Sep 25, 2023
Understanding Soft Skills in the Workplace
“Good manners will open doors that the best education cannot.” – Clarence Thomas
When Joey graduated with a business degree from a top-rated California university, he assumed his future was secure. He had a 4.3 GPA, scored high on every exam and wowed his professors with his written work. He was the first to raise his hand in class and always the last to leave. He spent ample time at the library, reading every book he could get his hands on. An eager student, he found himself even more eager to secure a high-paying job right out of college. But to his dismay, he had trouble landing an interview. Despite his stellar resume, the phone did not ring. Frustrated and discouraged, Joey spruced up his resume, hoping that might do the trick. At last, he landed a couple interviews. But upon talking with his potential employers, he felt out of his league. Their pointed questions blindsided him.
“Would you consider yourself a team player?”
“How well do you work under pressure? What would you do if a deadline arose and you were not fully prepared?”
“Are you generally flexible, able to adapt to any situation or curve ball thrown your way?”
Joey stumbled over the questions, doing the best he could. Sweat beaded on his forehead, and he felt his heart racing. He’d held a fast food job in high school but hadn’t set foot in the workplace since. He’d kept meaning to volunteer or get involved in extra-curricular clubs at school, but he’d been too busy holed up in the library studying. He’d assumed his outstanding GPA would make him a standout, but maybe he’d been wrong.
As it turns out, Joey is not alone. He is one of millions of college students who find themselves struggling to land jobs, or even an interview, after college graduation, despite their good grades. On paper, they look great, but the grades are not always enough. The missing factor in many cases?
Soft skills.
Many students may be unfamiliar with the term soft skills. Generally speaking, soft skills are often associated with one’s “EQ” or Emotional Intelligence Quotient. This includes the way people interact with others as human beings through their personality traits. These traits could include social graces, communication, language, personal habits, friendliness, management skills or leadership skills. Soft skills contrast to hard skills, which are generally easily quantifiable and measurable. Some hard skills could include software knowledge, technical skills or basic plumbing skills.
The idea of soft skills might seem like a fresh concept, but it is at least as old as ancient Greece. When Plato wrote about education in his work, The Republic, he contended that a universal curriculum requires a balance of education in physical education, the arts, math, science, character and moral judgment. He also backed the idea of learning outside the classroom, saying, “By maintaining a sound system of education and upbringing, you produce citizens of good character.”
Traditional institutions once dispensed this sort of training. However, families and religious institutions have weakened over time. Today, training in soft skills is more needed than ever. The need to develop healthy, socially appropriate and mature responses to workplace stress and interpersonal reactions has become increasingly evident to business owners, executives and human resources personnel in recent years. Yet according to a Gallup poll, while a whopping 92 percent of college educators feel their students are prepared for the workplace, only 11 percent of employers feel they actually are. And 42 percent of those employers believe soft skills make up the biggest skills gap.
If this all sounds like discouraging news to you, fear not. You probably have more soft skills under your belt than you realize. Those Little League games you coached? The babysitting or dog-walking job you picked up to earn some extra cash? None of it was in vain. The important thing is to recognize the soft skills you gained along the way and to highlight them on your resume and in your interview.
So just what sort of skills do managers desire? According to a recent Career Builder survey, here are the top ten:
Strong Work Ethic – Are you efficient with your time?
Dependable – Will you show up on time and do what you say you’ll do?
Positive Attitude – Will you complain or portray yourself as a victim, or will you make the best of things?
Self-Motivated—Can you problem solve on your own?
Team Oriented – Will you adopt a “my way or the highway” attitude or will you partner with others to be part of a productive team?
Organized – Will you plan your time well? Can you handle multiple challenging situations at once?
Works Well Under Pressure – Can you meet deadlines? Do you have a sense of urgency? Can you handle uncertainty, tension and stress?
An Effective Communicator – Are you clear with your information and directions?
Flexible – Can you adjust to new situations and change course when needed?
Confident – Do you trust yourself to make decisions, or do you hesitate?
A strong GPA and resume is great, but soft skills will really make you stand out from the rest!
To learn more, purchase your copy of College to Career today.
So let’s get started today!
Mark A. Griffin | Career Coaching, Christian Higher Ed HR, Job Search Tools
Sep 15, 2023
Begin Your Masterpiece
Years ago, after presenting at a week-long business conference, I struck up a conversation with the hotel clerk. She reminded me of my daughter – young, vibrant, and cheerful, with a welcoming smile. She introduced herself as Ashley.
“How long have you worked here?” I asked her. “Are you taking college classes?”
“Yes. As a matter of fact, I graduate in a few weeks,” she replied.
