• Coronavirus
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Contact Us
The Safegard Group, Inc.
  • 1 (888) 892-7688
The Safegard Group, Inc.
  • Client Login
    • Commercial & Personal
    • Employee Benefits
  • Property and Casualty
    • M&A Services
  • Employee Benefits
    • Medical Funding Strategies
    • Technological Capabilities
    • Employee Education
    • Voluntary Benefits
  • Personal Insurance
    • Carrier Claims Reporting

Recruiting for Soft Skills: HR Insights

01
Aug, 2019
Brian Courtney, RPLU, AAIBy Brian Courtney, RPLU, AAI
Recruiting for Soft Skills: HR Insights
  • Employee Benefits
  • No comments

There’s a lot more that goes into finding the right candidate for your company’s opening than just a block of text. That’s why the interview process exists and why, as an HR professional, learning how to recognize soft skills is so important.

What Are Soft Skills?

The term “soft skills” refers to the attributes that an applicant can bring to your company that might not show up on a resume, such as:

  • Communication
  • Emotional intelligence
  • Conflict resolution
  • Creativity
  • Critical thinking
  • Dependability
  • Flexibility
  • Problem-solving
  • Leadership
  • Accountability

These soft skills can demonstrate a candidate’s ability to be a positive presence in the workplace outside of, or alongside, their official job description. For example, communication, conflict resolution and problem-solving are integral to helping your workplace function smoothly. Critical thinking and creativity are important for contributing new ideas and solutions that other employees might not think of.

But while all of these soft skills are great to have in your employees, you won’t be the only one looking for those candidates.

Candidates in High Demand

According to LinkedIn’s 2019 Global Talent Trends report, 92% of talent professionals reported that soft skills are equally, or even more important, than hard skills.

A report from the International Association of Administrative Professionals, OfficeTeam and HR.com noted that 67% of HR managers said that they would hire an applicant with strong soft skills even if they were lacking in technical skills. Meanwhile, only 9% of those same responders said that they would extend an offer to a candidate with strong technical skills but weak soft skills.

Many business schools, including Harvard, Yale and Columbia, are now offering courses that focus specifically on soft skills.

Finding the Skills Your Company Needs

Most job postings will include language fishing for certain skills, but similarly, most applicants will claim to have them. Request that candidates include specific examples of the skills that you’re seeking in their cover letters and resumes. You can gain some indications based on how they respond. For example, do they give themselves all the credit, or do they cite things like teamwork?

Some companies use online services in order to help

filter out candidates before beginning the interview process. Applicants are required to go through an online assessment using software programmed to analyze, among other things, soft skills.

Regardless of the steps you and your company might choose to take, it’s easiest to assess these kinds of qualifications in person. The interview process is when it becomes more apparent which candidates have the soft skills you’re looking for, but there are still steps that your company should take in order to assess interviewees.

  • Structure interviews—Use standard questions for all candidates interviewing for a position in order to eliminate unconscious bias.
  • Dig deeper—Many applicants arrive at interviews with rehearsed answers, so try to ask situational questions that apply to real-world scenarios.
  • Test problem-solving—Ask candidates for a plan for a project they might undertake at your company, and then have them adjust it based on certain constraints, such as a budget cut.
  • Avoid similarity bias—You might be naturally drawn to a candidate who is similar to you and therefore think they have certain soft skills. Ask for feedback from other members of your team who have met the candidate to get their opinions.
  • Ask the hard questions—Have a candidate tell you about a time that they have had to admit a fault or communicate bad news at work. Their responses to difficult questions about stressful times can provide insight into their soft skills.

Of course, not every soft skill is of equal importance for every position. For example, communication skills might be more important for a client-facing position, while problem solving and conflict resolution are necessary for those in management.

For More Information

As an HR professional, you play an important role in seeking out soft skills and helping your organization function smoothly. For more information and help finding the right candidates for your company, contact The Safegard Group, Inc. today.

Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)

Related

Brian Courtney, RPLU, AAI

About Brian Courtney, RPLU, AAI

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Categories

  • Claims & Risk Management (141)
  • Company News (73)
    • Designations (2)
    • New Hires (27)
    • Press Release (17)
    • Website (1)
  • Employee Benefits (76)
  • Personal Lines (61)
  • Property & Casualty (154)
  • White Papers (3)
    • Property & Casualty (3)

Recent Posts

  • Gambling in the Workplace December 31, 2019
  • Return to Work Program December 26, 2019
  • The Benefits of Upskilling December 24, 2019
  • Manage Cost of Risk, Control Price December 19, 2019
  • Liability from On-site Fitness Center December 17, 2019

