Empowering the young professional: the role of soft skills in career success

By  Hilda Nimo TIEKU

The current employment landscape is significantly evolving, and soft skills play a vital role in your career success as a young professional.

While technical skills and academic qualifications remain essential, they are no longer the only keys to career success. Employers value soft skills, those intangible yet critical and essential abilities such as effective communication, problem-solving, critical thinking, creative thinking, adaptability, collaborative skills, and leadership skills, among others, that enable you to thrive in any work environment.

For Ghanaian youth, mastering these skills is not just an option but a necessity to manoeuvre and excel in the competitive job market.

The vital role of soft skills

Soft skills encompass a broad range of personal attributes that enhance one’s ability to interact effectively and harmoniously with others. They include communication, teamwork, emotional intelligence, leadership, time management, and adaptability. Unlike technical skills, which are job-specific and often acquired through formal education, soft skills are universally applicable and play an essential role in almost every job.

In Ghana, the emphasis on soft skills is becoming more pronounced as businesses recognise the need for employees who can navigate the complexities of the workplace.

According to a survey conducted by Jobberman Ghana, over 66% of employers rate soft skills as critical to their hiring decisions, with many emphasising attributes like teamwork, critical thinking, communication, flexibility and emotional intelligence. This shift underscores the growing realisation that technical prowess alone is no longer sufficient; a well-rounded skill set is critical to long-term career success.

In Ghana, as in many parts of the world, the emphasis on soft skills is growing. According to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs 2023 report, analytical thinking, creative thinking, and problem-solving will be among the top in-demand skills by 2027.

Employers are looking for candidates who can bring more than just technical competencies but a whole package. They are looking for employees who can contribute positively to the company culture, engage with clients and colleagues, and face challenges with a positive attitude.

This is where soft skills become the differentiator, setting apart candidates with similar qualifications and technical abilities.

The current landscape of youth employment in Ghana

Like many other countries, Ghana faces a significant challenge with youth unemployment. Despite the increasing number of graduates entering the job market each year, many struggle to find employment that matches their qualifications and aspirations. One of the underlying issues is the skills gap between what is taught in educational institutions and what employers need.

This gap is often most pronounced in the area of soft skills. Many young people graduate with excellent academic records but lack the practical skills to succeed in the workplace. They may excel in theoretical knowledge but struggle with real-world applications such as effective communication, teamwork, and handling workplace stress. This disconnect can hinder their ability to secure and retain employment, ultimately affecting their career progression and economic well-being.

The power of communication

Communication is the most foundational soft skill, underpinning many other abilities. In the workplace, effective communication means articulating ideas clearly, listening actively, and engaging in meaningful dialogue with colleagues and clients. It involves verbal communication, writing skills, non-verbal cues, and the ability to use digital communication tools.

As a young professional, developing strong communication skills can open doors to various career opportunities. Whether it’s acing a job interview, contributing to a team project, or leading a presentation, communicating well can significantly impact one’s career trajectory.

Employers consistently rank communication as one of the most desirable skills in candidates, making it a critical area for personal development.

Problem-solving and adaptability: keys to thriving in a dynamic workplace

Problem-solving is another soft skill highly valued across all industries. The ability to analyse situations, identify challenges, and devise practical solutions is essential in today’s fast-paced work environments. For young Ghanaian professionals entering a job market characterised by rapid technological advancements and economic shifts, thinking critically and solving problems creatively is valuable.

Adaptability, closely related to problem-solving, involves the willingness and ability to adjust to new conditions. In a world where industries constantly evolve, adaptability allows individuals to thrive amidst change. For instance, the COVID-19 pandemic underscored the importance of adaptability as businesses and employees had to pivot to remote work and new ways of operating quickly.

For young professionals, being adaptable enhances your employability and prepares you to navigate the uncertainties of the future job market.

Jobberman Ghana’s role in promoting soft skills development

Recognizing the role of soft skills in career success, Jobberman Ghana has taken proactive steps to empower young people through targeted training and support. As the leading job placement and human resource company, Jobberman Ghana offers various initiatives to bridge the skills gap and equip the youth with the competencies needed for the workplace.

Our current impact initiative on soft skills for young people between 18 and 35 years seeks to provide practical learning experiences focusing on communication, teamwork, leadership, and other essential skills. These programs are tailored to meet the job market’s needs, ensuring participants are well-prepared to meet employer expectations.

Additionally, Jobberman Ghana offers free CV reviews and career readiness workshops. These free services form part of our corporate social responsibility to assist job seekers in effectively presenting their skills, preparing for interviews, and strategically approaching the job search process. By investing in these initiatives, Jobberman Ghana is enhancing the employability of young people and contributing to the broader goal of reducing youth unemployment in Ghana.

By fostering a culture of continuous learning and adaptability, we can prepare the next generation of Ghanaian professionals to meet the challenges and opportunities of the future.

The writer is the CEO, Jobberman Ghana

The post Empowering the young professional: the role of soft skills in career success appeared first on The Business & Financial Times.

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