You see some form of this requirement listed in just about every job posting. But what do employers really mean by the term “communication skills”? What are they looking for in employees? The Capella University Career Center shares their thoughts. Hard Skills vs. Soft Skills First, let’s compare hard skills to soft skills. At a minimum, most employers are looking for job applicants with certain hard skills—or quantifiable qualifications. This includes credentials like having an appropriate degree, number of years of experience in the field, technical training, or membership in a professional organization. These are things you can list on your resume as stated facts. To narrow down the mound of applications they receive, HR departments might then look for soft skills—or subjective skill sets like motivation, adaptability, and the crème de la crème soft skill: communication. You could have just as much experience and a similar education as another applicant, but if your communication skills aren’t up to par, that job will slip through your fingers. So, let’s take a hard look at this soft skill. Top 7 Building Blocks of Good Communication Skills 1. Know Your Audience. Whether you’re writing an email, presenting at a meeting, collaborating with a member of another team, or speaking with a customer, adapting your message to suit your audience is a key component of good communication. For example, an information technology director needs to be able to “sell” a project to an executive without getting too bogged down by the technical details. At the same time, that director also needs to communicate logistical instructions to the production and development team. 2. Listen. No, Really. Listen. Being a good listener is an essential component of being a good communicator. In conversation, you must resist the temptation to formulate a reply in your head before the speaker is done talking. Instead, spend that time actively listening to them, sending both nonverbal and verbal listening responses. For emails, try not to respond right away. Close the email and reread it later if you can. You will likely pick up more information on the second read and be able to more appropriately respond to the request. 3. Write Well and Proofread. Good written communication cannot be underestimated or undervalued in the workplace. When you write professionally, you need to write well. This means check your spelling, use good grammar, and, avoid industry jargon. Proofread your work before you send it. This applies to emails, presentations, memos, reports, blogs—really any form of written communication in the workplace. 4. Talk the Talk. Good verbal communication and interpersonal skills are essential for collaborating with others, communicating to your supervisor, and speaking with customers or clients. This means speaking clearly, concisely, and loudly (but not too loud), while building a good rapport with your audience. (See #1.) 5. Present with Confidence. Many profes