The Importance of Soft Skills

The importance of soft skills cannot be overstated. Hiring managers often find themselves in a quandary when faced with two seemingly identical candidates for a position. While it may appear to be an ideal situation, it remains a dilemma that demands resolution.

Organisations are increasingly recognising soft skills as the differentiating factor when choosing between equally qualified candidates.

According to LinkedIn's Global Talent Trends report, 92% of talent acquisition professionals consider soft skills as important as, if not more important than, hard skills. Furthermore, 89% believe that a lack of critical soft skills is the primary reason for new hire failures.

In this article, we delve into the definition and significance of soft skills in the workplace and provide insights into how organisations can effectively evaluate candidates for these skills during the hiring process.

Understanding Soft Skills -

Soft skills encompass a blend of interpersonal, communication, character, and emotional intelligence traits that enable employees to navigate their environment, collaborate effectively, and achieve their goals alongside technical proficiencies.

Key soft skills include attitude, communication (both listening and speaking), work ethic, teamwork, leadership qualities, time management, decision-making, conflict resolution, critical thinking, networking, empathy, and problem-solving.

Due to their intangible nature, assessing soft skills poses a challenge for hiring managers, making them a crucial yet elusive aspect of candidate evaluation.

The Demand for Soft Skills -

Soft skills are increasingly valued by organisations seeking to enhance their business performance. A study by Wonderlic revealed that 93% of hiring leaders consider soft skills essential in hiring decisions, surpassing the importance of technical skills for many employers.

The competition for talent with the right mix of soft skills is intensifying across industries and pay scales. The Wall Street Journal notes that businesses are actively seeking candidates proficient in soft skills, essential for roles ranging from customer interactions to interdepartmental project management.

Employers prioritise soft skills such as leadership and teamwork over analytical and quantitative abilities, as the National Association of Colleges and Employers highlighted.

Talent possessing the requisite soft skills remains scarce, with 59% of U.S. hiring managers struggling to find suitable candidates, according to LinkedIn's Workplace Learning Report.

Soft Skills and Organisational Outcomes -

Employing individuals with creative and critical thinking skills is essential for driving innovation and adapting to evolving business landscapes. As artificial intelligence and automation advance, these skills become even more critical to complement technological capabilities.

Teamwork and Communication: Effective collaboration hinges on strong teamwork and communication skills. Gallup reports that enhanced collaboration improves project performance, with teamwork identified as a key soft skill in addressing organisational challenges.

Compassionate leadership fosters trust and enhances collaboration within teams. Organisations with compassionate leaders excel in communication and interpersonal relationships, essential for maintaining workplace cohesion.

Assessing Candidates -

Behaviour-Based Interview Questions: Structuring interviews around behaviour-based questions provides insights into candidates' soft skills, especially in technical roles where hard skills dominate discussions. Questions should focus on past experiences and responses to challenges, revealing candidates' problem-solving, communication, and teamwork abilities.

Communication Skills: Observing candidates' listening skills, verbal cues, and engagement during interviews can gauge their communication abilities and suitability for the role. Additionally, candidates' questions about the company offer insights into their interests and communication styles.

Reference Checks: Reference checks offer valuable insights into candidates' soft skills and work ethic. Coworkers can provide firsthand accounts of candidates' interpersonal skills, teamwork, and overall fit within the organisation.

In conclusion, soft skills are indispensable for fostering effective communication, collaboration, and organisational success. Recruiting for the right blend of soft skills requires a strategic approach and investment in time and resources. By prioritising soft skills assessment and understanding their impact on organisational outcomes, businesses can build teams equipped to thrive in dynamic environments.