When developing job descriptions, employers tend to emphasize the specific abilities required to complete a job. These are typically identified as &ldquo;hard skills,&rdquo; and are most often learned through education or training (i.e. computer programming, foreign language proficiency, or a specific degree or certificate). However,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nationalsoftskills.org/" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">soft skills</a>&nbsp;can play an equally as important role in getting and keeping a job.
Soft skills are the personal attributes that enable us to interact effectively with others and succeed in the workplace. Sometimes they are referred to as &ldquo;people skills.&rdquo; Unlike some hard skills, soft skills are transferable from one job to another and are either inherent or developed over time. These are the attitudes, verbal and nonverbal behaviors, and habits that make us desirable employees and valuable team members.
Here are 7 soft skills that are sure to help you find and keep a job:
<ol>
<li>Communication&nbsp;&ndash; Effective communication is an essential skill to ensure job success. This not only includes being able to communicate well with clients or customers, but also with colleagues and managers. Significant aspects of communication in the workplace include the ability to listen, negotiate, persuade, deliver presentations/speak in front of others, write, and use nonverbal communication. For employees with disabilities, this also includes the ability to communicate about accommodations and other needs both during the interview process and while on the job. </li>
<li>Problem Solving &amp; Critical Thinking&nbsp;&ndash; The need to analyze, problem solve, and make informed decisions occurs consistently in any work setting. This includes the ability to be creative, flexible, and observant. Problem-solving skills are often one of the admirable qualities that employees with disabilities bring to the workplace, as people with disabilities are consistently required to think outside of the box or adapt a situation or environment to meet their needs. </li>
<li>Time Management&nbsp;&ndash; Good time management skills are important because they demonstrate the ability to prioritize and meet deadlines. It also proves that you are reliable. Time management not only means delivering assignments on time but also includes being on time for work, meetings, etc. Employees with disabilities may also have to consider any disability-related needs that may affect their time management at work. This could include factoring in extended time for restroom breaks, meals, or completing projects. &nbsp;
It&rsquo;s important to remember that managing your time effectively not only impacts you, but your colleagues as well. Quite often, our work correlates with others&rsquo;, and a missed deadline can reflect negatively on an entire team or business.
</li>
<li>Teamwork&nbsp;&ndash;&nbsp;Employers&nbsp;consistently seek job candidates who work well with others. Even if a job requires you to complete most of your work independently, you will inevitably need to interact with others at some point. Essential components of teamwork include the ability to accept and apply feedback from others, recognize and appreciate diversity (including disability), be self-aware, resolve conflicts, and work collaboratively. </li>
<li>Work Ethic/Professionalism&nbsp;&ndash; Having a strong work ethic is an impressive quality to demonstrate to an employer. People with a strong work ethic don&rsquo;t require micromanaging. Instead, they are responsible, meaning they arrive on time to work, meet deadlines, remain focused and organized, dress appropriately and generally follow instructions well. </li>
<li>Positive Attitude&nbsp;&ndash; Demonstrating a positive attitude can make all the difference in getting a job and succeeding in the workplace. Employees who are friendly, excited about their work, and have an overall positive attitude even as they interview are more likely to impress employers. This is especially helpful in fast-paced or high-stress environments. </li>
<li>Self-Confidence&nbsp;&ndash; Many other soft skills derive from having self-confidence. If you don&rsquo;t have confidence in your skills and abilities, it will be difficult to effectively apply other skills in the workplace. Being self-confident helps you not to take things personally and provides a sense of strength as you pursue your professional goals and help your employer succeed. It can also help you make confident, timely decisions and easily adapt to changes. </li>
</ol>
While developing your soft skills doesn&rsquo;t happen overnight, it is never too late to work on them. Simply observing people who demonstrate these qualities or asking someone to mentor/coach you in these areas can be beneficial. Additionally, choosing to take on more responsibilities in the workplace, such as serving on committees or signing up for an additional project, can help you hone your strengths and recognize areas for improvement.
For more resources and best practices on soft skills, check out the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nationalsoftskills.org/" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">National Soft Skills Association</a>. Job seekers and employees with disabilities can also reach out to the&nbsp;Getting Hired team&nbsp;for resources and ideas on how to develop your soft skills.
Contributions to this blog were made by Andra&eacute;a LaVant of Solutions Marketing Group.

Discover insightful articles on building inclusive work environments and fostering diverse talent communities.

