PERFORMANCE OF EXTROVERT PROSPECTIVE ENGINEERS IN CAMPUS PLACEMENTS AND THEIR PERCEPTION OF SOFT SKILLS IN QUALIFYING THE SAME

Abstract

AbstractSoft skills have been defined in a number of ways in the literature. They are also referred to by different names such as 'key skills', 'core skills', 'essential skills' and 'soft skills' in different countries. Though different names are given to these skills in different countries, by and large they encompass the same range of skills: communication, teamwork, conflict resolution, problem solving, reflection, critical thinking and leadership skills, self-confidence, conformity to norms, language proficiency etc. A number of studies are presented in this paper wherein need for possession of soft skills by the future workforce is emphasized. Personality plays a significant role in a job search as well as in job performance and learning. So it becomes important to examine one of the most obvious aspects of personality – extroversion versus introversion. Extroverts possess traits such as sociability, talkativeness, activeness, and assertiveness. Introverts tend to be low-key, deliberate, and relatively less engaged in social situations. Understanding and appreciating the strengths and weaknesses associated with introverted and extroverted personality styles can mean the difference between success and failure in campus placements and later at the workplace. The present study is conducted with a view to examine the performance of extrovert/introvert prospective engineers in campus placements, their perceptions of knowledge of soft skills and their views regarding activities for developing them in the institution. The recruitment process followed by some of the leading Software firms takes into account two to four of the following types of rounds: aptitude tests, technical rounds, group discussions and HR interviews. The Eysenck Personality Inventory was used to classify prospective engineers on extroversion and introversion. The introverts were found to perform better than extroverts on aptitude test. Both groups need further training in soft skills to become successful in getting jobs. Engineering institutions should pay more attention to the development of soft skills like communication skills, team building skills and interpersonal skills.