CAREER ADVICE COLUMN: What are Jobs that Require Great People Skills?

Not to be flip but – all of them. OK, serious answer. There are many jobs that truly benefit by someone having great people skills, here are some off the top of my head: teachers, nurses, sales people, manager, clergy, customer service, coaches, counselors, HR – manager or employee support, marketing, non profits development, receptionist, wait staff, airline attendants, volunteer coordinator, bar tender, purchasing agents, logistic coordinator, project manager. Wheww! I would suggest you check the Occupational Outlook (do a Google search) it is a great source for finding out detailed information about jobs, skills and education along with fairly detailed descriptions of how the job is performed.

If you have great people skills that means you probably: communicate well, empathize, make people feel at ease, connect and the list goes on. You might want to really translate the term “people skills” into actual skills that you can correlate these jobs to as well as outline in your resume.

I might also add that many times when I have seen people gravitate to a skill set like this; it usually means that they have a history of doing work they disliked. You need to spend time truly analyzing your past work to see what lacked resonance for you. We all use our people skills in all jobs and most likely you did too. You may discover that there were other aspects to it that you didn’t like or you lacked much skill for doing.

Consider a different tactic to your career exploration – explore: 1- what skills you have 2- what skills you don’t want to use 3- what skills you would be ok with developing and see what kind of jobs those would be. To focus solely on people skills might not yield a great job for you.

Do you have a career question you want Dorothy to answer?

Email her at: dorothy@nextchapternewlife.com. She will answer all questions and will keep your name confidential if she publishes your question.

Guest Expert:

Dorothy Tannahill-Moran is a Career Coach and expert on helping her clients achieve their goals. Her programs cover: Career growth and enhancement, Career Change, Retirement Alternatives and Job Search Strategy. Want to discover specific career change strategies that get results? Discover how by claiming your FREE gift, Career Makeover Toolkit at: http://CareerMakeoverToolKitShouldIstayorShouldIGo.com/

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Dorothy Tannahill-Moran

Dorothy Tannahill-Moran is a certified life and career coach. She works with aspiring professionals who are looking for career growth, advancement and entry into the “C” suite. As well, she works with people to overcome the sometimes daunting task of changing careers. With over 21 years in management, Dorothy has coached, trained and guided other professionals who have gone on to impressive and fulfilling careers. Her personal philosophy about careers is: “It’s not JUST a job; it’s half your life – so love your career”. You can check out her resources, blog and services at Next Chapter New Life and MBA Highway.