by Ronald Manalastas

Created on: January 03, 2009   Last Updated: January 04, 2009

The ideal set of qualities and skills that an employee must have to delight an employer practically depends on the nature of business, objectives, and operating needs of the employer. It is an elusive set that varies from one company to another, with each set involving different job requirements and demanding the productive combination of hard and soft skills.

Hard Skills (HS) are specific, teachable abilities or demonstrable competencies functionally required by a job (e.g. knowledge of software development, financial analysis, typing, and driving). Soft Skills (SS) include personal qualities (e.g. motivation, sense of responsibility, integrity, and problem-solving) and interpersonal abilities (e.g. leadership, communication, listening, and team orientation).

So, what skills do you need to become the employer's choice?

I am delighted to share the success-proven skill set that continues to have universal application across companies and industries, and which I had productively used across my career life. This skill set is embodied in the formula: 100% Employer Approval Rating = 20% Hard Skills (HS) + 80% Soft Skills (SS). Let us discuss its specific elements.

1. Superior oral and written communications skills (SS).

When you applied for the job and presented yourself in your resume and cover letter, as well as in the interviews, you were immediately assessed by your employer based on your capacity to communicate. Had you failed to clearly get your message across, orally and in writing, you could not have gotten the job. It is best that you appreciate the all-time importance of this fundamental requirement in any job. Continue to improve on the skills through purposeful practice, enhancement, and perfection. Good communication skills breed and build rapport and trust with the employer, and with your co-workers, friends, and peers. Bear in mind that an employee who cannot articulate dampens the interest of the employer.

2. Solid knowledge of the job, other functions, and company processes. (HS)

You might have impressed your employer with your power to communicate and it was exactly the reason why you were hired. But, whether you were taken in as an entry-level employee, supervisor, manager, or a board-level executive, you are expected to be a master of what you do on the job. Exert extraordinary effort to know your job from A to Z, the functions of all other operating units, and the processes involved in the conduct of your employer's business. Demonstrate, internally

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