11/01/2025
Previous | Next | Career Corner Home | Health | Issues | Personal Finance
When students think of preparing for the workforce, they often focus on mastering technical skills or earning high grades in their major. And while those things certainly matter, employers consistently report that they’re also looking for something else—something less tangible but just as essential: soft skills.
Also known as "21st-century skills," these are the interpersonal abilities, habits, and mindsets that help you navigate real-world challenges, collaborate effectively, and solve problems creatively. And the good news? College is the perfect time to start building them.
What Are Soft Skills—and Why Do They Matter?
Soft skills aren’t about textbook knowledge. They’re about how you handle yourself and others and are attributes found in both good leaders and followers. Think about:
- Emotional intelligence and self-awareness: Can you recognize and manage your emotions? Can you empathize with others?
- Communication and collaboration: Are you able to express ideas clearly? Do you work well in group projects?
- Time management and accountability: Do you show up on time and meet deadlines?
- Problem-solving and adaptability: How do you approach new challenges? Can you think on your feet when something goes wrong?
These are the kinds of qualities that set strong candidates apart—and they often determine whether someone gets hired or promoted. In fact, many employers say that soft skills are harder to teach than technical ones. If you develop them now, you’ll not only boost your confidence but also your long-term career success.
How to Build Your Soft Skills in College
The great thing about soft skills is that they can be developed through everyday experiences. Here are a few key ways to get started:
1. Practice Time Management and Accountability
Strong time management is one of the most visible soft skills. College gives you a unique opportunity to practice balancing priorities—classes, studying, work, and life. Use a calendar, set reminders, and hold yourself accountable. These habits will serve you well in any job. Keep in mind, your actions—and their consequences—can affect others.
Bonus: Employers love candidates who can stay organized and meet deadlines without constant supervision.
2. Communicate Like a Professional
Communication matters—both verbal and written. You don’t need to wait for your first full-time job to build these skills. Start now by:
- Participating in class discussions.
- Sending clear, respectful emails to professors, advisors, or employers.
- Collaborating on group projects or in student organizations.
Every conversation is a chance to improve. And remember, listening is just as important when it comes to communication skills.
3. Work Through Conflict and Change
College naturally brings challenges, from changing schedules to team dynamics. How do you analyze information and problem solve? Are you resourceful? Do you think creatively and generate ideas? Do you achieve results through teamwork? The way you respond to these moments builds resilience and adaptability—two soft skills that employers highly value.
How to Showcase Soft Skills on Résumés and in Interviews
It’s one thing to develop soft skills—but it’s just as important to communicate them effectively when applying for jobs.
On Your Résumé
- Use active language to describe how you applied soft skills in real situations.
- Whenever possible, quantify the impact of your actions to demonstrate results
Examples:
- Led a team of four peers to complete a research presentation two weeks early.
- Provided customer support to 25+ visitors per week at the campus help desk, resolving issues through active listening and clear communication.
- Balanced full academic course load, part-time job, and club leadership responsibilities—demonstrated strong time management and organization skills.
In Job Interviews
- Prepare short stories using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to illustrate your skills.
- Focus on how you’ve handled real-world challenges, made decisions under pressure, or contributed to a team.
Example employer prompt:
"Tell me about a time you solved a difficult problem."
Strong response:
"In my part-time job at the campus bookstore, I noticed customers were waiting too long during rush week. I suggested a new system for sorting online orders, helped train the team, and we reduced customer wait time by 30%. I learned how much a small process change—and teamwork—can improve service."
These responses help hiring managers see your soft skills in action rather than just reading about them.
The Career Center Can Help You Grow and Show Off Your Skills
If you’re not sure how to frame your experience—or even which soft skills you already have—your career center can help. Career advisors are trained to:
- Help you identify and articulate your strongest skills.
- Translate your experiences into powerful résumé and interview content.
- Connect you with workshops, mock interviews, and job opportunities where you can continue to practice and grow.
Final Thought
You’re not just earning a degree—you’re building a professional identity. By developing your soft skills now and learning how to present them confidently, you’ll be better prepared for whatever comes next. Start small. Stay consistent. And don’t forget, your career center is here to help you every step of the way.
Job search on the go. Create the perfect résumé quickly and easily. Have job matches delivered to your mobile devices daily. Curate a career portfolio to showcase your achievements and qualifications. Schedule appointments with your career center, stay up to date on upcoming job fairs, and sign up for workshops and events at your school. Like the sound of it? Go to collegecentral.com and sign in or create your free Student or Alumni account for job opportunities, resources, and more.
© 2025 College Central Network
The views and opinions expressed in these articles do not necessarily reflect those of College Central Network, Inc. or its affiliates. Reference to any company, organization, product, or service does not constitute endorsement by College Central Network, Inc., its affiliates or associated companies. The information provided is not intended to replace the advice or guidance of your legal, financial, or medical professional.