What soft skills do employers request when they list job openings in your field?

 
I currently work in the Human Resources field. As a HR Generalist, I feel to be successful you must possess soft skills. I began my career as an HR Assistant, within a year I was promote to HR Support Staff and by the next year I was promoted to HR Generalist.  I believe my ability to communicate effectively and my ability to analyze and solve problems has afford me these advancements within my company. 

Employment in the Human Resources field requires efficiency in  soft skills.  Outline below is the competency portion of a job description for a HR Generalist.

Competencies

1.      Problem Solving/Analysis

2.      Project Management

3.      Communication Proficiency

4.      Ethical Conduct

5.      Time Management

(http://www.shrm.org/templatestools/samples/jobdescriptions/pages/cms_001297.aspx#sthash.n02uO6BA.dpuf)

 Communication Proficiency both verbal and written is the most important soft skill.  The ability to communicate effectively play a key role in the interaction with employees.  Whether discussing health benefits or performance accountability, a clear and concise message must be relayed to the employee to avoid miscommunication.

Next the ability to problem solve is crucial because it  involves using both soft and hard skills.  The ability to critically think through a problem, combine with the knowledge of how to use the tools necessary to achieve a solution is a win-win situation.

Project Management is also crucial to success of a business.  Project Management includes the ability to work in a team.  Being a great team player requires skills that includes respectful listening, the ability to collaborate and when needed the art of persuasion.

Time Management is another soft skill that should not be overlooked.  In the Human Resources field there is a wide range of jobs within each category; which include hiring of employees, employee retention, employee satisfaction, and employee benefits. In order to manage such a wide range of jobs, It is important that you manage your time efficiently and effectively to maximize your role as a Human Resources professional.

The Human Resources department is the author of policies and procedures. Not only are we the author, but also the enforcer of the policies and procedures.  This requires our decisions and conduct to be fair and ethical at all times.  All employees must be treated with fairness.

Lastly, in regards to how I would rate myself on the level of soft skills I possess is as follows: 

Soft Skills	Ratings	Process Improvement
Problem Solving/Analysis	8	Continuing education
Project Management	8	Continuing education
Communication Proficiency	7	Additional Communication training
Ethical Conduct	9	Continue doing the right thing
Time Management	7	Continuing education