When recruiting, it’s common to focus heavily on technical skills and experience. These “hard skills” are tangible, measurable, and necessary to perform specific tasks within a role. However,
soft skills are equally critical—they are the intangible qualities that determine how well a candidate collaborates, adapts, and contributes to the workplace culture.
As automation reshapes industries and tasks, the demand for strong soft skills continues to grow. They complement technical abilities and often make the difference between a good employee and a great one.
Why Soft Skills Matter in Recruitment
While technical skills may secure a candidate an interview, soft skills often determine long-term success. Research shows that employees with strong soft skills are not only more likely to succeed in their roles but are also more likely to be promoted.
Soft skills enable employees to:
- Build strong relationships with colleagues and clients
- Navigate challenges and solve problems creatively
- Adapt to changing circumstances and environments
- Lead and inspire teams
Some of the most valuable soft skills in the workplace include:
- Empathy
- Communication
- Teamwork
- Problem-solving
- Time management
- Critical thinking
- Decision-making
- Emotional intelligence
- Adaptability
- Leadership
- Creativity
- Mindfulness
How to Assess Soft Skills During Recruitment
Unlike hard skills, soft skills can be harder to evaluate. The key is to approach assessment consistently, with clear criteria in mind. Here are some proven methods:
- Conduct Behavioural Interviews
Ask candidates to share real-life examples of how they’ve demonstrated soft skills in the past.
Example question: “Tell me about a time you had to collaborate with a difficult team member. How did you handle it?” - Use Situational Questions
Present candidates with hypothetical scenarios to understand how they might respond in real time.
Example question: “What would you do if a team member was consistently missing deadlines?” - Review Online Presence
Professional platforms like LinkedIn can reveal how candidates communicate, present themselves, and engage with others in a professional space. - Check References
References can provide valuable insights into a candidate’s interpersonal skills, adaptability, and approach to challenges.
Final Thoughts
Assessing soft skills can be challenging, but it is essential for building high-performing teams. By combining technical assessments with methods that evaluate communication, adaptability, and emotional intelligence, you’ll be better equipped to hire candidates who not only excel at their roles but also strengthen your workplace culture.
