Employers Say Grads Lack Essential Workplace Skills

This month, men and women across the nation will graduate from college and enter the world of work. Yet, many will do so without the skills they'll need to survive and thrive in the workplace.

Indianapolis, IN (PRWEB) May 8, 2007 -- The National Association of Colleges and Employers recently reported that communication skills top the list of what employers look for the most in employees and job candidates. Ironically, communication skills also top the list of skills most lacking in new college graduates.

It's no wonder why employers value good communication as much as they do. It's a skill that prevents accidents and mistakes; saves time and money; and resolves problems among coworkers, bosses or customers, according to Marsha J. Ludden, M.A., author of the new workbook Effective Workplace Communication, Third Edition.

Despite its impact on workplace efficiency, communication is still a skill everyone from new graduates to seasoned professionals struggle to perfect. Often this is because people forget about the most important component of good communication -- active listening. Ludden believes listening is not only essential in the workplace, but to an individual's career success as well.

"According to business experts, the higher one's position in a company the more time that individual spends listening," says Marsha J. Ludden, M.A.

"Learning to listen has rewards. Good listening skills will reflect positively on your work record. An employee who has shown the ability to listen and follow directions will earn the respect of his or her supervisor. If you want to advance on the job, learn to listen. Remember good leaders are good listeners," says Ludden.

Fortunately, learning how to be a good listener can be easily done in seven steps. In Effective Workplace Communication, Ludden offers the following advice on how to actively listen to instructions given in the workplace:

1. Look at the person as he or she speaks.
2. Notice words that he or she stresses.
3. Watch for anything he or she writes down.
4. Listen to each step in the instructions.
5. Take notes to help remember each step.
6. Do not interrupt. Wait until the person has finished speaking.
7. Ask questions to clarify the instructions.

"Listening is not a natural talent for most people. You must concisely practice good listening skills," says Ludden, stressing the importance of communication in the workplace.

"Consider this, how many people do you know who lost a job because they listened? On the other hand, how many people do you know who lost a job because they didn't?"

Effective Workplace Communication, Third Edition, is available at all major bookstores and from the publisher (www.jist.com or 1.800.648.JIST). For a free media copy or to speak with the author, contact Natalie Ostrom.

JIST, America's Career Publisher, is the leading publisher of job search, career, occupational information, life skills and character education books, workbooks, assessments, videos and software.

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