I have interviewed a countless amount of people who are looking for IT jobs in Dublin and across the globe. As a non technical person. I pay particular attention to people’s soft skills. This is mainly to show case how a Software Engineer for example can be part of a culture. That will allow the business and individual to thrive. It will also help the business grow in an innovative way. I also like to know that everyone I help hire has the ability to adapt to the ever-changing skills required in the work place. Below is a list of 5 Soft skills I feel are under rated and I specifically ask questions around each when seeking out the best Software engineers for my customers before I put them forward to hiring managers.
- Curiosity – I asked people firstly why they wanted to work for the business. If they didn’t know anything about the business, the interview was as good as over. The only way I continued was if the skill the individual possessed was extremely niche. I always asked why an individual got involved with their chosen profession. I wanted to see how curious they were (are) about progressing their abilities, about how they will progress and why they want to do it. Curiosity makes people ask questions. In turn it makes those around them think about the answers and why they are doing certain things. The more people you have with a natural curiosity the more you will solve problems and innovate.
- Communication (in conflict) – Seems obvious, but it’s how people communicate is what’s underrated. its critically important for people in a specific way. For example, if there is conflict around a specific topic. I would like the team to be able to solve this conflict there and then. Countless times people bring conflict out of a meeting and let it fester. It shows an individual has back bone and someone who can stand up for their ideas and why it’s important to be heard. There is always going to be the fine line of stubbornness and acceptance if you are wrong. I have dealt with too many people that take away a topic/issue to simply over think the situation. Having the ability to communicate your thoughts in a constructive way that can lead to resolution or compromise is invaluable. Certainly, in leadership.
- Emotional Intelligence is crucial in the workplace as it enhances communication, fosters positive relationships, supports effective leadership, promotes adaptability, aids in conflict resolution, contributes to stress management, increases empathy, improves customer relations, facilitates team collaboration, and enhances overall career success. Individuals with high EI can navigate interpersonal dynamics more effectively, leading to a more harmonious work environment and increased
- Discipline is one of the hardest things to do. It means you have to force yourself to do things in spite of how you feel. If you have the discipline to do certain things over and over it will become a habit. You have no idea how many people fail to do this due to a lack of discipline. Simply put: with discipline comes consistency, with consistency come results. You need time, but they generally come.
- Empathy. While often overlooked, empathy plays a crucial role in fostering positive relationships, effective communication, and a supportive work environment. Being able to understand and share the feelings of colleagues, clients, or team members can lead to improved collaboration, conflict resolution, and overall team dynamics. Empathy enhances leadership capabilities by allowing managers to connect with their team on a deeper level, boosting morale and productivity. In an increasingly diverse and globalized workplace, the ability to empathize with different perspectives and experiences becomes even more critical for building a cohesive and inclusive work culture.
In todays working world, getting a job in an environment that works for you is critically important. Not only to your career prospects but also to your mental health. When hiring IT talent in Dublin or across the globe. Or someone looking for a job. Seeking out and intelligently thinking about they type of people you will be working for will set you on a career path. Rather then just give you any old job.
Other related blogs in this category we discuss in our insights page on www.elwoodroberts.com include: