Also known as "people skills" or "interpersonal skills," soft skills are more intrinsic to each person and the way they relate with others. At Innotech, we believe that 70 to 80% of the success comes from them.
Just as the world is changing, so are the demands of the market and the hard and soft skills IT employers most value on their teams. In the study The Future of Jobs, from the World Economic Forum, in five years more than a third of the abilities needed today will be different. Hard skills are teachable abilities or skill sets that are easy to quantify. Typically, you learn them in the classroom, through books or other training materials, or on the job. Soft skills, on the other hand, are subjective skills that are harder to quantify. Also known as “people skills” or “interpersonal skills,” soft skills are more intrinsic to each person and the way they relate with others. At Innotech, we believe that 70 to 80% of the success comes from them.
Soft skills are what differentiates candidates with the same hard skills and the basis for a perfect fit with the company’s unique culture. And this is key to the desired win-win and long-term relationship.
Here is our top list of soft skills IT employers most value (including InnoTech!). Check if you have them all and consider investing in their development as appropriate 😉
- Positive attitude/empathy
A genuine smile! An infectious enthusiasm about life – Don’t we all appreciate it? A pleasant person with whom we love to talk, share ideas, accomplish great things together. Being kindly and empathetic makes all the difference in a work environment. To put oneself in another person’s pair of shoes and try to understand their feelings before reacting. A fond attitude is essential to positive human interactions.
- Adaptability/Flexibility
Today’s dynamic market requires people that are not resistant to change and are lifelong learners. There are some characteristics inherent to highly flexible and adaptable talents, such as keeping an open mind, having both the big and small picture, and always finding ways to adjust and deal with problems, challenges and adverse situations.
- A critical and creative way of thinking
More than a “Yes, sir!” attitude, companies need people who question, understand, believe and contribute. People who are able to analyze and suggest different perspectives. A critical and creative way of thinking is what enables one to go beyond the status quo. Discussing ideas, inspiring and being inspired, discovering new and better ways of doing things, anticipating needs and so on.
- Ethics and integrity
Work ethic and integrity are top criteria in the job market, the foundation for any great employee. It’s about being committed to a role, putting forward the best effort and proudly doing things the right way, with high morals, always with respect for others. It’s about being trustworthy and professional.
- Proactivity
A proactive person doesn’t need to be pushed for something to be completed. Proactivity is to roll up your sleeves, take initiative, be resilient, evaluate scenarios and see potential troubles before they arise, navigate the unexpected with grace and come up with solutions.
- Teamwork
These are the qualities that reflect you can work harmoniously with others. Collaborating, joining forces and growing together in a common purpose. Respecting various opinions, “negotiating” to reach an outcome, recognizing that everyone is valuable, having the power to listen, and constructively giving and accepting feedback.
And that’s it! Do you think you have all these soft skills IT employers most value? Remember, it’s never too late to enrich them. By observing others who excel in each area, by taking on more responsibilities at work, by attending specialized courses, by reading more about them, by being aware of what you can improve. It all depends on you.
Above all, and summarizing, at InnoTech we think that work should be fun. If it’s fun, it’s engaging. And that is how excellency is achieved. That’s why our mission is “to deliver innovative technology driven by talented people – and to have fun along the way”.
Check our job openings, come practice and develop the soft skills IT employers most value (including ourselves) and reach your full potential with us.
