Emplyability Matters - 4. Communication Skills

Picture Source Communication Skills
Employers look for people who communicate well both verbally and in writing. George Bernard Shaw said, “The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place” and C. JoyBell C. said “connections are made with the heart, not the tongue.” If you are either applying for a job or looking for a promotion with your current employer, you will need to... demonstrate good communication skills. The ability to communicate both verbally and in writing with a wide variety of people, maintain good eye contact, write clearly and succinctly, demonstrate a varied vocabulary and tailor your language to your audience are all essential skills that employers seek out.

Jim Rohn advised along these lines that “Take advantage of every opportunity to practice your communication skills so that when important occasions arise, you will have the gift, the style, the sharpness, the clarity, and the emotions to affect other people”. Good verbal and written communication means you can get your messages across with less chance of misunderstanding.

Similarly, active listening skills involve not only hearing but gaining and understanding information. Listening is a basic requirement leading to fewer mistakes and a greater understanding of the needs of employer and client.  As your career progresses, the importance of communication skills increases since as well as creativity, people skills, and an aptitude for teamwork, the ability to speak and write with clarity and conciseness is essential for managers. To miss it in the place of communication, especially in the work place sets you up to incure some damages, lots of which we hardly ever have an opportunity to manage properly. James Thurber puts it this way, "Precision of communication is important, more important than ever, in our era of hair trigger balances, when a false or misunderstood word may create as much disaster as a sudden thoughtless act. In conclusion, Mireille Guiliano hit the nail on the head when he said ”Intelligence, knowledge or experience are important and might get you a job, but strong communication skills are what will get you promoted.”