How soft skills can make the difference in your job search

Understanding the essence of "soft" skills 

Soft skills, also known as transferable, interpersonal, or meta skills, are general attributes that most employers seek in their candidates. Unlike hard skills, which are specific technical or job-related abilities, soft skills are rooted in an individual's personality and attitude. They relate to your intuition, communication style, problem-solving abilities and more. 

A recent report by McKinsey and Co highlighted the growing importance of soft skills, especially in industries heavily impacted by automation and AI, such as IT and data analytics. As machines take over routine tasks, social and emotional skills are becoming more critical, and HR professionals are finding it challenging to recruit candidates with the right set of soft skills for this changing landscape. 

There are numerous soft skills that you can develop through your experience and training. Here are some of the most sought-after ones: 

• Communication: Effective communication is at the heart of soft skills. It includes not only verbal and written communication but also active listening, which is crucial for understanding and responding to others effectively. 
• Problem-Solving: This skill involves not only analytical and creative thinking but also the ability to collaborate and seek help when needed. A cool and level-headed approach to problem-solving is highly valued. 
• Decisiveness: Characterised by quick and effective decision-making, taking into account all relevant information and anticipating consequences. 
• Flexibility: Being open to new tasks and challenges, adapting to changes, and maintaining a positive attitude are essential aspects of flexibility. 
• Negotiation and conflict resolution: Crucial for potential leaders, involving persuasion, influence and the ability to seek solutions that benefit all parties. Conflict resolution relies on strong interpersonal skills. 
• Critical thinking: The ability to assess situations in a neutral manner, free from personal bias and assumptions. It involves asking questions, evaluating evidence and considering alternative solutions. 
• Ability to handle criticism: being open to feedback, actively listening, and using criticism to improve your performance are vital soft skills. 

Translating soft skills to your resume 

Highlighting your soft skills in your resume can set you apart from other candidates. To do this, you need to frame your experience in a way that emphasises the relevant skills for your chosen field. Use language and keywords from job descriptions to connect your current job to your career path. Avoid listing tasks that aren't directly relevant to your target job, focusing instead on skills that matter in that field. 

Marlo Lyons career, executive and team coach, recommended in a recent Harvard Business Review publication that when positioning your job on your resume, tie the experience to your career path. For instance, she highlights that if your career has always been in marketing and you’re working at a retail store, your resume could reflect your current job with something like this: 

Retail Associate  [Retail store name] 

• Develop deep understanding of consumers through in-person observation and interaction, and provide expertise on store displays to highlight holiday marketing campaigns. 
• Collaborate cross functionally with colleagues in other departments and external vendors to creatively solve problems in innovative ways that drive business. 
• Adapt to changing priorities while inspiring team members to meet all deadlines and take pride in their work. 

Soft skills as your professional superpower

Soft skills are your secret weapon in today's competitive job market. They can turn you from an adequate candidate into an ideal one. When your qualifications and work experience are similar to other applicants, it's your soft skills that can make you stand out. These skills, often regarded as personality traits, indicate that you are a self-aware individual who has invested in personal development. 

To harness the power of soft skills in your career, spend time identifying and developing them. Seek feedback from people who know you well, and highlight these skills in your resume, cover letter, and interviews using the STAR method. 

Self-development, reflection, and practice are key to improving your soft skills. As employers recognise that the ideal workforce is a combination of qualifications and personality traits, showcasing your complete set of soft skills will make you a more appealing and valuable candidate in any industry. 

If you’re looking to showcase your acquired soft skills that set you apart from other job seekers, explore Kelly’s job offers and let your full breadth of skills shine.