Employers hire teens who practice the following soft skills: 

Soft skill #1: Dependability 

When it comes to soft skills, dependability is a powerhouse.

“Dependability” made it on Monster’s The Future of Work survey for the first time and shot to the top of the list as both the most important skill for employers and the number one skills gap.

That’s because employers want to hire someone they can trust to get the job done well and on time, so managers can focus on high-level priorities instead of micro-managing hires. When a workplace is filled with dependable employees, the whole organization thrives.

Showing up on time, every day, to every class and following through on commitments, the classroom is a perfect environment to practice dependability skills.

Soft skill #2: Teamwork and collaboration 

The secret ingredient to any good employee is the ability to collaborate and work with a team.

Believe it or not, there are only so many projects a person can handle at once. Meaning, understanding how to work with others is a critical soft skill for avoiding mistakes and burnout in any industry.

Teamwork provides opportunities for brainstorming and problem-solving. It builds morale and creates a support system for employees. 

Soft skill #3: Problem-solving and critical thinking

Problem-solving and critical thinking skills are some of the most in-demand skills in any workplace.

According to LinkedIn’s Global Talent Trends, 67% of hiring managers want critical thinkers on their teams. Managers want to hire someone they can rely on to handle unexpected challenges, think of new ideas or better ways of doing tasks, and generate and execute effective solutions.

Like with dependability, problem-solving as a soft skill lets a manager step out of the role of micromanager. It signals to employers that an individual has other competencies, like logic, creativity and determination, too. Because problem-solving isn’t just about finding a solution – it’s about the process.

Soft skill #4: Flexibility and adaptability 

Flexibility is more than just a physical practice improved by doing yoga — it’s a vital soft skill in any work environment!

Change is inevitable, but it can’t always be predicted.

Therefore, employers value employees who can adapt and respond quickly, calmly and positively to changes, even if it means stepping outside of their job description. Having a flexible mindset helps reduce stress and results in a better work-life balance.

Soft skill #5: Communication 

Effective communication matters to employers. Three of the five top in-demand skills in LinkedIn’s Global Talent Trends relate to communication — listening (74%), effective communication (69%) and interpersonal skills (65%).

Whether verbal, written, nonverbal or visual, good communication skills create an environment where employees understand information more quickly and accurately, which results in more efficient teams. Good communicators can articulate their own ideas well while listening to others with empathy and an open mind.

A work environment with poor communication, on the other hand, results in unnecessary stress, frustration, misunderstandings and conflict. Even lost productivity and ultimately revenue.