Top 10 Soft Skills for Job Hunters

Each company looks for a different mix of skills and experience depending on the business it's in. Yet it's no longer enough to be a functional expert. To complement these unique core competencies, there are certain "soft skills" every company looks for in a potential hire.

"Soft skills" refer to a cluster of personal qualities, habits, attitudes and social graces that make someone a good employee and compatible to work with. Companies value soft skills because research suggests and experience shows that they can be just as important an indicator of job performance as hard skills.

1. Strong Work Ethic

Are you motivated and dedicated to getting the job done, no matter what? Will you be conscientious and do your best work?

-- Check out: Religion and Integrity in the Workplace: A Controversial Study

2. Positive Attitude

Are you optimistic and upbeat? Will you generate good energy and good will?

-- Check out: Boost Workplace Productivity -- Make 'Em Laugh!

3. Good Communication Skills

Are you both verbally articulate and a good listener? Can you make your case and express your needs in a way that builds bridges with colleagues, customers and vendors?

-- Check out: How Women Can Talk to Men at Work So They'll Listen

4. Time Management Abilities

Do you know how to prioritize tasks and work on a number of different projects at once? Will you use your time on the job wisely?

-- Check out: Time Management Crucial to Reducing Stress

5. Problem-Solving Skills

Are you resourceful and able to creatively solve problems that will inevitably arise? Will you take ownership of problems or leave them for someone else?

-- Check out: Does Persistence Really Pay?

6. Acting as a Team Player

Will you work well in groups and teams? Will you be cooperative and take a leadership role when appropriate?

-- Check out: The Magic Word at Work

7. Self-Confidence

Do you truly believe you can do the job? Will you project a sense of calm and inspire confidence in others? Will you have the courage to ask questions that need to be asked and to freely contribute your ideas?

-- Check out: Why Nice Girls Still Don't Get the Corner Office

8. Ability to Accept and Learn From Criticism

Will you be able to handle criticism? Are you coachable and open to learning and growing as a person and as a professional?

-- Check out: How Toxic Behavior Leads to Sinful Behavior at Work

9. Flexibility/Adaptability

Are you able to adapt to new situations and challenges? Will you embrace change and be open to new ideas?

-- Check out: Flex-Friendly Jobs

10. Working Well Under Pressure

Can you handle the stress that accompanies deadlines and crises? Will you be able to do your best work and come through in a pinch?

-- Check out: Desk Rage: Completely Losing It at Work