To get a job, and keep that job, you must have a repertoire of hard skills, aka, those technical skills that we all think of when polishing up our resumes. Things such as typing ability, proficiency in Microsoft® Word™ and Excel™, ability to write and research, knowledge in a particular area and other skills. The hard skills necessary will change depending on the nature of the job, size of the firm, and area of law. Hard skills are also things that any number of people can be trained to do. It is your soft skills that will set you apart and allow you to thrive in any employment situation.
What are these “soft” skills? Soft skills are personal qualities and abilities related to your ability to work with others and your approach towards life and work. They include a number of things like: communication, conflict resolution, creative thinking, attitude, work ethic, dedication, teamwork, problem solving, adaptability, flexibility, professionalism, time management, and ability to accept feedback. They are just as important, if not more important than hard skills, but much more difficult to measure and teach. Like hard skills, they require practice and development. But with that development, you will be able to adapt to and be successful in a multitude of environments.
This article was written by Mary L. Wagner, Esq.
Law Daily 