Global recruitment experts, Michael Page, have today revealed that ‘soft skills’ are as important for a candidate’s success in the interview process as technical skills and qualifications.
A staggering 77 percent of people involved in hiring claim that they are looking for more than technical skills and qualifications when interviewing candidates.
Empathy, willingness to learn and a sense of humour were highlighted among most in demand soft skills.
Also, 48 percent of respondents believe that the traditional CV is obsolete, due to the rise of digital platforms.
What are ‘soft skills’?
The unexpected ‘soft skills’ that are most sought after include selflessness, a sense of humour and the ability to own up to something you do not know.
In fact, 62 percent said they have hired someone who has demonstrated a range of these soft skills – such as sincerity and respectfulness – even if there were better-qualified candidates.
This puts the onus on prospective employers to be clear on the skills they want from new hires personally as well as the qualifications and experience listed in the job specification, to ensure all parties are well prepared before they step into the interview.
The human side of things
Of those surveyed, 63 percent said they felt that candidates preparing for an interview often focused too much on their hard skills and qualifications and not enough on their human side.
In fact, 68 percent of those surveyed claimed that doing this may cost candidates their chance of being offered the job.
Instead of focusing solely on qualifications, half of those polled said a key factor when deciding between two candidates with similar credentials would be which one demonstrates a willingness to develop their skills for the future.
Choosing a candidate with less experience but an appetite to learn can often prove to be a great investment for a company – particularly in the current candidate hot market.
The promise of developing talent can also be a valuable proposition for candidates, especially for those industries that evolve quickly or rely on innovation.
Doug Rode, UK&I Managing Director at Michael Page, which commissioned the research, said:
“The pandemic really drove home the importance of soft skills and taught businesses how crucial it is to invest in a workforce that possesses more than just technical ability.
“Now, with a turbulent economic landscape impacting businesses across the country, attributes such as a willingness to learn, flexibility and a sense of humour are all highly desired by hiring managers who know that personal qualities can impact a company’s overall success.
“Too often, candidates talk themselves out of applying for a certain job because they worry they don’t have every single skill, but this research clearly shows that employers are willing to overlook that for the right candidate. It’s easy to upskill once someone is in role, but traits like teamwork, empathy and friendliness are crucial attributes that you can’t necessarily teach.”
The demand for soft skills and emotional intelligence is rising fast even in unexpected areas, such as technology and transformation, which historically have been viewed as highly technical industries.
Amelia Brand is the Editor for HRreview, and host of the HR in Review podcast series. With a Master’s degree in Legal and Political Theory, her particular interests within HR include employment law, DE&I, and wellbeing within the workplace. Prior to working with HRreview, Amelia was Sub-Editor of a magazine, and Editor of the Environmental Justice Project at University College London, writing and overseeing articles into UCL’s weekly newsletter. Her previous academic work has focused on philosophy, politics and law, with a special focus on how artificial intelligence will feature in the future.
