Top 5 soft skills in today's time

 Now for the oft-dreaded part of the process - the interview. 

The interview is your chance at convincing a fellow human being that you are THE one. Remember that it is your soft skills that are assessed in interviews.

Understandably nerve-wracking, the process relies heavily on creating a good first impression. But if it’s any solace, even the most qualified interviewee is a bundle of nerves at the start of an interview. 

But in spite of the jitters, how do you create an impression that lasts? More importantly, how do you create an impression that gets you hired? Well, read on. 

1. Research 

What is the company looking for? How are you the perfect fit for the role? Is the company a fit for you? Go into the interview with a good handle on whom you’re interviewing for. There are two ways you can go about this — one, go online & two, ask around your network of connections in the real world. 

Researching beforehand gives you an edge over others when it comes to critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Now for every organization or industry-related question that you are asked in the actual interview, you have a baseline of know.

The modern workplace is relational, interconnected. We, as living breathing humans, possess skills that automation, technology, and AI still can’t wrap their heads around. We communicate we lead, we empathize, we understand. 

Even in a world being constantly advanced by the Fourth Industrial revolution, employers all over the globe have emphasized the soft skills gap among the workforce. Studies by LinkedIn, University of Michigan, the World Economic Forum, Deloitte, and many others have to come to the same conclusion — Soft skills are essential but lacking. 

Technical skills or ‘hard skills’ are never enough on their own. They have to be heavily supplemented with relevant soft skills. 

Having researched job trends around the world, we have compiled a list of 5 essential soft skills that are sought out now more than ever. 

1. Communication

What are the ways in which you express yourself? How effectively do you get your point across? There are numerous conclusions that people arrive at based on your tone, choice of words, sociability, and use of digital body language. 

Communication is a two-way street and an often forgotten aspect of it - active listening - can make or break your success, both professionally and personally. 

At the end of the day, good communication skills (be it verbal, non-verbal, visual, or written means) just make things easier for everybody. 

2. Teamwork and Collaboration

Hiring priorities have changed. What employers and workers expect now is a sense of the collective. How well do you work with other people? Can you rise past disagreements for the collective goal? How quickly and effectively can you complete tasks while also cooperating and collaborating with your team? 

Negotiation, adaptability, collaboration, delegation, conflict management, mediation, and cooperation, go a long way in establishing a healthy work ethic.

3. Leadership

Leaders are made. As the world works towards flatter hierarchies, it becomes imperative for every professional to be a leader. How? By listening, inspiring, directing, mentoring, and creating a common goal. 

We face newer problems every day. In a time as strange as ours, a leader who can offer creative solutions to any problem by channeling the power of the people is the need of the hour. 

4. Emotional Intelligence 

Daniel Goleman, a psychologist, and author of Emotional Intelligence found that IQ is rarely a marker of professional success after a certain point. What differentiates one professional from the next is EI or Emotional Intelligence.

The importance of empathy and self-awareness has long been downplayed and seen as inferior to the hustle and bustle of professional success. But as the world gets more complex, the ability to put your emotions to positive use has come to be treasured.

Emotional Intelligence (EI) not just reinforces your hard skills, but also creates a lasting positive impression. 

5. Problem-Solving 

A constant across any stream or industry is problems. Can you identify a problem, stick with it, do your research, and fix it? 

One thing a global pandemic has taught the 21st century is the need to steer your way through unexpected challenges. By developing analytical skills, lateral thinking, logical reasoning, initiative, persistence, observation, and persuasion, you become the person who acts on it rather than complaining about it. 

 

wedge to tap into. Further, you can demonstrate your knowledge of the company by including what you’ve learned in your responses. 

2. The (First) First Impression 

Before you charm them with your words, charm them with your body language. 

Communication skills are vital, but non-verbal communication (eye contact, posture, handshake, smile) gives away a lot too. Yes, you’re nervous, but you don’t have to look nervous. Put on a calm and confident demeanor, be on time (meaning, arrive early), greet everybody, stay enthusiastic throughout the interview, build a rapport with the interviewer, and always remain attentive. 

Quick note: ‘Look the part’ does not mean ‘look expensive’. Clean and sharp with energetic confidence is what you should be aiming for. 

3. Active Listening, Always 

We usually listen to replies, not to understand. But understanding the question and the context is the first step to crafting the perfect answer. This is where your interpersonal skills, such as active listening, empathizing, understanding, and teamwork, come into play. 

Be it an interviewer recalling an experience or talking about their company, listen with focus. 

4. Create a Script 

Creating a script in your mind does not mean prophesying how the interview will go. Most orthodox interviews follow a similar format, the interviewers often ask common interview questions. 

• Shortlist certain experiences or stories (that demonstrate relevant job skills) that you would like to share with your potential employer
• Use your imagination & creativity! Prepare smart answers to basic questions
• Practice your answers in front of somebody or even a mirror. Practice how to present yourself and your ideas. Exude confidence. 
• Think of questions that you want to ask the interviewer. 

5. Stick to the line 

Soft skills are key! It’s what every interviewer is on the lookout for. In a study, employers who were asked what skills they want in an employee named soft skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, and flexibility as their top priority (The Future of Work 2021: Global Outlook Report). 

Always be concise. Rambling ends up making you look unprepared and long answers can sometimes test the interviewer’s patience. Keep your answers to the point, and wherever you add personal stories, make sure they’re relevant to what is being discussed. Further, interviews are professional settings, so it’s vital that the level of familiarity, language and energy remain professional.

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