Skills You Need to Know

In order to be successful in your career, there are several basic career development skills you need to master.  These skills are applicable to all professions.  If you do not already have these skills, mastering them will help make your job a lot easier.  

Attentive Reading:  Become an active reader.  This means jotting notes down on the page while you read, pay attention to detail.  Pause and think about what you have read.  Use outside sources, such as the internet, to clarify any points you may not understand.  

Clear Writing:  Communication through writing is essential, regardless of your field.  You have to practice writing clear and effective sentences.  Make sure your writing is readable, using correct grammar and short sentences.  

Speaking Clearly:  Choose your tone wisely.  Think about your words before you speak.  Organizing your thoughts beforehand makes speaking clearly much easier.  If you have a hard time remembering what you want to say, make notes.  Notes will help you keep track of your thoughts, and help you remember what it is that you wanted to say.  

Active Listening:  Just as it is important to speak clearly, it is important to be an active listener.  Pay attention to what people are saying when they speak.  Do not simply disregard someone’s words because you may not agree with them.  

Creative Thinking:  Being able to put your knowledge to use in a creative manner will help your problem-solving abilities.  You will find that creative thinking becomes second nature when you are being an attentive reader and active listener.  It is about applying what you know, sometimes things that normally would not be connected, in your everyday circumstances.  Problem Solving:  Being able to identify a problem, thinking about it and finding a solution is essential to your success.  

Problem solving can also occur before an actual problem arises.  Keep your eyes open for situations that may cause problems in order to stop them before they arise.  

Goal Setting:  Having a goal, whether it is to complete a project or get a promotion, is essential to your success.  The hardest part of being successful is knowing what you want.  Once you have a goal in mind, everything else falls into place.  

People Skills:  Being able to communicate effectively and understand the people around you are essential to your success.  You will have to negotiate during certain circumstances, understand different cultures, and be able to work as part of a team.  These are all necessary skills for your success.   

Self-Confidence:  If you do not believe in yourself, it is hard for others to believe in you.  Believe in your ability to achieve, work hard and you will conquer your dreams.