Improving Communication a Key to Closing Millennials' Workplace Skills Gap

Employers seek applicants with strong speaking and writing abilities

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Apr 13, 2016, 08:16 ET

RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA, Calif., April 13, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Despite being highly educated and armed with technical skills, many millennials lack the soft skills to compete in the workplace. A survey by the Hay Group revealed that 80 percent of employers are struggling to find graduates with the soft skills they need. Communication is the most in-demand soft skill in most industries, including engineering, finance, healthcare, information technology and sales.

Soft skills are defined by Oxford Dictionaries as personal attributes that enable someone to interact effectively and harmoniously with other people. In addition to communication, organization, writing, leadership, problem solving and customer service are among the most desired soft skills in nearly every occupation.

"Job seekers with a good mix of both technical and soft skills will have the best prospects right out of college," says Rosemary Haefner, Chief Human Resources Officer of CareerBuilder.

To help develop soft skills, millennials and all prospective employees are encouraged to focus on ways they can build the skills they lack. An effective method of developing communication and leadership skills is to join Toastmasters International. Toastmasters offers a supportive setting where people can improve these skills through practice and become more confident communicators and stronger leaders.

Nearly half of all Fortune 500 companies offer in-house Toastmasters clubs, including Apple, Bank of America, The Coca-Cola Company, Google and Microsoft. These employers have found the Toastmasters program to be an effective staff development tool that benefits their organization.

"Prospective employees, including millennials, should focus on building the skills that will give them an advantage over other candidates," says Jim Kokocki Toastmasters 2015-16 International President. "Employers want to hire people who can communicate effectively and work well with others. Toastmasters offers a place to develop and strengthen these skills."

To interview a Toastmasters representative about how job seekers can become better communicators and leaders, email [email protected].

To find a Toastmasters club near you, visit www.toastmasters.org/findaclub.

About Toastmasters International
Toastmasters International is a worldwide nonprofit educational organization that empowers individuals to become more effective communicators and leaders. Headquartered in Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif., the organization's membership exceeds 332,000 in more than 15,400 clubs in 135 countries. Since 1924, Toastmasters International has helped people from diverse backgrounds become more confident speakers, communicators and leaders. For information about local Toastmasters clubs, please visit www.toastmasters.org. Follow @Toastmasters on Twitter.

SOURCE Toastmasters International