Soft Skills
Soft skills are character skills and personality traits that reflect how you work in general, with others, and by yourself. Soft skills are often referred to as essential skills, interpersonal skills, and noncognitive skills. Although there are several soft skills, typical example soft skills are communication, teamwork, problem solving, and adaptability.
Hard skills, or technical skills, are those learned through education, training, and life experiences on specific topics. Example hard skills are culinary expertise, computer programming, and proficiency in world languages.
Soft skills are transferrable across education and career, regardless of program of study or place of work.
Soft Skill Development Resources
- Bring Your “A” Game to Work
- This soft skills training addresses seven soft skills behaviors: Attendance, Appearance, Attitude, Ambition, Accountability, Acceptance, and Appreciation.
South Dakota Department of Labor (SD DLR) offers the youth version of Bring Your “A” Game to Work at no cost to schools. Capacity is limited and on a first come, first serve basis. Schools interested in requesting training at their school should reach out to their local SD DLR Office.
- This soft skills training addresses seven soft skills behaviors: Attendance, Appearance, Attitude, Ambition, Accountability, Acceptance, and Appreciation.
- Soft Skills to Pay the Bills – Mastering Soft Skills for Workplace Success (U.S. Dept. of Labor, Office of Disability Employment Policy)
- Career Development and Soft Skills Lessons and Resources