Soft Skills Interviewers Notice Most
When it comes to job interviews, it’s easy to get caught up in perfecting your resume and rehearsing your answers to common interview questions. But in today’s competitive job market, having the right technical skills and experience isn’t always enough to land the job. In fact, many employers are now placing a greater emphasis on soft skills – also known as interpersonal or transferable skills – when evaluating potential candidates. So, which soft skills are most important to interviewers? Let’s take a closer look at the soft skills interviewers notice most and how they can make or break your job prospects.
The Importance of Soft Skills in the Hiring Process
Before we dive into the specific soft skills that interviewers notice most, it’s important to understand why these skills are becoming increasingly important in the hiring process. In short, soft skills are what make you a well-rounded and desirable employee. While technical skills can be taught, soft skills are typically harder to teach and are seen as an indicator of how well you will fit into the company culture and work with others.
In fact, a recent LinkedIn survey found that 57% of senior leaders believe that soft skills are more important than technical skills when it comes to job performance. Additionally, 92% of talent professionals and hiring managers stated that soft skills are equally or more important than technical skills. This highlights just how important it is for job seekers to have a strong set of soft skills in their arsenal.
The Top Soft Skills Interviewers Notice Most
1. Communication
Communication skills are at the top of the list when it comes to soft skills that interviewers notice most. This includes both verbal and written communication, as well as the ability to listen. Employers want to know that you can effectively communicate with team members, clients, and customers. This also includes being able to articulate your thoughts and ideas in a clear and concise manner.
2. Adaptability/Flexibility
Today’s workplaces are constantly changing, and employers want to know that their employees can handle change and adapt to new situations. Being adaptable and flexible shows that you can work well under pressure and are willing to take on new challenges. This is particularly important in industries that are constantly evolving, such as technology and healthcare.
3. Teamwork/Collaboration
Most jobs require employees to work with others in some capacity, so it’s no surprise that teamwork and collaboration are highly valued by interviewers. Employers want to know that you can work well with others, share ideas, and contribute to the overall success of the team. Being able to build strong working relationships with colleagues is also a key factor in career advancement.
4. Problem Solving/Critical Thinking
Having strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills can set you apart from other candidates in the job market. This involves being able to think creatively, analyze information, and come up with effective solutions to complex problems. Interviewers will often ask behavioral questions to gauge your problem-solving abilities, so be prepared to provide examples of how you have successfully resolved challenges in the past.
5. Time Management
No matter what job you’re applying for, being able to effectively manage your time is crucial. Employers want to know that you can prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and handle a heavy workload. Time management also shows that you are reliable and can be trusted to deliver results.
Tips for Highlighting Your Soft Skills in an Interview
During an interview, it’s important to not only talk about your skills and experiences but also how you have demonstrated certain soft skills in past roles. Here are a few tips for highlighting your soft skills during an interview:
1. Provide specific examples
When discussing your soft skills, be sure to provide specific examples of how you have utilized them in a professional setting. This could be a time when you successfully communicated with a difficult team member or a situation where you had to adapt to a change in the workplace.
2. Use the STAR method
The STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) is a great way to structure your response when discussing soft skills in an interview. Start by describing a specific situation, then explain what task you were responsible for, the action you took, and the end result.
3. Be honest
Don’t exaggerate or make up examples to showcase your soft skills. Interviewers can typically spot when a candidate is not being genuine. Instead, focus on highlighting your strengths and providing honest examples of how you have utilized them in past experiences.
Wrapping Up
While technical skills are still important in the hiring process, having a strong set of soft skills can give you a competitive edge. Employers want to know that you not only have the technical skills to do the job, but also the interpersonal and transferable skills to excel in the role and work effectively with others. By understanding the soft skills interviewers notice most and preparing to showcase them in an interview, you can increase your chances of landing your dream job.
