When job searching, hard skills are often mentioned. Those are skills that make a job candidate competitive, such as a certain number of degrees, certifications or titles. Yet, the often overlooked soft skills are more important than ever. Soft skills are those invisible skills that make an employee or colleague a force. These are the skills that make you efficient with your time, in tune with the needs of others and calm in the face of adversity. Soft skills will make you a stand-out applicant. Here are 7 soft skills that will make you more hirable in the job hunt.
Emotional Intelligence
Not everyone has the ability to read the room and sense what other people are feeling and thinking. Emotional intelligence requires a level of sensitivity, ingenuity and a willingness to be in tune with your people. It allows you to lead and engage with people empathetically and judiciously.
Communication
Similar to emotional intelligence, communication is a soft skill that can make or break a team’s dynamic. Hiring employees who know how to communicate openly, honestly and respectfully is a game changer. It’s also important to create an environment of open dialogue where people don’t shy away from conflict.
Teamwork
If you have ever worked with someone who does not collaborate or work as a team player, you’ve witnessed the roadblocks and tension it can create. That’s why teamwork is an integral part of the success of any company and also why employers and hiring managers look for it.
Critical Thinking
While problem solving and critical thinking might not be tangible skills you can see with the naked eye, that does not diminish their value. In the workplace, problems arise, systems break down and mistakes happen. A critical thinker will be able to work through problems as they arise and create effective solutions.
The Ability to Disagree Respectfully
Sometimes, there are people in the workplace who you do not prefer, and that’s perfectly OK. This is where cordiality and the ability to maintain respect and decorum comes into play. The ability to disagree respectfully and keep the peace is an essential soft skill that stands out. Having this skill does not mean that a person doesn’t speak up or call out injustice when they see it, but they also know how to express disagreement with respect.
Innovation/Creativity
A creative mind is always a win. Creativity and innovation propel new ideas and ways of doing things forward, which ultimately can drive revenue and help the team reach company goals.
Adaptability
An employee who is quick on their feet is an asset to any organization. Mistakes will happen and challenges will arise. The ability to pivot and adjust is one soft skill that you can’t put a price tag on.