Making a mark in the financial sector is not just about possessing the right qualifications or an impressive academic record. It’s about what unique value you bring to your workplace. More and more, job seekers are expected to highlight not only their technical skills but also their soft skills in their resumes. As these soft skills, or interpersonal abilities, become hot commodities in the finance sector, showcasing them can substantially elevate your career prospects. Here’s an insight into the top 10 soft skills that can reinforce your finance acumen and set you apart in today’s competitive job market.
- Communication – The Foundation of Finance Careers
As LinkedIn’s early-year analysis revealed, nearly 57.9% of professionals who transitioned between jobs in 2014-15 identified communication as their forte. The ability to convey specialized knowledge effectively is highly sought after across industries, particularly in finance. Simply put, your aptitude for number-crunching won’t secure your place in finance if you lack the capacity to clarify and present your computations convincingly.
- Negotiation – A Game-Changer in Finance
Skilful negotiation can bridge the gap between success and failure, whether you’re sealing a deal or managing expectations. A demonstrated ability to find common ground can differentiate you from others, helping you reach agreements beneficial to all parties. Remember, an inability to compromise can result in revenue loss and damage relationships in the worst cases.
- Influence – Your Ticket to Effective Finance Management
One must be prepared to explain their proposed strategies convincingly, showing how their objectives benefit all stakeholders in finance roles. For instance, an investment banker wishing to divest a joint venture stake must convincingly present the advantages to the bank – despite potential dissent from colleagues.
- Critical Thinking – The Cornerstone of Financial Decision-Making
Critical thinking is a valuable trait for anyone looking to thrive in the finance industry. Clients frequently rely on financial experts to make rational evaluations – be it a financial ledger or stock performance. A decision made without thorough thought could cost firms valuable time and money. Hence, possessing this ability to make well-informed decisions is crucial.
- Flexibility – Your Key to Adapting to Finance
Flexibility is an invaluable skill, enabling employees to manage change and maintain productivity under pressure. Cultivating a flexible mindset also means understanding others’ perspectives and motivations, a key factor in any financial role.
- Resilience – Your Armor in High-pressure Financial Situations
Resilience, the ability to recover swiftly from setbacks, can be your strongest asset, especially under high-pressure conditions. The finance industry is a demanding arena, and being able to adapt to evolving scenarios, have faith in your abilities, and carefully plan your objectives can be highly beneficial.
- Collaboration – Teamwork Makes the Finance Dream Work
A recent study by Adaptive Insights revealed that collaboration was the top priority for 70% of CFOs in 2016. Team-oriented individuals who approach group scenarios with an open mind and a willingness to listen will undoubtedly be a valuable assets in the financial world.
- Problem-Solving – Driving Finance Forward
Problem-solvers identify the problem, evaluate options swiftly, and decisively decide the best course of action. Those who excel in problem-solving can propel an organization forward, earning the respect of their colleagues.
- Empathy – Humanizing Finance
Despite popular misconceptions, empathy is highly valued in finance roles. Displaying compassion and understanding in your professional relationships can go a long way in building trust with coworkers and clients.
- Interpersonal Skills – Your Bridge to Success in Finance
Interpersonal skills are essential in communicating effectively with colleagues, clients, and stakeholders on a regular basis. These skills may need to
be honed through practice or formal training. With time, enhancing communication skills and confidence can become an integral part of your professional persona.
Identifying and Improving Your Soft Skills: A Financial Career Booster
In order to recognize your soft skills, consider how you react under stress at work and compare these responses with those of respected managers and colleagues. Prepare responses to interview questions screening for soft skills. These will typically focus on your experiences with problem-solving and collaboration in the workplace.
Seeking feedback from your current or previous colleagues can also provide valuable insights into your strengths and weaknesses. Ensure that your strengths align with the job role you intend to apply for. This will provide a clear idea of your skills and those you need to develop further.
Developing New Soft Skills: An Investment in Your Finance Career
An active effort to enhance your soft skills can significantly contribute to your career advancement. Engage in skill-building activities in your leisure time. This can be as simple as attending a cooking class, which can help you prioritize tasks and perform under pressure.
Seek advice and constructive criticism from your peers and seniors at your workplace. You might also consider enrolling in a course designed to build soft skills, such as those offered by reputable institutions. These investments in your skills can pay off significantly in the long run, propelling your career to new heights.
In conclusion, possessing these soft skills in addition to your technical abilities will make you an ideal candidate in the ever-evolving financial sector. Stand out from the crowd, make your mark, and elevate your career in finance by harnessing these top 10 soft skills.