Nowadays, recruiters are no longer content to only look for theoretical skills and know-how (the famous hard skills) but also want personalities with soft skills.
Soft skills are behaviors and characteristics that make a person not only an ideal candidate, but also a co-worker who can be relied upon.
This week, Meet My Job gives you the most sought-after soft skills by companies in 2021!
1. Adaptability
The health crisis has completely changed the way we work: companies have been forced to implement teleworking to curb the spread of the virus.
In this rapidly changing world of work, adaptability is therefore a valuable characteristic for recruiters who are looking for people who are flexible in the face of change and who can evolve in different environments.
During your next interview, think about the different changes you have experienced in the way you work: new work processes, online meetings, remote communication...
You need to show the recruiter that you approach change in a positive way and that you know how to adapt to new ways of working in the company.
2. Communication
While communication has always been a necessary skill in business, the health crisis has highlighted this quality.
In addition, meeting software such as Zoom or Teams has multiplied our remote communication channels: emails, video calls, instant messaging, etc. Different tools exist to ensure that information circulates efficiently within the company.
Even though new ways of communicating remotely are present to allow for greater flexibility in work, it is important to also take the time to use these tools to talk more informally to colleagues and strengthen cohesion within the team.
Knowing how to communicate and being able to build a positive rapport remotely sets you apart from the competition and will show that you know how to create good relationships with your colleagues from a distance.
3. Active listening
While communication is necessary, it is only effective if the two parties can understand each other.
Sometimes you're talking to a colleague who isn't actually present in the discussion because they're busy doing other tasks. This is a phenomenon that is particularly visible with remote communication. To solve this problem, it is important to know how to master active listening.
Active listening refers to the ability to really listen to someone, to understand their words in depth and to be able to react to them later.
On the one hand, you need to adopt body language that shows that you are listening. Nod your head and maintain eye contact with him, for example. On the other hand, you need to react to his words, by answering him and asking questions.
In addition, mastering active listening will be particularly useful during a job interview.
The recruiter will see your active listening in a positive light and will appreciate the importance you give to his words!
4. Emotional Intelligence
Emotional intelligence is the ability to understand, evaluate, and manage one's own emotions as well as those of others. The main components of this skill are self-awareness and empathy.
Thus, with the health crisis, many people have had to deal with increased stress . Try to gauge your colleagues' emotions to provide them with a safe space for them to share their emotions.
During the interview, talk about what motivates you and how you've evolved. Ask questions about the company's culture and values to express your interest in the company's "personality."
5. Curiosity.
Finally, one of the qualities that recruiters look for the most is curiosity. This is a quality that is closely related to adaptability. Learning and training isn't over when you get a job, it's an ongoing process. Being open and curious means continuously learning and keeping up with changes in your work.
The job market is constantly evolving. The tasks you perform today may change, or your position may disappear in the future. You can prepare for this by adding the most up-to-date knowledge and training to your background. Making continuous learning a priority shows potential employers that you are motivated, forward-looking , and flexible.
To conclude, if you possess these soft skills, you will be ready for the next step in your career. Use last year's challenges to your advantage. These have tested your coping skills, empathy , and communication. So, now it's time to show what you're worth with these essential skills!
Discover our positive impact companies
Meet My Job is the 1st Belgian recruitment platform dedicated to sustainable development. So, what are you waiting for? Find your dream job/internship in sustainability here !