If you want to succeed in your career, you need to know what you want and how to go after it. And you can’t do that without good communication skills. Being an excellent communicator can help you land that first job in your new career and ensure a positive future. It can separate you from other applicants, help you be a more effective employee and serve as a stepping stone to leadership responsibilities and career advancement.
Benefits of Good Communication Skills
Do you have good communication skills? Here’s why they’re essential for your future career:
Land a Job
Good communication skills can help you land an interview and that first job in your new career. Being able to articulate all you know and can do, whether in spoken or written form, goes a long way in the application process. Do you have great problem solving skills and a passion for information technology? Let your future employer know what you’ve already accomplished in the field and the unique skill set you’ll bring to their company. And be sure to communicate that you’re always willing to learn more! Once you have the job and are proving your worth every day, don’t forget to speak up for career advancement opportunities.
Be Well Understood
Good communicators can explain their ideas to others in ways that make sense and are easy to understand. You’ll be able to tell your supervisor what you need to do your job well. You’ll also be able to talk with co-workers to make sure you’re all working together for the good of the company and its customers. For example, if you work in healthcare, it’s vital that you communicate well to your patients. If you’re an IT specialist teaching a user how to work with a new software application, your communication skills can make the difference between a satisfied customer and a frustrated and angry one.
Hear What People Say
An important component to good communication skills is the ability to listen. People in business need to understand the mission and goals of their company and what their responsibilities are. That starts with good listening skills. You need to listen closely to your supervisors and your clients if you’re going to meet the needs of both. Once you’ve done some work, you’ll also need to listen to feedback to see what you’ve done right and what could be done even better.
Meet Employers’ Needs
One of the very best reasons to work on your communications skills is one of the simplest reasons: it’s what employers want. In employer surveys, communication skills consistently rank at the top of the list of soft skills hiring managers are looking for in new hires. They want new employees to be able to listen, act and then explain those actions. Does that sound like you?