When you’re looking for a new job you probably focus on how to showcase the training and skills you’ve developed within a specific sector or profession. But new research shows that interpersonal skills are just as important to employers as your so-called hard skills.
CNBC recently shared research from CareerBuilder, which found that 80 per cent of hiring managers said that interpersonal skills could be as important or even more important than technical abilities when it comes to landing a job.
Being dependable, team-oriented and self-aware were named as some of the top traits that employers are looking for.
According to the news provider, many companies are realising that technical skills can be taught or improved on the job, whereas it’s much harder to train people in these soft skills.
Earlier this month, Forbes also highlighted research from LinkedIn, which revealed that collaboration was one of the most sought-after soft skills among employers.
The article offered a few tips on how to improve your collaborative skills, which include boosting your communication skills especially in relation to listening, and developing your problem solving abilities.
Using empathy is also important whether you’re dealing with colleagues or clients, the news provider added, stating: “We can sometimes forget this simple truth: people power teams. And those people – who have unique thoughts, feelings and motivations – don’t want to be thought of as simply a transactional means to an end.”
If you’re looking for an advocacy tutor to help you develop these and other skills, get in touch with us today to find out more about our programmes.