Hard vs. Soft Skills
These are job skills you can learn, like typing, using Excel, or operating a machine.
What are hard skills?
These are things you are good at or qualities that help you succeed.
What are strengths?
This part of an email tells the reader what the message is about.
What is the subject line?
When meeting someone professionally, this greeting can help you make a positive first impression.
What is a polite “Hello” or “Nice to meet you”?
Your shift starts at 8:00 a.m. What time should you aim to arrive?
What is early enough to be ready to start at 8:00 a.m.?
These skills help you work well with other people, like communication and teamwork.
What are soft skills?
Someone who keeps working on a difficult task instead of giving up demonstrates this strength.
What is perseverance (or determination)?
Instead of starting a professional email with “Hey dude,” name a more appropriate greeting.
What is “Hello [Name],” or “Dear [Name],”?
When offering a professional handshake, your grip should generally be this - not crushing and not limp.
What is a firm but comfortable handshake?
You make a mistake at work. What is the responsible thing to do?
What is own the mistake, tell the appropriate person, and work to correct it?
Being able to arrive on time and be counted on is an example of this soft skill.
What is dependability (or responsibility)?
You enjoy helping people, listening to their problems, and making them feel welcome. Name one strength you might have.
What is empathy, listening, or helping others?
You are emailing your teacher to ask for help. Name two things you should include in your email.
What are a clear subject line, greeting, explanation, polite request, or signature?
Name two things you can do to show that you are listening during a conversation.
What are making appropriate eye contact, facing the speaker, nodding, or not interrupting?
Your supervisor gives you feedback about how to improve your work. What should you do?
What is listen respectfully, ask questions if needed, and use the feedback to improve?
A student knows how to use a computer but refuses to work with teammates. What skill do they need to improve?
What are soft skills, such as teamwork?
You are good at fixing things, figuring out how things work, and solving puzzles. Name one type of job that might use your strengths.
Answers will vary: mechanic, electrician, technician, engineer, and more.
You receive an email from your supervisor asking you to complete a task. You don't understand the directions. What should you do?
What is reply politely and ask for clarification?
You walk into an interview and the interviewer introduces themselves. What should you do?
What is greet them respectfully, introduce yourself, and offer a handshake if appropriate?
A coworker isn't doing their share of a team project. What is a professional first step?
What is communicate respectfully with the coworker and discuss how to divide the work?
A person can have excellent technical or hard skills, but employers also look for these qualities that help someone succeed at work. Name two.
What are communication, teamwork, problem-solving, adaptability, or dependability?
In a job interview, an employer asks, “What is one of your strengths?” Give an example of a strong answer that includes evidence.
Answers will vary. Example: “I am dependable. I show up on time and finish the tasks I'm given.”
Which email is more professional, and why? A: “yo i cant come tmrw.” B: “Hello, I wanted to let you know that I am unable to come in tomorrow. Please let me know if you need any additional information.”
What is email B, because it uses a greeting, complete sentences, respectful language, and clear communication?
You are nervous during an interview. Name three things you can do to help make a professional first impression.
Answers will vary: arrive on time, dress appropriately, greet the interviewer, speak clearly, listen carefully, and demonstrate confident, respectful body language.
You are assigned a task you have never done before, and your supervisor is busy. What should you do?
What is review any available instructions, try what you can safely do, and ask for guidance when needed?