Hire and develop ‘soft-skills’ to get the right fit

Soft skills are the personal characteristics that shape how we work and interact with others. The emphasis on finding the ‘right fit’ when hiring highlights their critical role for recruiters. 

Unlike hard skills, which are specific, teachable abilities related to job tasks, soft skills encompass a broad range of competencies, including communication, problem-solving, emotional intelligence, and adaptability. While technical capabilities are essential, the ability to adapt, communicate, and work well with others distinguishes an ‘OK’ candidate from an outstanding one. 

In this article we check out some of the most in-demand soft skills, how you can identify them in candidates, and the impact they will have on your organisation.

Soft Skills: A Catalyst for Success

• Resilience: Resilient employees keep a level head in the face of adversity, encouraging a positive environment that enhances team performance. This trait is particularly crucial in leadership roles. Encouraging your team to engage with resources focused on developing mental resilience, such as Stoicism exercises, can fortify this attribute across your organisation.
• Emotional Intelligence (EI): High EI is a game-changer. It enables employees to navigate social complexities with empathy and understanding, leading to better teamwork and productivity. The Consortium for Research on Emotional Intelligence in Organisations highlights how EI significantly affects the bottom line, underscoring its value.
• Effective Communication: Clear and concise communication, including active listening and non-verbal cues, is fundamental. These skills facilitate rapport, assertiveness, and efficient collaboration, forming the backbone of successful interactions within any role.

Identifying Soft Skills in Potential Hires

Assessing a candidate’s soft skills requires a thoughtful approach. Opt for in-person or video interviews to understand their interpersonal skills. Ask for specific instances demonstrating resilience or emotional intelligence, and observe communication skills firsthand to gauge if they’re a cultural fit for your company.

Why Soft Skills Elevate Your Workforce

Incorporating soft skills into your recruitment process broadens your talent pool and creates a productive team environment. Re-evaluating job descriptions to highlight these competencies can attract candidates with a balanced mix of technical and interpersonal skills. Developing your employees’ soft skills can also enhance team cohesion and retention.

Soft skills are the silent powerhouses driving team success and resilience in the modern workplace. By prioritising these attributes in your hiring and development strategies, you cultivate a workforce equipped to meet challenges head-on and thrive in a collaborative environment. 

Are you ready to talk about hiring strategy? Speak to a Monster consultant now on 0800 781 4377