“What is your major? And what do you plan to do after graduation?” I asked next.
Ashley’s smile faded a bit. “I’m majoring in Psychology, and quite frankly, I have no idea what I’m going to do. No one has told me what I could do with this degree. All I wanted was to get the degree behind me.”
I was saddened by Ashley’s answer, but not terribly surprised. I’d heard the same words uttered many times over the years. Four (or more!) years of hard work, late-night studying and football games would all come to an end as students proudly flipped their tassel to the other side. But beyond that big day, very few had a solid plan. After spending thousands of dollars on an education, they would tragically enter the workforce with only a hope and a prayer.
And a whole lot of debt.
When Ashley told me the name of the university she attended, my heart sank. I knew it was prestigious and expensive. By graduation, she would have spent at least $100,000 for an education. Yet she felt clueless as to where to go next.
Recent statistics show that a four-year private school college education will cost students roughly $130,000. For in-state students completing a four-year education at a public college, that number drops to roughly $40,000. Students who spend two years at a community college and then two years at a private college will look at spending roughly $75,000 on tuition. Statistics also show the average student debt for a four-year bachelor’s degree hovering at nearly $35,000. A whopping 64 percent of students with a four-year college degree will walk away with some sort of student debt. And the average debt for a four-year private school education? Nearly $60,000. For perspective, that’s 12,000 Starbucks grande lattes, 6,000 Chipotle burritos and 4,000 movie tickets.
Yikes.
Like Ashley, you might find yourself near the end of your college career, buried in papers, exams and projects. With graduation day just around the corner, your excitement might be overshadowed by concerns over your looming future. Will you be able to afford to pay off your student loans? More importantly, will you be able to find a job that supports your lifestyle and allows you to pay off those loans? Things feel uncertain, unpredictable. The stakes feel high. You don’t want to let your parents down, yourself down. Moreso, you don’t want that hard-earned, pricey college degree to go to waste.
That’s where we come in.
College to Career was created just for you. We know the anxiety, the mounting pressure you face each day as you work so hard to succeed. That’s why we’ve provided all the tools you need to take those next steps. This life-changing book will discuss key strategies and concepts, including:
*Navigating social media
*Creating an outstanding LinkedIn profile
*Developing key accomplishments for your resume
*Finding meaningful internships
*Networking with influential professionals who are able to help you find the right career after you graduate
Believe it or not, each of these are easy to attain and paramount to your success. Employment opportunities will start pouring in when you are connected to 50-100 professionals prior to graduation. With the right tools at your fingertips, you’ll have a sweeping advantage over your peers at the end of your college career. Equally important, you’ll have peace of mind, knowing your hard-earned degree won’t be going to waste.
I’m not sure what Ashley is up to today. I’ll never forget that perky smile-turned-frown as she lamented about her impending post-college plans. I wish I’d had more time to chat with her and assure her about her future. I wish I could have offered her what I offer you today – the tools to turn your college degree into success.
If you’d like to journey with me, I’d be happy to be your guide, navigating you through this next step of your life. Without a proper navigational guide on a road trip, one might find themselves lost, frustrated, out of gas and at the end of an unfamiliar dead-end dirt road. But with the right navigational tools, one will end up on the right path. And that’s just what I want for you.
So let’s get started today!
Mark A. Griffin | Career Coaching, Christian Higher Ed HR, Job Search Tools
Apr 19, 2015
Juniata River Valley Chamber of Commerce
and
Career Link of Mifflin County
Wednesday June 17, 2015
Noon – 1:00pm
Topic: 8 Keys For LinkedIn Success
Mark A. Griffin
Founder and Chief Consultant
In HIS Name HR, LLC
Objectives
Struggling to understand why and how to use LinkedIn to promote yourself or your organization? Struggle no more.
LinkedIn is a great way to connect with colleagues, customers, clients, job applicants, and vendors. Learn why LinkedIn is important for business and how to market yourself and your organization using LinkedIn. Learn to use and leverage LinkedIn Forums and how to optimize your personal and organizational page profiles.
Three key techniques you will learn:
1. How to engage with your LinkedIn Network
2. Ways to develop and expand your Network with purpose
3. How to create an effective LinkedIn presence
Come join us. We will help you understand LinkedIn etiquette and good LinkedIn networking techniques, and how to most effectively leverage LinkedIn groups.
Register Here Today
Event Location:
The MCIDC Plaza
34 Duquesne Way
Lewistown, PA 17044
Map To Venue
About The Juniata River Valley Chamber of Commerce
The Valley comprises two counties in the heart of Pennsylvania – Mifflin and Juniata- with a population of approximately 70,000 and a diversity of large and small businesses. The Valley, while primarily rural in nature and with all the beauty and serenity of nature and country living, is within the densely populated Northeast Corridor and just a few hours from major metropolitan areas.
