Why soft skills are important
Soft skills can be of more value to you as an employer than an applicant’s hard skills.
Hard skills are the technical skills that an applicant may have, they are often very specific to a job or task. Examples of hard skills include:
- Advanced skills with specific word processing or spreadsheet software
- Ability to use Point-of-Sale (POS) equipment
- Intermediate skills in coding using HTML, CSS, or Javascript
- Proficiency with Customer Relations Management (CRM) software
- Speaking and/or writing in a foreign language
- Accounting and bookkeeping skills
- An industry licence, such as a forklift licence
- A certificate, diploma, degree, or other qualification
Soft skills (also known as employability skills) are a major component of an applicant’s transferable skill set. Often when we refer to transferable skills, we are focusing on someone’s soft skill set. However, some hard skills can also be considered to be transferable if they can be useful in multiple industries or types of jobs (e.g. word processing).
Understanding an applicant’s soft skill set will let you know if they can work in a team, can communicate effectively, are organised, and will contribute to the workplace.
Soft skills can be influenced by someone’s personality traits, personal habits, and life experience, but they may also be developed through training. Being able to quickly learn on the job and develop new skills is itself a great skill to have, so it’s also worth considering each applicant’s potential to learn new skills when hiring for a new position.
Some soft skills you might be interested in are:
- Teamwork skills – this refers to the ability to work generally with others or work more specifically with a group on a project. Applicants with these skills may communicate, listen to, and understand the needs of others.
- Communication skills – these range from written, verbal, and body language to listening skills. People who communicate effectively work well with others. In a customer service role, these skills may help create a positive customer experience.
- Problem-solving – this is the ability to resolve issues effectively and in a timely manner. Applicants with this skill may be able to research, consult with stakeholders and colleagues, and develop sustainable solutions to problems.
- Critical thinking – this is a process of assessing and analysing a situation or process. People who think critically ask questions, think about things from different perspectives, can make suggestions for improvements, and generally may make a positive contribution to the workplace.
- Time management skills – people with these skills are good at being productive and may complete work on time. They may be able to plan and prioritise tasks, set goals, and follow work processes efficiently. Applicants with these skills may also have great organisational skills.
- Emotional intelligence – this is the ability for someone to recognise and manage their emotions. This shows a high degree of self-awareness, self-regulation, and motivation. People with this ability may have an excellent understanding of how their actions impact others and display strong social skills.
To find out what skills an applicant has, first check their résumé. They may highlight their skills in their profile statement or write about their skills in the work experience section.
However, an interview will likely be the best way that you can come to learn an applicant’s soft skill set. They may demonstrate these skills by turning up on time, displaying appropriate body language, speaking clearly, clarifying information by asking questions, and doing their research to show you that they’re prepared for the interview.