The Human Element: The Importance of Soft Skills in Technical and Engineering Hiring

While technical skills are deemed essential for success in any technical role, soft skills are just as crucial in the technical and engineering industry. Soft skills enable us to interact effectively with others and play a vital role in our ability to communicate, collaborate, and solve problems. As Bill Gates once said, "Soft skills are hard to find, but they are essential for success in the workplace."

In today's fast-paced and ever-changing tech landscape, soft skills are more critical than ever before. According to the Society of Human Resource Management's 2021-22 State of the Workplace Report, 77% of Human Resource professionals said that improving employees' soft skills was crucial to their organisations' plans.

To succeed in a collaborative environment, employees must work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds and skill sets. They also need to be able to adapt quickly to change and learn new things on the fly.

What are Soft Skills?

Soft skills, sometimes referred to as 'people skills' or 'interpersonal skills', are personal attributes and abilities that enable us to interact effectively and harmoniously with other people.

Why are Soft Skills so Important?

Soft Skills Enable Effective Communication

Communication is essential for success in any role but vital in the technical and engineering industry. Employees need to be able to communicate complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences. They also need to be able to listen effectively and understand the needs of others.

Soft Skills Promote Collaboration

Within the dynamic realm of technical and engineering teams, collaboration is paramount. Effective collaboration necessitates proficiently applying soft skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, and conflict resolution, which serve as fundamental tools for harmonising shared objectives.

Soft Skills Enable Adaptability and Learning

Rapid adaptation and continuous learning are prerequisites in the ever-evolving technical and engineering sector. Curiosity, resilience, and critical thinking, all integral soft skills, become the cornerstones for lifelong learning and professional growth.

What are Key Soft Skills for Employees?

Some of the most essential soft skills for employees include:

Communication

The ability to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical audiences, both verbally and in writing.

Teamwork

The ability to work effectively with others to achieve common goals.

Problem-Solving

The ability to identify and solve problems creatively and efficiently.

Conflict Resolution

The ability to resolve conflict constructively.

Adaptability

The ability to adapt to change quickly and learn new things.

Curiosity

The desire to learn new things and explore new ideas.

Resilience

The ability to bounce back from setbacks and failures.

Critical Thinking

The ability to think critically and make sound decisions.

How To Assess Soft Skills in the Hiring Process

There are several ways to assess soft skills in technical hiring. Some standard methods include:

Role-specific Scenarios

Present candidates with role-specific scenarios or case studies that require them to demonstrate soft skills. For example, you can assess their problem-solving ability by describing and asking how they would address a challenging situation.

Behavioural Assessments

Implement standardised assessments that provide insight into a candidate's soft skills. These assessments typically present candidates with hypothetical situations and ask how they would respond.

Group Interviews

Conduct group interviews where multiple candidates interact. Observe how they collaborate, communicate, and resolve conflicts in a group setting. This method is precious when teamwork is a critical skill.

Practical Assignments

Assign practical tasks that require candidates to work together or communicate effectively. This could include group projects, presentations, or collaborative problem-solving exercises.

References

When checking references, specifically ask about a candidate's soft skills. Inquire about their workplace experiences with teamwork, communication, and adaptability.

Scenario-Based Questions

During interviews, ask candidates to describe situations from their previous work experiences where they had to employ soft skills. Encourage them to provide concrete examples to gauge their practical application of these skills.

How Can Employees Can Develop Soft Skills?

There are several proactive steps that employees in the technical and engineering industry can take to develop and improve their soft skills.

Take Courses or Workshops

There are many in-person and online courses and workshops available that can teach you specific soft skills, such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.

Read Books and Articles

There are also many books and articles available that can provide you with tips and advice on developing your soft skills.

Find A Mentor or Coach

A mentor or coach can provide you with guidance and support as you develop your soft skills.

Practice Role-Playing

Role-playing exercises with a mentor, coach, or trusted colleague can help you practice your soft skills in a safe and supportive environment.

Attend Networking Events

Networking events are a great way to meet new people and build communication and relationship-building skills.

Be Open to Feedback

Ask your colleagues and managers for feedback on your soft skills. This feedback can help you identify areas where you need to improve.

Be Proactive

Look for opportunities to practice your soft skills at work, school, and personal. For example, volunteer to lead a project at work or join a club or organisation that interests you.

How Technical Resources Can Help

At Technical Resources, we specialise in connecting you with technical professionals with the right technical acumen and the essential soft skills needed for success. Our team of seasoned recruiters excels in evaluating candidates' interpersonal proficiencies and aligning them with ideal positions.

If you're seeking a recruiting partner dedicated to sourcing top talent equipped with critical technical and soft skills, connect with Technical Resources here.

For those seeking employment opportunities, visit our Job Search, where we have a proven track record of placing, nurturing, and developing over 10,000 specialists in roles perfectly suited to their abilities.