There are many quaint towns and villages, and the Juniata River. Juniata and Mifflin Counties each have county airports and commercial air travel is available at either the University Park Airport in State College or the Harrisburg International Airport less than an hour east. Learn more here.
About Mark A. Griffin
Mark A. Griffin, is the Founder and Chief Consultant of In HIS Name HR LLC, a human resources outsourcing and career-coaching firm.
Mark serves as President of In HIS Name HR. In HIS Name HR is a Human Resources outsourcing and business-consulting firm created to help organizations pilot the complex issues of managing HR. As a human resources professional with 25-plus years of experience in both public (Quaker Oats Company, Merck Inc.) and private companies (Conestoga Wood Specialties, Valco Companies Inc.), Mark is passionate about building high-performing workplaces utilizing best practices and helping organizations with strong values lead successfully and responsibly.
Mark will inspire you to develop your company and personal web presence through the use of the powerful social media tool LinkedIn. In HIS Name HR LLC has a built a strong web presence with over 2500 Facebook followers, 25,000 Twitter followers and 2600-plus connections on LinkedIn. Mark applies his more than two decades of human resources expertise to help companies pilot the complex issues of managing HR.
Mark A. Griffin | Blog, Events
Apr 14, 2015
Harrisburg Business Women
Best Western Premier Atrium / Heritage Room
April 14, 2015
Presentation Copy
Thank you for attending our recent workshop. We would love to work for you or others in your network. Many people ask why work with In HIS Name HR? Because we help you achieve success through your most valuable asset—your people. And, no matter what your business is, the odds are we have experience in it.
Not connected with Mark on LinkedIn? Invite him to connect here:
Mark A. Griffin LinkedIn Profile
HR Services
We have worked with companies from around the world in all sorts of industries, from light manufacturing, furniture manufacturing, pharmaceutical manufacturing, distribution, software development, residential construction, commercial construction, food companies, entertainment companies, and even senior care and senior care medical centers. We even have extensive experience working in the non-profit world of ministries and churches.
We have the specialized skills and breadth of expertise to develop and lead your initiative, saving you time, money, and resources.
To learn how we saved one organization over a Million dollars in benefit expenditures Click here.
Learn more about our services:
Recruitment
Employee Law Compliance
Organizational Development
Employee Benefit Design
With our vast experiences in many industries we will create the HR programs that will drive excellence. Contact us today. You will be glad you did.
Mark A. Griffin | Blog, Events
Mar 30, 2015
Wednesday June 3, 2015
Breakout Session 11:00am – 12:00pm
High Center
Messiah College
1 College Avenue
Mechanicsburg, PA 17050
Topic: 8 Keys For LinkedIn Success
Mark A. Griffin
Founder and Chief Consultant
In HIS Name HR, LLC
Register For The Forum Here
Objectives
Struggling to understand why and how to use LinkedIn to promote yourself or your organization? Struggle no more.
LinkedIn is a great way to connect with colleagues, customers, clients, job applicants, and vendors. Learn why LinkedIn is important for business and how to market yourself and your organization using LinkedIn. Learn to use and leverage LinkedIn Forums and how to optimize your personal and organizational page profiles.
Three key techniques you will learn:
1. How to engage with your LinkedIn Network
2. Ways to develop and expand your Network with purpose
3. How to create an effective LinkedIn presence
Come join us. We will help you understand LinkedIn etiquette and good LinkedIn networking techniques, and how to most effectively leverage LinkedIn groups. This course is pending possible HRCI credit approval.
About The Business Women’s Forum
Business Women’s Forum is the largest one day professional development conference for women in the Central Pennsylvania region
Business Women’s Forum (BWF) is a day-long annual conference geared towards women professionals. The 2014 event marked Business Women’s Forum’s 20th year! The Forum is a product of two Chambers of Commerce working together; the Greater Carlisle Area Chamber and the West Shore Chamber. Their mission is to provide opportunities for business women of all professional levels to network, create business contacts, and develop additional leadership skills in a motivational and supportive environment.
About Mark A. Griffin
Mark A. Griffin, is the Founder and Chief Consultant of In HIS Name HR LLC, a human resources outsourcing and career-coaching firm.
