Got every hard skill required for the position? You might be thinking that’s enough, but you’re wrong! Soft skills are as important!
Picture this: you’re in an interview, and the interviewer asks you questions to assess your behaviour, but you’re blank. You’ve never been in this situation before.
That’s how employers determine your soft skills.
Think about which ones you need to develop or improve because managers value soft skills. Often, it’s these personal attributes employers use as the tiebreaker to decide between you and the other qualified candidates.
If you’re unsure where to start or what’s most important, here are some soft skills recruiters and interviewers look for:
Problem Solving
Bosses appreciate employees who notice problems before they become problems. But, what happens when a company has an existing problem. The people who can think both traditionally and creatively to tackle challenges and find solutions are sought after. They can think analytically, creatively, and logically.
Adaptability
If technological advances continue changing the world so quickly, businesses need workers who can survive – and succeed – through these changes. Adaptability is remaining flexible and having the willingness to learn new skills and accept different roles. By having the ability to perform many tasks or functions, you’re more likely to remain with the company longer. That’s valuable to companies that prefer shifting employees rather than suffering staff turnover.
Time Management/Organization
These two skills work together. Most jobs will need you to juggle multiple projects, so companies want employees who are organized and can manage their time. If you don’t have a good memory, take notes or find systems or strategies to organize all the emails you’ll have to answer and assignments you’ll have to balance.
Oral Communication
Like your personal life, strong communication is key to maintaining healthy and happy relationships. Ever had a misunderstanding with your parents? Or, said something in the wrong tone to your significant other? If the job involves regular communication with clients, customers, stakeholders, or really anyone like your coworkers, you need to know how to communicate orally.