You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Most employers nowadays put increasing emphasis on social skills. Some people believe that social skills are important in addition to good qualification for job success. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge and experience.  Write at least 250 words. 

MODEL ANSWER:

It is argued that in order to become successful in today’s job market, some social skills are essential even if a person has good qualification. In a stage of increased competition, I too think in a much similar way.

 First and foremost reason why I believe so is because of the fact that the needs of an employer have changed tremendously these days. In the past, an employer wanted an employee who has professional qualifications. However, with increased professional competition among the employees, the job sector has become more complex. For example, it is not easy to sell a car today, even if it meets the quality and has unique features. However, it is becomes easy for an employer to make it happen if he has an employee with good communication skills.

The second reason why I align to the statement is because of increased demand of employees who are rational at work. Even though a firm has a bunch of well-qualified and experienced employees, a person who has the right approach towards work and good problem-solving skills would be exceptional in the group. For instance, a doctor who consults his patient with much empathy would become established in his profession faster when compared to many of his colleagues who have much higher qualifications.

I have to admit that there are professions in which social skills have least importance. To be precise, there are certain professions like diamond cutting, which an employee needs utmost concentration and expertise knowledge. However, I believe, here too it would be better if he had at least one social skill.

To conclude, it is clear that the success of an employee does not rely only on his qualifications but also on social skills he acquires, despite some exceptions.

Word count: 293