7 Essential Soft-Skills for Getting and Keeping a Job

It can be overwhelming to navigate the freelance market. Of the<a href="https://ddiy.co/freelance-statistics/"> </a><a href="https://ddiy.co/freelance-statistics/">3.38 billion</a> people in the global workforce, 1.57 billion are freelancers. It can seem like a wild world! But breathe. We'll tell you how to continue earning a good income by freelancing today. Feeling that "you are not alone" might be scary initially, but that is also an assurance. Why? Because we are in a gig economy.
Because you are in demand, because you have the skills, now you need a roadmap. This article will give you that and more. Let's go! 
<h2>Who is a Freelancer? </h2>
A better term for a "freelancer" is a "solopreneur." A freelancer does not work with just one employer or company but instead works independently on a project-by-project basis.
They're the cool cats of the working world, with the freedom to set their hours, choose their projects, and work from wherever they want. They're a little bit entrepreneur, a little bit artist, and their own bosses. 
<h2>The Perks of Being a Freelancer in 2023 </h2>
<ul>
<li> You have flexible working hours. You decide when you want to work. All you need to take care of is meeting deadlines. You are your boss (and can be in pajamas!)</li>
<li> You are location-independent, so travel and become a digital nomad! You can still keep that stream of income coming. You also save time and money on intercity travel.</li>
<li> You can undertake a diverse range of projects. This will also keep you interested and ward off monotony. </li>
<li> There is no limit to how much you can earn. The more work you take on, the more money you make.</li>
<li> You can have a<a href="https://www.gettinghired.com/blog/4539/benefits-of-remote-jobs-from-flexibility-to-work-life-balance-or-getting-hired"> </a>better work-life balance and more time for things you are passionate about. For example, 70% of freelancers, who were part of a<a href="https://ddiy.co/freelance-statistics/"> </a>survey, said they were doing what they were for an improved work-life balance. There is a flip side to this too. You can overwork yourself and have weekend deadlines. You should know where to draw the line. </li>
<li> No workplace politics!</li>
</ul>
 
<div><img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/kyvEK13SR1GPfeOh4zeg"> </div>
<h2>10 Tips to Navigate the Freelance Market in 2023</h2>
<h3> Find Your Niche</h3>
Being a Jack or Jill of all trades might not work in your favor. So instead, pick a niche and become an expert at what you do. This will help you stand out from the crowd and get you gigs constantly. 
<h3>Look Up</h3>
Not many understand the importance of having a positive attitude toward freelancing. Stay positive, have a good attitude, and nothing can stop you. What do we mean by a good attitude? Let's explain that with an example.
Let's say a client rejected your assignment without an explanation. Taking the rejection to heart might not work out well for you. If you understand they are rejecting your work and not rejecting you, you can deal with it better. Ask for detailed feedback and move on! 
<h3>Networking</h3>
Not all freelancers are comfortable with going out and talking to people. But that is not all that we mean by networking. Networking today can also mean having an online presence, interacting with people online, and posting on platforms like LinkedIn to get to know others.
You can also get to know people at events that are not meant for that purpose -- say, story sessions or open mics. 
<h3>Consistency</h3>
You may have to start small, but the important thing is to keep going. Don't slack off because you do not have someone to oversee your work. Self-discipline is the keyword! 
<h3>Upskill Constantly</h3>
Learning and growth should never stop. You can never know everything. Having that modesty and a curious mind will not only help you increase your skill level but also help you stay relevant. For instance, if you are a writer, take a course in a different writing genre.
Take a grammar assessment. Learn another language. 
<h3>Build a Good Portfolio</h3>
Have a portfolio ready of what you can do, what you have done, and a brief about yourself. Having a website is a must today. Build one and upload your articles there. 
<h3>Choose Strategically</h3>
In the beginning, you may take up anything that comes your way to make a buck. Change that with time. Choose what you are interested in and what also pays well.
What tasks would look good on your portfolio? What would you really enjoy working on? 
<h3>Set Your Goals</h3>
One of the biggest mistakes most freelancers make is to work without a goal instead of towards one.
The plan could be anything. To work with 100 clients in 5 years. To have USD 10000 to travel. To save up for retirement. To have x number of followers. To become an expert in your field. This would help you get some perspective. It will also keep you motivated. 
<h3>Seek Mentorship</h3>
There are people in every profession who have been there and done that. Seeking their advice can help you avoid making the mistakes they had. They can guide you when you are stuck, help you network, and more. 
<h3>Bonus</h3>
<ul>
<li> Collect client testimonials and showcase them wherever you can. People trust other people more than ads. </li>
<li> Have a blog (text, audio, or video), even if you are not a writer. For example, if you are an SAP expert, write thought leadership posts on that. Show that you know what you are doing. </li>
<li> Lastly, ALWAYS deliver. Meet deadlines. Understand the brief. And exceed expectations. This helps in cultivating trust. </li>
</ul>
 Challenges are another essential thing you need to be aware of while navigating the freelance job market. Brace for those. Expect the worst and prepare for that so you are not caught off guard. 
<hr>

<h4 style="text-align: center;">Searching for a new position or switching careers? To apply and discover more about opportunities that are HIRING NOW, create an account at <a href="https://www.careercircle.com" rel="follow">careercircle.com</a>! </h4>

Are you a freelancer with a great set of skills? All you need is a roadmap to navigate that market. We've got that for you.