Mark serves as President of In HIS Name HR. In HIS Name HR is a Human Resources outsourcing and business-consulting firm created to help organizations pilot the complex issues of managing HR. As a human resources professional with 25-plus years of experience in both public (Quaker Oats Company, Merck Inc.) and private companies (Conestoga Wood Specialties, Valco Companies Inc.), Mark is passionate about building high-performing workplaces utilizing best practices and helping organizations with strong values lead successfully and responsibly.
Mark will inspire you to develop your company and personal web presence through the use of the powerful social media tool LinkedIn. In HIS Name HR LLC has a built a strong web presence with over 2500 Facebook followers, 25,000 Twitter followers and 2600-plus connections on LinkedIn. Mark applies his more than two decades of human resources expertise to help companies pilot the complex issues of managing HR.
Mark A. Griffin | Blog, Events
Mar 19, 2015
Harrisburg Business Women
Best Western Premier Atrium / Heritage Room
Tuesday, April 14, 2015
11:30am – 1:30pm
Topic: 8 Keys For LinkedIn Success
Mark A. Griffin
Founder and Chief Consultant
In HIS Name HR, LLC
Objectives
Struggling to understand why and how to use LinkedIn to promote yourself or your organization? Struggle no more.
LinkedIn is a great way to connect with colleagues, customers, clients, job applicants, and vendors. Learn why LinkedIn is important for business and how to market yourself and your organization using LinkedIn. Learn to use and leverage LinkedIn Forums and how to optimize your personal and organizational page profiles.
Three key techniques you will learn:
1. How to engage with your LinkedIn Network
2. Ways to develop and expand your Network with purpose
3. How to create an effective LinkedIn presence
Come join us. We will help you understand LinkedIn etiquette and good LinkedIn networking techniques, and how to most effectively leverage LinkedIn groups. This course is pending possible HRCI credit approval.
Map To Venue
About Harrisburg Business Women
Harrisburg Business Women’s Group is a networking group for Business Women in and around the Harrisburg Pennsylvania Area. Monthly luncheon meetings are held on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at the Best Western Premier/Central Hotel & Conference Center, located at 800 East Park Drive in Harrisburg.
About Mark A. Griffin
Mark A. Griffin, is the Founder and Chief Consultant of In HIS Name HR LLC, a human resources outsourcing and career-coaching firm.
Mark serves as President of In HIS Name HR. In HIS Name HR is a Human Resources outsourcing and business-consulting firm created to help organizations pilot the complex issues of managing HR. As a human resources professional with 25-plus years of experience in both public (Quaker Oats Company, Merck Inc.) and private companies (Conestoga Wood Specialties, Valco Companies Inc.), Mark is passionate about building high-performing workplaces utilizing best practices and helping organizations with strong values lead successfully and responsibly.
Mark will inspire you to develop your company and personal web presence through the use of the powerful social media tool LinkedIn. In HIS Name HR LLC has a built a strong web presence with over 2500 Facebook followers, 25,000 Twitter followers and 2600-plus connections on LinkedIn. Mark applies his more than two decades of human resources expertise to help companies pilot the complex issues of managing HR.
Mark A. Griffin | Blog, Events
Jan 12, 2015
Appalachian Healthcare Human Resources Society
April 9, 2015
Education Session 11:00am – 12:00pm
Topic: 8 Keys For LinkedIn Success
Mark A. Griffin
Founder and Chief Consultant
In HIS Name HR, LLC
Objectives
Struggling to understand why and how to use LinkedIn to promote yourself or your organization? Struggle no more.
LinkedIn is a great way to connect with colleagues, customers, clients, job applicants, and vendors. Learn why LinkedIn is important for business and how to market yourself and your organization using LinkedIn. Learn to use and leverage LinkedIn Forums and how to optimize your personal and organizational page profiles.
Three key techniques you will learn:
1. How to engage with your LinkedIn Network
2. Ways to develop and expand your Network with purpose
3. How to create an effective LinkedIn presence
Come join us. We will help you understand LinkedIn etiquette and good LinkedIn networking techniques, and how to most effectively leverage LinkedIn groups. This course is pending possible HRCI credit approval.
Not a Appalachian Healthcare Human Resources Society member but want to attend? Please Email Denise Garman.
About Appalachian Healthcare Human Resources Society
First known as AHPS (Appalachian Hospital Personnel Society) the Appalachian Health Care Human Resources Society (AHCHRS) was founded on February 15, 1967. Initially the group of hospital HR professionals was small, wrestling with such new issues as enactment of the Civil Rights Act, Title VII and OSHA. The intent then is the same as it is today, to address both the routine and the unique issues that face healthcare HR professionals and to further develop the profession of human resources in healthcare.
