Summary
Rob’s thinking of applying for a new job, but it needs someone with ‘soft skills’. Feifei thinks he’s ‘soft’, but has he got the right skills? Watch this programme to find out what soft skills really are and who might be suitable for the new position.
Transcript
Feifei
Hello and welcome to The English We Speak. I’m Feifei.
Rob
And I’m Rob! Hey, Feifei, did you know they’re looking for a new team leader to manage and motivate our team?
Feifei
Ooo, a promotion! And you think I should apply for it?
Rob
No, no! I was going to ask you if you think I’d be good for the position?
Feifei
Well, you’re sometimes friendly and you like to chat.
Rob
Great. Well, the job description says that they want someone with ‘soft skills’ – and that means 'the ability to communicate and work well with other people'. I'm basically a team player.
Feifei
You are a team player? Well, Rob, you’re certainly ‘soft’ – not very strict – so nobody would listen to you!
Rob
Well, we’ll see about that. We are going to hear some examples, and no arguing!
Examples
We’ve got to build a team that works well together, so soft skills are vital if you want to work here.
The recruitment company are looking for someone with soft skills to fill the vacancy.
A positive attitude, self-confidence and being a good communicator are the soft skills we’re looking for in this job. Does that describe you?
Feifei
This is The English We Speak from BBC Learning English and we’re talking about the phrase ‘soft skills’, which describes someone’s ability to communicate and work well with others. But, Rob, I’m still not sure if you’ve got the soft skills for the new job.
Rob
Oh well! Thanks for your vote of confidence!
Feifei
Actually, maybe I should apply for the new job.
Rob
Hmmm, let’s have a think about your skills… You’re bossy. You tell people what to do. You take charge. They sound like ‘hard skills’ to me.
Feifei
Hard skills?! It sounds like I’d be perfect for the job. So, Rob, pop outside the studio and make me a cup of tea.
Rob
Any chance to you could ask me using some ‘soft skills’?
Feifei
No, Rob. Just do it. See ya!
Rob
Somehow I think she’d get the job! Bye!