In the past, hiring managers traditionally sought candidates who demonstrated hard skills on their résumés and in the interview process. Hard skills are the technical tasks, responsibilities and experiences associated with the requirements listed in the job description.
As time progressed, employers began recognizing that there was more to the picture. Hiring personnel realized that soft skills—personal qualities, traits and attributes that help people interact with others in the workplace—are also valuable, as they demonstrate strong communication, collaboration, problem-solving and leadership.
While soft skills are difficult to measure or quantify, they are essential for success in various industries and professions. Therefore, job seekers should focus on developing and showcasing these attributes to stand out to employers.
The Importance Of Soft Skills
In addition to listing your technical prowess on your résumé, you should include soft skills, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, public speaking, professional writing, teamwork and collaboration, professionalism, work ethic, intercultural fluency, adaptability, leadership, time management, creativity and emotional intelligence.
These soft skills have become increasingly important in hiring decisions, as they can often be the deciding factor between two equally qualified candidates. They are desired by employers across industries and are essential for workplace success.
How To Demonstrate Soft Skills In A Job Interview
Your demeanor and actions during a job interview directly indicate your soft skills. To ensure you make an excellent first impression with the hiring team, you must offer clear and concise responses to interview questions, actively listen and maintain good eye contact. This is especially critical for entry-level applicants who don’t possess an extensive work history filled with anecdotal evidence of their soft skills.
As digital natives, Gen-Z is widely criticized for their perceived lack of communication skills. You will want to disprove this hiring bias if you fall in this demographic.
Employers will ask behavioral or situational questions to assess your soft skills during a job interview. Your responses will show them how you manage stress under pressure, solve problems and display empathy when interacting with colleagues and clients.
Give real-life examples of when you adapted to changes and chaos, deftly overcame obstacles and delivered results before your deadlines.
Highlight your emotional intelligence by sharing how you helped peers face challenges. Provide instances when you went above and beyond taking on the tasks and assignments of a co-worker while they were out of the office because of an illness or family emergency.
Moreover, make it known to the hiring team that you enjoyed your interactions with them and remain interested in the opportunity, company culture and would gladly say “yes” if the offer was extended.
When You’re An Executive
When demonstrating soft skills in a job interview for a senior-level role, it's important to provide specific examples that showcase your interpersonal abilities and leadership qualities. The key is that you want to convey that you will be an effective manager while also mentoring, coaching and motivating staff empathetically and maintaining psychological safety.
Share how you have successfully navigated complex challenges, made strategic decisions and implemented innovative solutions to drive business growth. Highlight your track record of inspiring and motivating teams, driving organizational change and cultivating a positive and inclusive work culture. Illustrate how you have navigated change, embraced new technologies and pivoted strategies to meet evolving market demands.
Discuss your ability to manage conflict, provide constructive feedback and make decisions with empathy and self-awareness. You will want to showcase your dedication, resilience and commitment to achieving excellence in your professional endeavors.
Be humble and approachable. Interactions between C-suite executives and junior workers should be similar, as you show respect and appreciation to everyone, no matter their corporate title.
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January 09, 2024 at 09:39PM
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Soft Skills To Highlight In An Interview: Entry To Senior-Level - Forbes
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