaborate your response.
Unstructured interviews
• In an unstructured interview, the interviewer
may change the questions and ask follow-up
questions based on your response. They may
have a few pre-determined questions in mind
but may modify them or add more questions
based on how the interview progresses.
Case interviews
• In a case interview, the interviewer gives you a
problem or explains a situation and asks you to
provide a solution. The problem or the situation
given can be an imaginary one or based on a
real-life experience. The idea is to test your
problem-solving aptitude at work.
Preparing for an interview is a very important step to increase your chances of
getting the job you want. There are many things you can do to prepare yourself,
such as:
- Analyse the job description and understand what skills and experience the
employer is looking for. You can use this information to tailor your CV and cover
letter, and to prepare examples of how you meet the requirements.
- Research the company and the role you are applying for. You can find out more
about the company’s mission, vision, values, culture, products, services,
customers, competitors, and achievements by visiting their website, social media
pages, or news articles. You can also use this information to show your interest
and enthusiasm for the role and the company.
- Practise interview questions and answers. You can find some common interview
questions and tips on how to answer them on websites. You can also practise with
a friend, family member, or a career coach, and ask for feedback on your
performance.
- Prepare for industry- or role-specific evaluation. Depending on the type of job
you are applying for, you may be asked to complete a test, a presentation, a case
study, or a portfolio to demonstrate your skills and abilities. You can prepare for
these by reviewing your previous work, researching the industry trends and best
practices, and practising your delivery.
- Think of questions for the interviewer. Asking questions at the end of the
interview is a good way to show your interest and curiosity, and to clarify any
doubts you may have about the role or the company. You can prepare some
questions in advance, such as: What are the main challenges or opportunities for
this role? How would you describe the work environment and culture here? What
are the next steps in the hiring process?
- Print out copies of your CV and any other documents you may need. It is always
a good idea to bring a copy of your CV, cover letter, references, certificates, or
portfolio to the interview, in case the interviewer does not have them or wants to
review them with you. You can also bring a pen and a notebook to take notes
during the interview.
These are some of the steps you can take to prepare for an interview.