In the job force, the great equalizer for potential employees may be their soft skills.

“Everyone, regardless of the skills of the employee, wants the skills that keep the business running smoothly,” said Virginia Chomiak, career center specialist for Pima County Community College.

Soft skills refer to an employee’s ability to execute the job using interpersonal skills and etiquette. Punctuality, work ethic, the ability to communicate and the ability to work in groups are part of one’s soft skills.

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“We think of them as teamwork, being able to participate as part of a team, critical skills thinking,” said Jim Mize, a consultant working for Pima County on workforce development. “(Employers) will say ‘just give me a guy that will show up to work on time.’ They do an awful lot of their technical training within the business.”

Chomiak said soft skills can help professions augment their resume.

“I think employers generally rank soft skills higher,” Chomiak said. “It’s easier to teach technical skills.”

Attaining skills such as empathy, self discipline or adaptability can often be difficult because these skills are hard to measure, Chomiak said.

“Some people think this is so natural and everybody has it,” Chomiak said. “But, we can be strong in one area and need training in another. Soft skills can always be improved as well as honed to make you a better employee.”

Janina Latack, a career consultant, said these skills often extend beyond the business arena.

“Once you get that kind of skill down, it transfers to so many social and professional situations,” Latack said.

Latack said for professionals re-entering the workforce or changing careers, soft skills could be a deal breaker.

“Especially among older, more mature adults, they need to have the total package,” Latack said. “When someone is in their mid-30 to 40s, they expect people to come with those skills in hand.”

Latack said there are many options that adults can pursue to improve their skills.

“By far the biggest priority is to develop skills in communicating clearly — in writing and speaking,” Latack said. “There are many opportunities to learn these skills including taking courses in writing, business writing and speech. Pima Community College and University of Phoenix cater to the schedules of working adults.”

Chomiak said Pima College also offers certification courses that can be completed in a variety of subjects in a short amount of time.

Another option for developing stronger communication skills is to join an organization like Toastmasters, Latack said.

“(Toastmasters) offers weekly training, practice and feedback sessions covering communication, team building and leadership skills,” Latack said.

Chomiak said volunteering can also strengthen a resume and develop soft skills.

“We always focus on (applicants) soft skills through volunteer work,” Chomiak said. “We’re looking at their skills development and most likely building a skills-based resume.”

Latack said she agrees.

“Many community organizations offer training for their volunteers and many of the leaders of these organizations offer excellent role models and mentoring to learn these skills,” Latack said.

Latack said whatever training or experiences potential employee seek out to develop their soft skills can only increase their chances of getting the job.

“On paper, people can look very similar in terms of their academic qualifications or technical skills,” Latack said. “Often, the soft skills make a difference in someone fitting into the culture of the place.”

 Contact Kelly Mahoney at 520-295-4227 or at kmahoney@azbiz.com.