HUMAN RESOURCES/
What Soft Skills Do the Next Generation of Workers Need? By Jeremy Hill, Senior Recruitment Manager, Brunel
A
s a recruiter, sourcing and submitting candidates is only part of the job. Our biggest task is preparation and presentation. We prepare the candidates for the interview process by focusing on behavior and communication. While some soft skills are often listed out on a resume, they aren’t always clearly defined. Teamwork, problem solving and communication are a few soft skills that candidates will outline on their resume or in an interview but when asked to verbally communicate how they demonstrate those skills, most candidates fall short of the correct answer.
rather leave the role unfilled than hire someone who didn’t have the skills/competencies they were looking for.
HARD AND SOFT SKILLS DEFINED Soft skills are defined as skills that can’t be measured or proven like hard skills. Hard skills are your technical proficiencies or skill sets that can be measured, like computer programming languages, certifications that demonstrate your expertise in machine operation or your safety knowledge.
“ Whether it’s verbal
Most interview formats are competency-based interviews, also known as behavioral interviews. They require you to draw on past experience and describe specific examples demonstrating competence in a particular area. Interviewers use this method to test soft skills.
or written communication, a text or an email, a conversation with a co-worker or a yearly review, how you communicate speaks volume about who you are. ”
Conducting an interview isn’t just to find out if the candidate has the technical savvy to complete the task at hand but also to determine whether they have the soft skills needed to thrive in that role. According to the Society of Human Resource Management, employers prefer a candidate with soft skills over a candidate with technical experience. Employers would 28
Energy Connection/February 2020
Soft skills are intangible skills like analytical thinking, integrity, verbal and written communication, problem solving, leadership and teamwork; the list goes on. These skills are highly revered by hiring managers and employers because they help you to effectively and successfully interact with people, regardless of your current role.
IMPORTANCE OF SOFT SKILLS
Recent graduates with little to no experience may lack the necessary soft skills needed for their career. Communication, teamwork, integrity and problem solving are just a few of the key soft skills employers are looking for when hiring the next workforce generation. We’ve heard so many times that communication is key. Whether it’s verbal or written communication, a text or an email, a conversation with a co-worker or a yearly review, how you communicate speaks volume about who you are. Communication is important in any work setting
