Many factors must be considered when determining the best candidate for a particular role. Hiring managers consider applicants’ hard skills, such as work experience and education. However, employers are just as interested, if not more, in soft skills.
Soft skills are “character traits and interpersonal skills that characterize a person’s relationship with others.” When looking for hireable applicants, decision-makers often look for certain soft skills in their applicants.
A study released by Express Employment Professionals and the Harris Poll in May 2022 found that dependability (90%), communications skills (89%), and a willingness to learn (88%) are among the top soft skills hiring managers deem essential in job applicants.
Other important skills include problem-solving skills (85%), adaptability (85%), critical thinking (84%), and/or initiative (84%). More than 7 in 10 feel fitting with the company culture (79%), creativity (72%), and/or leadership skills (71%) are also of high importance to them.
- A Willingness to Learn
Just saying you “like to learn” isn’t always enough in an interview. Instead, show your willingness to learn through your experiences. Tell your interviewer about a time you enjoyed learning in a previous position or took on new job responsibilities because you wanted to try new things.
- Dependability
Like a willingness to learn, just saying, “I’m dependable!” doesn’t tell your interviewer much. Focus on how you’ve handled sudden responsibility in previous positions or how you went above and beyond to accomplish a goal. Maybe a co-worker didn’t show up to work and you covered their shift, or your boss was out of town and you handled their responsibilities while they were away.
- Communication Skills
With many companies returning to work onsite after the pandemic, some managers see recent hires needing to prepare to work and communicate with others. They might not be used to cohabitating in the workplace or still be conditioned to making their schedules or working at their own pace.
Show your interviewer that you like working with others by giving examples of great teamwork or working on shared deadlines where you clearly outlined what you needed from your peers.
Showing you have both the soft and hard skills for the job will impress your interviewer. Good luck with the job search!
Are there any soft skills you value? Let us know in the comments section below!
