Question: What are Employability Skills?

Answer: there are two types of skills employers look for: "hard skills" and "soft skills."

Today's jobs require employees to think, to reason, to analyze, to problem solve, to collaborate, and to communicate.

Students must be prepared with 21st century skills. Students need strong technical skills and superior interpersonal skills to participate and advance in the workplace.

Hard Skills

Hard skills are teachable abilities or skill sets that are easy to quantify.

Examples of hard skills:

  • A degree or certificate
  • Typing speed
  • Machine operation
  • Proficiency in a foreign language

Soft Skills

Soft skills are general, more subjective skills and attributes. These skills are required in virtually any form of employment.

Examples of Soft Skills:

Traits For Success (click individual traits for videos)

Leaders 
How to demonstrate leadership skills in the Interview


Solvers

The Essential Skills Series - Problem solving through creativity


Dedicated

The Essential Skills Series - Problem solving through creativity


Listeners

Julian Treasure: 5 ways to listen better


Collaborative

Interview Savvy: Be a Team Player


Writers

Brand Your Thoughts from Tom Peters: Work on Your Writing


Organized

Time Management: Urgent vs Important


Resilient

Success Television! Best Advice for Achieving Success!


Positive

Hiring for Attitude by Mark Murphy


Communicators

How To Have Better Communication Skill