In the world of rat race, have you ever questioned yourself on what sets you apart? While millions are running behind to get employment, what’s the X factor in you? Why must the job be given to you and not to them? Well, isn’t it normal for such questions to pop into your head? It is! 

In general accord, the skills and prowess of the person is something which makes them shine. However, having the right set of skills is what makes a situation win, win! 

So within this blog, we will be diving deeper to know about one such skill; soft skills, and its importance when it comes to interviews and seeking employment

Understanding Soft Skills

Before knowing the importance of soft skills, it’s important to know what they are. Also known as core skills and powerful skills, soft skills are behavioral attributes or character traits of a person that can be responsible for the efficiency and productivity of the company. It is considered as emotional intelligence by the psychologist. In the professional world, the person possessing a balanced combination of both hard skills and soft skills is more likely to get employed than the rest. 

Following are a few examples of soft skills: 

• Communication
• Time management
• Leadership
• Creativity
• Problem-solving 
• Critical thinking

Importance of soft skills

Picture this: Person A completes writing an article within an hour without cutting edges and covering all the points asked for. On the other hand, person B, exceptionally good in writing, takes more than an hour to deliver the article covering all the points as well. 

Who will the employer hire? Without a doubt, it will be person A because of the ability to work under deadlines. This example clearly underscores the importance of having soft skills in today’s time. Below, are a few more reasons to highlight the need for soft skills: 

• Helps to stand apart: In today’s time, there are many who possess the exact hard skills you have. In such cases, it is soft skills that make a person shine. That’s why it’s important to have soft skills as it usually acts as a scale to compare by the employers. 
• Contribute to career growth: Being proficient in editing or writing will take you nowhere unless you know how to work with people! This is the reason for many lacking or growing in their respective fields. Having acumen in soft skills not only stands as an advantage in getting hired but helps one with thriving in professional life as well.
• Complements hard skills: Various studies being conducted say that people having fewer skills, excelled in hard skills because of soft skills. Soft skills and hard skills are co-related to each other and it works to elevate and enhance each other. 
• Boosts confidence: Soft skills help you out with gaining confidence. Confidence is the key when it comes to giving an interview. It is one of the judging criteria for hiring managers. With adequate soft skills, a person will feel confident while giving the interview knowing the potential and worth within.
• Effective communication: Having soft skills can possibly be the amalgamation of certain skills like speaking, listening, confidence, etc. The combination of all such skills will contribute to having a successful interview as good communication attracts the hiring managers and speaks of your ability and caliber.

How to improve soft skills? 

Improvement starts with the home itself. Yes! Soft skills can be improved on their own if a person follows the way to do so. Below, are a few mentioned ways in which one can give a shot to improve skills that are nowhere taught: 

• Start taking leads: If never done, this is your call to start it right away. Start taking leadership in group projects and presentations as that’s where one can learn the qualities of leadership and values like empathy, decision-making, etc. 
• Adapt at the workplace: The workplace is a place that can teach you a lot about adaptability and adjustability. The work pressure at the workplace comes with many issues in day-to-day life. To deal with such issues, a person has to develop certain skills to tackle and that’s where learning enters in. An organization or workplace also plays a major role in adepting collaboration, team building, leadership, and problem-solving. 
• Stay open to network: Networking is a road to career development. Networking asks for the need to communicate with people which results in the sharing and exchanging of ideas, thoughts, insights, etc. Building connections, not only smoothens the career path but also fosters the qualities of communication and leadership.

And that’s how in several other ways, one can learn soft skills. It’s important to note that learning soft skills is a hidden treasure that can be seen and adepted doing any activity. The only key is to stay open and curious to welcome lessons at every step. 

Other things which matter in an interview

Though soft skills are important when it comes to interviews, there are still a handful of other things which matter to crack the interviews. Below are a few of them: 

1. CV matters: A curriculum vitae or resume is key when it comes to shortlisting the candidates for the interview. It is basically a thing showing the qualifications, value propositions, and experience of a person. If strategically built, it can do wonders in communicating goals, achievements and can stand as a testament to why you are suitable for the particular job position.
2. Personality: Personality speaks more than a person can! It is the first thing noticed during an interview as it speaks a lot about your suitability for the job position. Therefore, look after personality development as it will help not only with interviews but also at the workplace to foster the culture. 
3. Body language: Professionalism is something that shines out with a good body language. The way you sit, move your hands while speaking, or maintain the posture directly impacts the confidence you carry. That’s why it’s another crucial aspect to consider while giving an interview. 

Summing up,

It’s very common for us to overlook the importance of soft skills. The technical skills and qualifications are agreed to matter as well but in the world of professionalism, a balance between both is what makes one capable. So embracing adaptability, time management, leadership, and communication might not be taught but are of equal importance. It’s always advisable to cradle your professional path by seeking advice and consultations to clear the path out and gain more knowledge in the respective field. 

Mind Mirror is your place if you are the one seeking the consultation. Also, we keep posting such blogs that can help you to know more about the courses, colleges, and diverse career avenues.