Today AHCHRS is a working organization of committees and membership close to 100 participants. AHCHRS is a regional chapter of the Society of Human Resources Professionals in Pennsylvania (SHHRPP) and a local chapter of the national organization American Society of Healthcare Human Resources Administration (ASHHRA). Members enjoy networking and interacting with professionals representing all aspects of the multi-faceted health care environment.
About Mark A. Griffin
Mark A. Griffin, is the Founder and Chief Consultant of In HIS Name HR LLC, a human resources outsourcing and career-coaching firm.
Mark serves as President of In HIS Name HR. In HIS Name HR is a Human Resources outsourcing and business-consulting firm created to help organizations pilot the complex issues of managing HR. As a human resources professional with 25-plus years of experience in both public (Quaker Oats Company, Merck Inc.) and private companies (Conestoga Wood Specialties, Valco Companies Inc.), Mark is passionate about building high-performing workplaces utilizing best practices and helping organizations with strong values lead successfully and responsibly.
Mark will inspire you to develop your company and personal web presence through the use of the powerful social media tool LinkedIn. In HIS Name HR LLC has a built a strong web presence with over 2500 Facebook followers, 25,000 Twitter followers and 2600-plus connections on LinkedIn. Mark applies his more than two decades of human resources expertise to help companies pilot the complex issues of managing HR.
Mark A. Griffin | Blog, Events
Dec 11, 2014
West Shore Chamber of Commerce
and
West Shore Young Professionals
present
8 Keys for LinkedIn Success
Giant Food Store Community Room
February 25, 2015
11:30AM‒1:00 PM
Map It!
Open to Students and the Community
Struggling to understand why and how to use LinkedIn to promote yourself or your business? Struggle no more.
LinkedIn is a great way to connect with customers, clients, and vendors. Learn why LinkedIn is important for business and how to market yourself and your organization using LinkedIn. Learn to use and leverage LinkedIn Forums and how to optimize your personal and organizational page profiles.
Three key techniques you will learn:
- How to engage with your LinkedIn Network
- Ways to develop and expand your Network with purpose
- How to create an effective LinkedIn presence
Come join us. We will help you understand LinkedIn etiquette and good LinkedIn networking techniques, and how to most effectively leverage LinkedIn groups.
Your Presenter:
Mark A. Griffin, Founder and Chief Consultant of In HIS Name HR LLC, a human resources outsourcing and career-coaching firm. Mark will inspire you to develop your company and personal web presence through the use of the powerful social media tool LinkedIn.
In HIS Name HR LLC has a built a strong web presence with over 2500 Facebook followers, 25,000 Twitter followers and 2600-plus connections on LinkedIn. Mark applies his more than two decades of human resources expertise to help companies pilot the complex issues of managing HR.
Mark A. Griffin | Blog, Events
Oct 27, 2014
8 Keys for LinkedIn Success
Bloomsburg University
Kerr Union Multipurpose Room A
5:30-6:30 PM
Your Presenter:
Mark A. Griffin – Mark is a MBA Alumni of Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania. He is the Founder and Chief Consultant of In HIS Name HR LLC, a human resources outsourcing and career-coaching firm. Mark leverages his more than two decades of Human Resources expertise to help companies pilot the complex issues of managing HR.
In HIS Name HR LLC has a built a strong web presence with over 2500 Facebook followers, 25,000 Twitter followers and 2600 plus connections on LinkedIn. Mark will inspire you to develop your company and personal web presence through the use of the powerful social media tool LinkedIn.
Mark A. Griffin | Blog, Events
Sep 20, 2014
8 Keys for LinkedIn Success
Can LinkedIn assist you in growing your business? Can LinkedIn help you accelerate achievement of your career goals? The Wall Street Journal recently conducted research regarding small business owners and their usage of social media in growing their businesses. Of the 6 in 10 small business owners who use a variety social media tools, 41% believe that using LinkedIn has made a positive impact on their business.
Make a positive impact on your career and your business. Come learn 8 keys for LinkedIn Success.
Wednesday, April 8, 2015
7-8:30 AM
Eden Resort
222 Eden Rd, Lancaster, PA 17601
Map It!
Your Presenter:
Mark A. Griffin – Mark is the Founder and Chief Consultant of In HIS Name HR LLC, a human resources outsourcing and career-coaching firm. Mark leverages his more than two decades of Human Resources expertise to help companies pilot the complex issues of managing HR.
In HIS Name HR LLC has a built a strong web presence with over 2500 Facebook followers, 25,000 Twitter followers and 2600 plus connections on LinkedIn. Mark will inspire you to develop your company and personal web presence through the use of the powerful social media tool LinkedIn.
Mark A. Griffin | Blog, Events
