Hiring for Soft Skills: Why They Matter & How to Find the Best Talent

As a business owner or hiring manager, you know that finding the right person for the job isn’t just about looking at a resume full of qualifications. Sure, hard skills whether it’s expertise in accounting, coding, or sales, are important. But it’s the soft skills that often make the biggest impact in the workplace. These are the traits that help employees collaborate, adapt, and thrive, and they’re increasingly what separate the best candidates from the rest.

Why Soft Skills Should Be a Top Priority When Hiring

Soft skills are the personal attributes that influence how someone works and interacts with others. In today’s fast-paced, ever-changing world, employees with strong soft skills are the ones who not only succeed but also drive positive outcomes for your business.

Here’s why soft skills matter so much:

• Better Collaboration & Teamwork: The best teams are made up of people who know how to communicate openly, listen to others, and work together toward a common goal. Employees with strong soft skills foster an environment of trust and respect, which boosts overall productivity.
• Adaptability in a Changing World: The business landscape is always shifting—new technologies, market trends, and unexpected challenges. Employees who are adaptable, open to change, and eager to learn are crucial for keeping your business agile and competitive.
• Stronger Leadership & Decision-Making: Leadership is about making tough decisions, inspiring your team, and navigating challenges with confidence. Employees with strong problem-solving abilities and emotional intelligence are more likely to step up as leaders when needed.
• Improved Customer & Client Relationships: Your employees are the face of your business. Those who can connect with clients, communicate effectively, and provide a positive experience will help build long-term relationships that lead to repeat business and referrals.

Top Soft Skills to Look for in Candidates

When it comes to hiring, it’s important to look beyond the technical qualifications and assess the soft skills that will help your employees thrive in the role. Here are some key traits to focus on:

• Communication: Clear communication is critical in all aspects of business. Look for candidates who can explain their ideas, ask questions, and share feedback effectively.
• Emotional Intelligence: Employees with high emotional intelligence can navigate workplace relationships with ease, manage stress, and respond to challenges calmly and effectively.
• Time Management: Employees who can juggle multiple tasks, prioritise their workload, and meet deadlines without sacrificing quality will help drive your business forward.
• Problem-Solving: Look for candidates who can think outside the box, approach challenges with creativity, and come up with practical solutions to problems.
• Collaboration: Hiring team players who can work well with others—respecting different perspectives, contributing to group projects, and supporting colleagues—will help create a positive and efficient work environment.

How to Assess Soft Skills in Candidates

It’s not always easy to assess soft skills, but there are a few ways to get a good sense of a candidate’s abilities:

• Behavioral Interview Questions: Ask candidates for examples of times they’ve worked on teams, solved problems, or adapted to change. This gives you insight into how they handle real-world situations.
• Role-Playing or Exercises: Consider having candidates participate in role-playing exercises to see how they react in scenarios that require problem-solving, teamwork, or communication.
• Cultural Fit: Assess whether candidates align with your company values and how their personality and work style might mesh with your team.

Wrapping It Up

While technical expertise is important, it’s the soft skills that help employees thrive, lead teams, adapt to change, and build lasting relationships with clients. When hiring, don’t just look for the right qualifications, look for the right soft skills that will help your employees succeed.

At First Base Employment, we get that finding the perfect candidate isn’t just about technical know-how. That’s why we focus on connecting businesses with candidates who bring a strong blend of both hard and soft skills. Need help finding your next great hire? Reach out to us and let’s work together to build the perfect team for your business.