The need for soft skills has gained importance in the recent times because business has gone global and this means interaction with people of different cultures from different parts of the world. So soft skills essentially means ability to deal diplomatically with people, negotiation skills and also effectively participate in discussions and give presentations.
Communication skills are a part of soft skills , they include the ability to listen effectively, speak clearly and concisely and get one's point across. Soft skill training teaches an individual how to practice new patterns of behaviour in order to effectively gain from one's interaction with others. Soft Skills are the essential skills that all employees must have or develop in order to succeed in the work place regardless of what type of job they have.
Though there are no specific books or websites that teach soft skills, such skills are best learned attending courses in institutes that offer such training.
What's the most difficult part of being in sales? How should I answer this question in an interview?
Prabha Misra
Unless you phrase your answer properly, your interviewer may conclude that whatever you identify as "difficult" is where you're weak.
The best answer would be to first, redefine "difficult" to be "challenging," which is more positive. Then, identify an area everyone in your profession considers challenging and in which you excel. Describe the process you follow that enables you to get excellent results...and be specific about those results.
For example: "I think every sales manager finds it challenging to motivate the team in a recession. But that's probably the strongest test of a top sales manager. I feel this is one area where I excel.
"When I see the first sign that sales may slip or that sales force motivation is flagging because of a downturn in the economy, here's the plan I put into action immediately..." followed by a description of each step in the process... and most importantly, the exceptional results you've achieved.
I have completed Diploma in ECE. Are there institutions offering BE or B. Tech courses through correspondence? How can I improve my qualification?
You can join part time BE/B.Tech evening courses offered by several universities. Some universities may conduct an entrance test and also require some work experience. These courses may stretch from three to four years.
You can join the Associate Membership of the Institution of Engineers (AMIE) course. The program/examination is conducted by Institution of Engineers India, which has chapters in most cities of India.
The associate membership qualification of institution of Engineers is equivalent to B.E. / B. Tech. Like any other engineering graduate, an associate member candidate is eligible to write civil services, Indian Engineering Services, GATE, GRE examinations.
The candidates after completion of AMIE are also eligible to apply for masters degree in any university. Please visit www.ieindia.org/exam.htm the official exam pages of Institution of Engineers India.
[The FAQ column deals with career concerns addressed to the C&K Management Ltd. P.O. Box 2178, Secunderabad 500003 or emailed to faqs@cnkonline.com]
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