Top Posts

  • Health Plan Rules: Treating Employees Differently
    Health Plan Rules: Treating Employees Differently
  • Amazon Purchases with Your HSA or FSA
    Amazon Purchases with Your HSA or FSA
  • Warehouse Housekeeping to Improve Safety
    Warehouse Housekeeping to Improve Safety
  • Creating a Strong Safety Culture
    Creating a Strong Safety Culture
  • Do You Need Stop Gap Coverage?
    Do You Need Stop Gap Coverage?
  • Owners and Contractors Protective Liability
    Owners and Contractors Protective Liability
  • Working Alone and Employee Safety
    Working Alone and Employee Safety
  • Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation - Employer Responsibilities
    Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation - Employer Responsibilities
  • The Best Literacy Charities to Help Those in Need
    The Best Literacy Charities to Help Those in Need
  • Pennsylvania Anti-Indemnification Statute
    Pennsylvania Anti-Indemnification Statute
  • @safegardgroup Planning to move? Get 30 things to do for 30 days to help make your move easier. https://t.co/pImf1Fj4DU https://t.co/Kl7PLxG5gd by The Safegard Group

    August 7, 2020
  • @safegardgroup Do you know the signs of heat exhaustion? Here are important guidelines to learn how to spot it, prevent it and hel… https://t.co/IHGBWhths8 by The Safegard Group

    August 5, 2020
  • @safegardgroup Increasing your following distance during heavy rain can help keep you safer. Get more safe driving tips:… https://t.co/inKj5IP7lO by The Safegard Group

    August 3, 2020
  • @safegardgroup Use this checklist as a guide when selecting a contractor for your next home renovation. https://t.co/hyLFpwt9Un https://t.co/3konDQs0li by The Safegard Group

    July 31, 2020
  • @safegardgroup Thinking about solar power for your home? Here are a few things to consider before installation:… https://t.co/S2XQAh9VzK by The Safegard Group

    July 29, 2020
  • @safegardgroup Hitting the road this summer? Consider the following tips to help avoid work zones. Share them with your friends an… https://t.co/6kVw4GojnX by The Safegard Group

    July 27, 2020
  • @safegardgroup Moving? Use this three-step packing process from Travelers for a smoother transition to your new home. #ThinkSafe… https://t.co/LhWADcYjX0 by The Safegard Group

    July 24, 2020
  • @safegardgroup Going on vacation? Here are some basic home security steps you can take to help create a secure environment while y… https://t.co/nnSacDWSrk by The Safegard Group

    July 22, 2020
  • @safegardgroup Are you ready to enjoy your time by the pool? Don’t forget the pool safety tips. Share them with your friends & fam… https://t.co/NgwJptoT3M by The Safegard Group

    July 20, 2020
  • @safegardgroup Trying to find the right home inspector? Here are some questions from Travelers to ask potential candidates… https://t.co/r16ZcJDCZA by The Safegard Group

    July 17, 2020
  • @safegardgroup Thunderstorms can strike with little to no warning, bringing dangerous lightning. Do you know how to react if you’r… https://t.co/BbYMxMhjaP by The Safegard Group

    July 15, 2020
  • @safegardgroup Ready to enjoy your fire pit? Read these safety tips to help avoid injury and damage to your home.… https://t.co/LNIZ5n4jKo by The Safegard Group

    July 13, 2020
  • @safegardgroup Getting ready to buy your first home? Here’s a handy first-time home buyer checklist from Travelers to help.… https://t.co/uPP91Yq9Kx by The Safegard Group

    July 10, 2020
  • @safegardgroup You can play an important role to help keep your passengers safer. Learn how and share these tips with your friends… https://t.co/Npw0IElOYa by The Safegard Group

    July 8, 2020
  • @safegardgroup Start preparing your home, inside and out, before a storm is even in the forecast. Share these hurricane prep tips… https://t.co/AHWdej3K15 by The Safegard Group

    July 6, 2020
  • @safegardgroup Wondering where to start when it comes to decluttering your home for sale? Here are 5 steps to help make the proces… https://t.co/FhimHXBBo6 by The Safegard Group

    July 3, 2020
  • @safegardgroup Many trees and shrubs are in full bloom and could be hiding spots for thieves. Consider these home security tips to… https://t.co/sTa2kYG6KW by The Safegard Group

    July 1, 2020
  • @safegardgroup Follow these pool safety tips to help provide a fun and safe environment for everyone. https://t.co/5YyEllpYaa… https://t.co/Cpl7JpvoTg by The Safegard Group

    June 29, 2020
  • @safegardgroup A tire blowout can be frightening and potentially dangerous. Staying calm is the first step. Get tips on what you c… https://t.co/7FNMXZqyju by The Safegard Group

    June 27, 2020
  • @safegardgroup Decluttering your garage can help make your property more attractive to prospective home buyers. Here’s a… https://t.co/H70eh0cWok by The Safegard Group

    June 26, 2020

Subscribe to our Newsletter

By subscribing to our mailing list you will get the latest news from us.

Latest Posts

  • Gambling in the Workplace December 31, 2019
  • Return to Work Program December 26, 2019
  • The Benefits of Upskilling December 24, 2019

Contact

  • The Safegard Group, Inc.
    100 Granite Drive, Suite 205
    Media, PA 19063
  • Phone: 1 (888) 892-7688
    Fax: (610) 892-7695
  • eassistant@safegardgroup.com

Follow Us

© 2020 The Safegard Group, Inc.