As AI continues to disrupt the workforce, many technical professionals seeking new roles might assume that AI skills top most employers’ wish lists. While it’s true that many organizations are embracing AI, don’t forget that soft skills matter, too.
Human skills, or soft skills, are the differentiator in tech, according to a new Experis report. Communication, collaboration and teamwork rank as the most sought-after skills (41 percent), while professionalism and work ethic rank next at 37 percent. Adaptability and willingness to learn rank at 34 percent; critical thinking skills and the ability to problem solve came in at 31 percent.
“Technical ability alone isn’t enough — communication and critical thinking make people employable,” says Dr. Steven Schilhabel, who teaches Information Technology Management courses with UW Online Collaboratives. “Hiring mistakes are rarely about technical skills. They’re about poor communication or reasoning.”
Hard or technical skills can be thought of as the ‘what’ of your job, whereas technology soft skills are the ‘how,’ according to CompTIA. An employee who has both is valuable in any environment and can adapt to changing technology.
Which Soft Skills Matter the Most?
CompTIA lists 10 essential soft skills that tech employers are looking for in new hires:
- Communication
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Adaptability
- Critical thinking
- Problem solving
- Time management
- Project management
- Creativity
- Curiosity
- Empathy.
And while AI literacy is still an in-demand technical skill, Roland Jakob, founder of Praxica.io, notes another important soft skill – knowing when not to use AI.
“Anyone can feed a problem into a model,” he recently told Dice.com. “Being able to determine whether the results are incorrect, whether using the shortcut will create long-term debt, and knowing when to stop and make a human decision, that is the gap we care about. I see this continually when reviewing work by contractors and junior builders.”
How to ‘Show Off’ Your Soft Skills in an Interview – the Right Way
It’s no secret that the job market continues to be a challenge for most job seekers – and recruiters. In fact, 73 percent of IT organizations say they’re struggling to find talent with the right skills, according to the Experis survey.
However, the need for skilled tech workers is growing. Demonstrate to future employers that you have the right skills for one of these in-demand jobs by showing them your human side. As you prepare for job interviews, practice answering behavioral questions. LinkedIn has identified 30 questions designed to assess adaptability, growth potential, leadership potential, the ability to collaborate and prioritize, and cultural fit. In each question, you’ll be asked to provide scenarios of how you have demonstrated these qualities in the workplace.
“By highlighting your soft skills, you can demonstrate your ability to navigate different situations, achieve goals, and collaborate effectively with others,” according to Indeed.com.
Indeed also notes that many employers use the STAR method (situation, task, action, result) when assessing candidates, so be prepared to discuss a project, your role within it, any actions you took, and the outcome.
How to Build Soft Skills To Advance Your Career
Do your soft skills need some work? Here are some tips:
- Look for opportunities to practice your soft skills on the job. Whether it’s leading a meeting, managing a project, or communicating with colleagues remotely, there are many ways to develop your skills at work. For example, if you’re uncomfortable with public speaking, make a point to step outside of your comfort zone and present in meetings more often. Even if you’re meeting over Zoom or by phone, the more chances you have to speak in front of people, the better. Keep a journal or a log of your experiences, including what went well and what you hope to improve.
- Find a mentor. Ask a trusted peer or former colleague for some honest feedback about which soft skills you may need to develop more – and which ones you’re already excelling in. If you feel comfortable discussing this topic with your supervisor, they may also have some constructive feedback and suggestions for improvement, along with what you’re already doing well.
- Look for educational opportunities and resources within your organization to work on your skills. Contact your Human Resources department or ask your supervisor for recommendations. Attending industry conferences or joining a professional organization can also give you access to development opportunities, and you’ll probably meet other like-minded professionals along the way.
- Enroll in continuing education, such as a graduate degree program. The UW Online Collaboratives Master of Science: Information Technology Management offers several courses that teach students practical skills in leadership, communication, project management, and much more. In addition, students enrolled in UW Online Collaboratives programs also receive free access to courses in critical thinking and AI literacy.
Are you interested in continuing education to help you develop your soft skills and your technical abilities? Start your journey today and find out more about UW Online Collaboratives’ tech programs by contacting an enrollment adviser at 608-800-6762 or learn@uwex.wisconsin.edu.