Navigating the Freelance Market | Getting Hired

Navigating the Freelance Market

Taking a new job is exciting, but moving to a new location can be daunting. With some preparation, you can find the perfect place to live that meets all your needs. Here is some general advice to get you started. 
<h2>Research the New Location</h2>
Before you agree to anything, you need to ensure that the new location fits your family. You must investigate the area via internet research, conversations with your future co-workers, and visits. 
<ul>
<li>Schools</li>
</ul>
Find out all you can about the new school district, its reputation, and where the <a href="https://www.publicschoolreview.com/top-ranked-public-schools">new school system</a> ranks within the state for educational excellence. Visit schools your kids will be attending. Get a sense of the institution and its management. 
<ul>
<li>Taxes</li>
</ul>
Look into what local and state taxes you will be responsible for paying. In some states, the salary increase you get will be negated by the taxes you owe. Make sure, before you commit, you have a good sense of where you will end up financially if you move forward. 
<ul>
<li>Cost of Living</li>
</ul>
The cost of living in an area can be a deal killer. If, for example, you are moving from <a href="https://www.bestplaces.net/cost-of-living/oklahoma-city-ok/new-york-ny/150000" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Oklahoma to New York City</a>, you should assume you will need to make more than double what you are currently making to break even. 
<ul>
<li>Real Estate Market</li>
</ul>
Investigate the local real estate market and understand what it will cost you to buy a home, rent, or find an alternative living arrangement. Look at resale prices for that market and use that information to look for housing where you know you can resell if you need to do so. If you rent, look at average rents and use that information to determine where to look. 
<ul>
<li>Crime</li>
</ul>
Search online and find the crime statistics for the town or city you will be relocating. Pay attention to any neighborhood crime assessments and any trends in reported crimes. Crime statistics will help you decide where to live and give you a general idea of areas you may want to avoid. 
<ul>
<li>Local Job Market</li>
</ul>
If you have a spouse or kids that work, you want to investigate the <a href="https://www.thejobnetwork.com/top-8-tools-salary-research-012017/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">local job market</a>. Make sure you are moving to an area that will allow your spouse to work in their field easily. It makes no sense to increase one spouse's employment if the other has to take a huge hit in salary or benefits. 
<ul>
<li>Average Commute Time</li>
</ul>
Speaking of commuting time, how about your commute? Can you easily get from your new home to your job, or will there be significant traffic issues that affect when you have to leave and when you can expect to be home? If there are commuting challenges, does it make more sense to look to live closer to work or in a different location? 
<ul>
<li>Check Out Amenities and Services</li>
</ul>
Research what local amenities and services exist in your new location and find out the following:
Are there parks? Where are the supermarkets? What is there to do during the week and weekend? Does the new place have the type of church you want to frequent (if you are religious) How about hospitals and Urgent Care?
Identify the services you use in your current location and activities you like to do and investigate if both are available at your new location. If the answer is "no," you will likely still take the job, but you might tailor your living location to your interests and needs. 
<h2>Visit and Look at Housing</h2>
Once you have locked down the area where you want to live generally, look at the housing options in those areas. Take a weekend if you can and spend it looking at properties. A weekend trip will not only help you find your ideal living space, but it will also give you a good sense of the area you want to live. 
<h2>Decide on a Moving Date and Set a Budget</h2>
Once you have a place to live, decide on a moving date that gives you plenty of time to get packed and ready. Before you pack one box, work out your budget. For example, suppose you are moving from New York City to Baltimore for a job. Figure out the cost of going with an <a href="https://www.ozmoving.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">NYC moving company</a> and look at options based on your budget.
You want to budget your move even if your new company is moving you because moving expenses can escalate quickly. One issue with the delivery of your stuff, for example, and you could be looking at having to stay at a hotel for a few days. You will also have other expenses like meals and general travel costs, like gasoline.
The more you plan your move, the better off you will be once you get to your new location. 
<h2>Say Your Goodbyes</h2>
Try and plan your goodbyes, so they do not interfere with your move. If possible, you want to have at least one day between your last goodbye and you are going to your new home. 
<h2>Move</h2>
Whether moving one town over or across entire regions of the country, remember that no move is perfect, nor is it worth stressing too much over what you have no control over. 
<h2>Get Settled in the New Place</h2>
Make sure you give yourself a few days to acclimate to the new surroundings. If possible, give yourself a week. That will let you start to get settled before you have to start focusing on the new job. If a buffer is not possible, prioritize what is important to you in terms of making your new space your own. 
<h2>Final Thoughts</h2>
Some people can pick up and move to a new location and not break stride. Most people need a lot of planning, adjusting, and flexibility to make it all work. Follow this list of suggestions and your move will be significantly easier than if you push ahead and hope for the best. 
<hr>
 Are you currently looking for a new role or are interested in changing careers? Make sure to check out available job opportunities at <a href="https://www.careercircle.com/jobs" rel="follow">careercircle.com/jobs</a>.&nbsp; While you are there register and sign up to receive updates about jobs, events, and resources to take your career to the next level!&nbsp;

A Guide To Moving to a New Job Location | Getting Hired

A Guide To Moving to a New Job Location

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Keep up to date with CareerCircle's latest blog posts on keeping an inclusive workforce.

7 Essential Soft-Skills for Getting and Keeping a Job

Navigating the Freelance Market

A Guide To Moving to a New Job Location

7 Essential Soft-Skills for Getting and Keeping a Job

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