You’re More Than a List of Qualifications and Certifications

M NeeseInterview Tips

According to Indeed Prime, 77 percent of employers believe your soft skills are just as important as your hard skills. So, while it is important to play up your technical strengths in an interview, you also want to showcase your soft skills in order to land your ideal role.

Why Soft Skills Matter

Soft skills are “intangible” skills related to your personality and attitude. Strong soft skills are important because they inform the way you work as a member of a team. Hiring managers will look specifically for soft skills that indicate you’ll fit in well with the current team and you will thrive in the organizational culture. No one works in a bubble anymore, so if you want to land a great job, you have to focus on highlighting the things outside of your resume that make you a strong candidate.

Common Soft Skills Tech Employers Want

Every hiring manager will have unique priorities when it comes to soft skills. However, there are some critical skills that will serve you well in nearly any tech job at nearly any employer. These are the most important soft skills hiring managers will want to you to have:

  • Communication – Active listening skills, the ability to communicate technical information to a non-technical employee or user, and strong written skills are always important.
  • Interpersonal skills – Employers want to know you can work well as part of a team, manage stress, navigate conflict, empathize and relate well to others.
  • Flexibility – IT projects can change in scope and focus on a dime, and you must be able to adapt quickly to change.
  • Creativity – Complex tech problems often require creative solutions, especially when resources and budgets are tight.
  • Work ethic – Employers need tech pros who are self-starters and do not require micromanagement. The ability to think and make decisions independently are crucial to success.

How to Highlight Soft Skills

Sometimes, you’ll be asked direct questions that relate to your soft skills such as, “How do you handle conflict,” but you are much more likely to be subjected to behavioral interview questions. Behavioral questions require you to describe past experiences. Hiring managers use these past experiences to predict how you will act on the job today.

As you answer behavioral questions, make sure to choose anecdotes that put your soft skills on full display. Always answer honestly and directly, providing thoughtful answers that paint a picture of what it’s like to work with you.

Are You Looking for Tech Jobs in Chicago?

If you are a talented professional seeking new IT career opportunities in Chicago, work with the recruiters at CultureFit. We can connect you with opportunities where you will feel culturally aligned. Contact us today to learn how we can help you achieve your goals.