The word ‘soft’ is often used to describe skills that are not easily measurable or quantifiable. Unlike hard skills, which refer to specific and technical abilities, soft skills are more general and relate to how you interact with others and the world around you. While soft skills are often considered intangible, they are essential in the workplace, and while some of these skills may come naturally to you, others may require effort. Either way, showcasing your soft skills when applying for a job is important. Many job postings now include a section for needed soft skills, and employers will explicitly look for soft skills when reviewing job applications. So, how can you showcase your soft skills when applying for a job?

1. Evaluate your actual “soft skills.”

“Soft skills” is a term that gets thrown around a lot in the business world. But what are soft skills? And how can you tell if you have them?

Soft skills are often described as interpersonal skills or personality traits that help you interact with others. They can include communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and critical thinking.

While we all have some natural ability in these areas, they can also be developed and honed over time. And, in today’s competitive job market, having solid soft skills can give you a real advantage as these skills can help you build better relationships, navigate difficult conversations, and manage conflict.

If you need clarification on whether you have strong soft skills, there are a few ways to evaluate yourself.

First, ask yourself how well you communicate with others. Here are a few questions to ask yourself:

• Do you have trouble communicating your ideas?
• Do you find it challenging to build relationships with others?
• Are you often misunderstood?
• Do you find it hard to compromise or find win-win solutions?
• Do you have trouble managing

Another good idea to evaluate your soft skills is to ask people who know you well in your personal and professional environment. Ask them about your strengths and ask for recommendations from people you previously worked with. Their feedback will help you see how you are perceived and what people value in your personality.

Here are a few quick tips:

• Pay attention to the feedback you get from others. If you consistently receive positive feedback for your interpersonal skills, chances are good that these skills are helping you succeed.
• Think about the times when you’ve struggled. What soft skills might have helped you in those situations?
• Talk to people who know you well. They can give you an honest assessment of your strengths and weaknesses.

Additionally, you can take online tests or self-assessment quizzes that measure your soft skills, like emotional intelligence or communication skills. You can also join workshops or courses specifically designed to improve soft skills. Reflecting on your day-to-day interactions and challenges can also help you understand the areas where you need improvement. Consider hiring a coach, mentor, or career counsellor to guide you in honing your soft skills. Finally, keep a growth mindset and keep learning and practising to develop and improve your soft skills.

2. Research which soft skills are the most thought-after by employers

If you want to get ahead in your career, it’s essential to continuously work on developing your “soft skills”.

Employers are increasingly looking for workers with strong soft skills, so if you’re on the job hunt, it’s worth considering your skills and how to highlight them to potential employers.

Generally speaking, some of the most in-demand soft skills include:

• Communication: The ability to effectively communicate with others is crucial in the workplace. This involves both verbal and written communication, as well as active listening.
• Teamwork: Working well with others is another important soft skill. Employers want workers who can collaborate, cooperate, and be team players.
• Problem-solving: Identifying and solving problems is valuable in any workplace.

While some job hunters focus on landing any job, others want to ensure they’re targeting roles that best use their skills. Depending on your situation and the job you are applying for, the required soft skills might be different. For example, if you are applying for a Customer Service job, problem-solving and active listening skills will be valued by employers. In contrast, clarity and confidence skills will be good to highlight for a sales position.

Visit the company’s website and look at its values and mission; also, pay attention to the job description, as it will give you hints on the soft skills required.

3. Give examples

Giving examples is a crucial part of effective communication. When you provide an example, you help your listener or reader understand your point more clearly. Examples also make your point more convincing and can make your communication more effective.

Illustrate your skills by highlighting professional situations you encountered and actions you’ve put in place to succeed with concrete results from these. Share examples of how you’ve communicated with colleagues, clients or customers. Highlight your experience working in a team and how you’ve contributed to the team’s success. Share examples of how you’ve solved problems in the past and the steps you took to reach a resolution. Demonstrate how you’ve adapted to change in the past, such as learning a new software program or taking on a new responsibility.  Share how you’ve maintained a positive attitude in the face of challenges or difficulties in the past. A positive attitude can have a significant impact on workplace productivity and morale.

By showcasing these soft skills throughout the recruitment process, you will demonstrate your well-rounded capabilities and the value you can bring to the company. This will help you stand out from other candidates and give your potential employer insight into your character and work ethic.

In summary, showcasing your “soft skills” in your CV and during interviews is essential for demonstrating your ability to excel and work well with others. By highlighting these abilities, you show potential employers that you can work effectively in a professional environment and contribute positively to the company’s success. To highlight your soft skills, provide specific examples of your communication, problem-solving, adaptability, leadership, teamwork, time management, and emotional intelligence skills from your past experiences. During interviews, be mindful of your body language and non-verbal cues, and answer questions honestly and sincerely to further demonstrate your soft skills.

With a little extra effort, you can make sure your soft skills shine bright, make yourself a more well-rounded candidate, and increase your chances of landing your dream job.