by RACHEL WEINGARTEN

Soft skills can be hard to define but easy to recognize. Soft skills are abilities that go beyond technical expertise. They might include interpersonal skills that inspire trust from colleagues.

"Soft skills should be called essential skills, because they truly are essential traits one needs to succeed socially and professionally," says etiquette expert Arden Clise.

While soft skills may not be instinctive for everyone, with practice they can improve. "Soft skills, like any skill, require deliberate practice and reinforcement," says Gorick Ng, a Harvard career adviser and author.

Before you shrug off the need to improve your soft skills, realize that neglecting them could cost you your job or a promotion. "The common perception among managers is that hard skills may get you hired, but a lack of soft skills is what gets you fired," Ng says. Even if you keep your job, if you lack necessary soft skills, it can be obvious to your boss, co-workers and clients.

But, I hear you ask, how can I improve my soft skills?