Existing systems and traditions for recognising and communicating objective achievement - like paper certification - have failed to keep pace with the online revolution which has changed how we interact and engage with each other.
When I finished studying and started to hunt for the perfect career (any job to be honest), my initial step was to create my CV. It certainly showed the basics such as my qualifications and work experience, but little more than that. It’s difficult on two sides of A4 paper to show the fully rounded individual you are and all the useful skills you’ve learned along your journey through education and early jobs.
Over the last decade, we’ve all probably given our LinkedIn page a polish before applying for a new position, but essentially we still see a CV as our best hope in landing the dream job. And recruiters and employers are in an equally tricky position pouring over hundreds of them trying to get the measure of a person from a few pages. Countless excellent candidates have undoubtedly been missed because the CV didn’t show the richer picture of their achievements and skills.
What are soft skills?
“What powers economic growth? It’s not technology – technology is a raw material. What makes human beings unique is one thing – creativity. All else are subsets.” Richard Florida, The Rise of the Creative Class.
There are many different definitions for soft skills – which is potentially a problem in its own right. But generally they are the skills that fall in the gap between technical skills, experience and academic ability - a combination of creative thinking, interpersonal skills, common sense, attitudes, social intelligence, work ethic and communication skills.
For some it is about the ability to problem solve and for others, soft skills help employees navigate the grey area that is ‘expected behaviour’ in and beyond the workplace.
One thing that most people will agree on is that they are emerging as one of the critical factors for success in 21st century business in the Middle East. With the backdrop of increasing globalisation and disruption from digital technology, and with the rapid advancement and adoption of AI and automation changing the nature of the workplace, soft skills are under the spotlight more than ever. In fact, calling them ‘soft’ is doing those skills a massive injustice, as they are at the hard edge of business life.
Traditional CVs obscure candidates’ soft skills; digital badging can give a richer picture of their abilities
In a few months, school leavers will be getting their GCSE and A Level results, turning thoughts towards their future careers. Will they continue studying? Or start an apprenticeship? Perhaps some will apply for their first entry-level jobs.
