Lesson 4 Benefits of Communication Skills in Career Development

Communication Is a Top Skill

Work colleagues converse during a meeting. — auremar / 123RF

Being an effective communicator is one of the most important skills you can have in today’s workplace. It’s not something you’re just born with—it’s a skill that takes practice to develop. If you improve your communication skills, others will see you as more professional, you’ll become more competitive in the job market, and more valuable to your employer.

Employers consistently say they want people who are great at communication. Even as technology changes the workplace, communication is still a top priority. The fastest-growing jobs require both brainpower and people skills—like teamwork, critical thinking, and effective oral and written communication.

Workplace Skills

Surveys show that communication is often ranked as more important than technical knowledge or leadership. Employers look for workers who:

Critical Thinking

Use logic and reasoning to analyze situations and make informed decisions.

Teamwork

Work effectively with others by sharing ideas, responsibilities, and respect.

Communication

Express ideas and actively listens to build understanding.

Professionalism

Demonstrate respectful, responsible, and ethical behavior in formal settings.

Communication: The Key to Workplace Success

Communication is also key to workplace success at all levels—from entry-level roles to top leadership positions. Recruiters and employers often say they look for candidates who are clear, confident, and effective communicators. In many cases, companies say that poor communication is the main reason they reject job candidates.

Even though students believe they are ready to communicate in the workplace, employers often disagree. There’s a gap between how students view their skills and how employers rate them. That’s why learning and practicing effective communication is so important before entering the workforce.

Click to the next page to complete a quick knowledge check.