In
the era of globalization, working professionals need to enhance their English
communication skills and other soft skills in order to cope with the
increasingly tough competition in the job market. Multinational corporations
(MNCs) and major information technology (IT) companies in India recruit engineering
candidates who have good English communication skills. In this highly
competitive world, proficiency in English is considered one of the
employability skills. In other words, English language skills are considered
‘life skills’ or ‘survival skills’ in the twenty-first century.
The
employers are looking for professionals who are able to think critically, solve
problems, communicate clearly, be creative and work in a team in order to get
placed in a reputed company. In this decade of cut throat competition where
many job seekers are struggling to get a job, some people find a way to enter
the professional world not because of their degree or technical expertise, but
because of their communication and interpersonal skills, often referred to as
"soft skills." Varun
Aggarwal,
Director, Aspiring
Minds Computer Adaptive Test (AMCAT) in one of the interviews
given to Business Standard said, “Recruiters and HR managers around the world
report that candidates with English skills above the local average stand out
from the crowd and garner 30-50 per cent higher salaries than
similarly-qualified candidates without English skills. The trends in India are
no different, with English fluency being one of the key qualities recruiters
look for during the interview process.”
If
we observe the career path of the most successful people closely, we realize the
importance of English communication skills and other soft skills become more
valuable as you move up the career ladder in an organization. Most people
prefer to go to a doctor who not only has expertise in the field but also takes
time to talk to his patients and treats them well. The same thing is true for
other professions as well.
It
is an era of innovation where every person enters the corporate world after
completing his/her formal education. Hence, he/she has to ensure that he/she is
equipped with all the tools to fight the battle in the professional ground.
Striking a perfect balance between technical education & soft skills is the
need of time. Soft skills are nothing but personal qualities and attitudes that
help employees work well with others and encourage productivity within the
workplace. Such skills include effective communication skills, interpersonal
skills, cooperation, flexibility, ability to prioritize, creativity, leadership
skills, organizational skills and so on.
Hence, proficiency in English
Communication Skills has become a sine qua non for professionals to create a brand
value of their organization. Your professional image is often impacted by your communication skills
as effective communication skills in English epitomize intelligence, professionalism
and competence.
