News and Updates from FWA
Apr 2018
When it comes to identifying the skills recruiting firms/organisations are looking for, technical ability should be top priority, but not the only priority. Today, skills sets fall into two generally accepted categories: ‘harder skills’ – covering technical expertise – naturally expected at all levels; and ‘softer skills’ – a broad and overlapping mix of management skills.
Research suggests a number of broad categories for soft skills, which include:
They provide the interviewing firm with an essential insight into your personality and how you feel about yourself, your chosen career, what you would be like to work with and what you can contribute to the firm.
At interview, interviewers will search for indicators of your softer skills in your responses rather than ask direct questions.
Because these are effectively intangible skills, it can sometimes be difficult to articulate the soft skills you have developed.
Keep your ideas focused, provide information quickly and clearly and focus on solutions, clearly express your thoughts and ideas, try to write diplomatically and naturally, be professional. You can also try applying this to your CV.
Listen and respond. Participate and contribute. Speak tactfully and assertively and adapt how you speak to your audience. Use appropriate body language. Respect others’ opinions. Be creative and don’t be afraid to demonstrate your vision and ideas. At interview, effectively and positively describe your skills and knowledge by illustrating how past experiences are proof of a particular skill or attribute.
This brief overview demonstrates that we can’t ignore what is happening in terms of what skills are in demand. With old hierarchies and structure being replaced with a more flexible and customer-centric approach, where team working and CRM play a key role, it seems that going soft is no longer an option… it’s a fact of life.
Nov 2023
GETTING THAT WORK/LIFE BALANCE RIGHT At FWA, we understand the importance of a good work/life balance, and we as a team, are lucky to be able to implement this on a day-to-day basis. Not only can good work/life balance help productivity within the business, but it also helps improve mental health, reduces stress and boosts […]
Oct 2023
WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY October 10th 2023 is World Mental Health Day and here at FWA, we are wearing yellow to show support to the #HelloYellow campaign which helps raise awareness to mental health in young people. Mental health in children and young people is on the rise, especially after the negative effects of the […]
Jun 2023
This week is Men’s Health Week and we aim to raise awareness of preventable health problems that disproportionately affect men and encourage them to tackle their issues. We support The Men’s Health Forum (https://www.mhwshow.co.uk/mens-health-week-2020-mental-health/) #MensHealthAndTheInternet campaign and have detailed useful tips below on better ways to manage your technology. Take regular breaks from your smartphone each […]