As a manager interviewing candidates, do you focus solely on hard skills like experience, specific programs or applications, or a specific degree? Although these hard skills might be easier to learn and showcase someone’s understanding of a measurable ability, they do not indicate a candidate’s ability to build relationships in the organization or work with clients and business partners. So potential new hires must possess soft skills for success.

Research indicates that 85% of job success comes from having a team with soft and people skills, whereas only 15% comes from technical skills and knowledge. Focusing on a person’s soft skills proves that your organization is vested in the person’s overall personal and professional growth. Here are reasons to look at soft skills when hiring.

Soft Skills Indicate Longevity

When you hire employees, you look for someone who might stay with your organization for the long term. It is essential and can help you spend fewer resources hiring a replacement. Soft skills that indicate longevity include conflict resolution, commitment, and motivation. Examine work ethic and professionalism too in your search for a long-term hire.

Teamwork

Will the candidate be a team player? Use soft skills to measure and determine an applicant’s teamwork and communication abilities. Teamwork skills can show you whether a candidate can be an asset to others in the workplace. Keep an eye out for soft skills like flexibility and active listening as you consider if a person is a team player.

Soft Skills and Work Relationships

Soft skills support workplace relationships and are a factor in the success of client and business partner relationships. You want to trust an employee who can professionally represent the company. Let soft skills differentiate between qualified candidates and those who can exceed your expectations with extra effort. Soft skills such as good customer service are valuable in any industry.

Employees With Soft Skills Help You Stay Organized

Look for soft skills like attention to detail, time management, and the ability to delegate. These are soft skills that help workers stay organized at work. These are likely employees who are reliable and meet deadlines.

Work Ethic

Seek job candidates with a strong work ethic. Look for attentiveness, dedication, dependability, motivation, multitasking, perseverance, and resilience. These workers get to work on time, complete their tasks promptly, and stay focused and organized. Workers with a work ethic can work independently and follow instructions.

Critical Thinking

You want employees who can analyze situations and make informed decisions. Understanding problems, thinking critically, and devising solutions are valuable skills in all industries. Adaptable and resourceful employees are an asset to your organization.

Exact Staff has the resources to help you with your unique staffing needs.