Communication Skills and You

5932 Words24 Pages
Communication Skills and You Learning Objective 1 Understand the importance of communication skills in relation to career success and explain the need for thinking critically and taking charge of your career. Communication skills played an important part in the success of Indra Nooyi, CEO of PepsiCo. Like you, she took a college course to improve her skills. Such skills are particularly significant at a time when jobs are scarce and competition is keen. During a recessionary period, many candidates vie for fewer job openings. Those candidates with exceptional communication skills will immediately have an edge over others. Whether you are already working or about to enter today’s workplace, communication skills are critical to your career success. In this chapter you will learn about the importance of communication skills, the changing world of work, the process of communication and its barriers, and ethical goals and tools to help you do the right thing. Each section covers the latest information about relevant issues. Each section also provides tips and suggestions that will help you function effectively and ethically in today’s fast-paced, information-laden workplace. 1-1a The Importance of Communication Skills to your Career Success * Why are communication skills important for job applicants, even in technical fields? Surveys of employers consistently show that communication skills are critical to effective job placement, performance, career advancement, and organizational success. In making hiring decisions, employers often rank communication skills among the most requested competencies. Many job advertisements specifically ask for excellent oral and written communication skills. A poll of recruiters revealed oral and written communication skills were by a large margin the top skill set sought. In another poll, executives were asked what they looked
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