While resumes provide valuable information about a candidate’s qualifications and experience, they often fail to capture another crucial piece of the hiring puzzle: soft skills. 

In this blog post, we’ll explore the significance of soft skills in the hiring process and why businesses should place greater value on them when evaluating potential hires.

What are Soft Skills?

Before diving into why soft skills matter, let’s first define what they are. 

Soft skills, also known as interpersonal or people skills, refer to the personal attributes and traits that enable individuals to interact effectively with others in the workplace. Examples of soft skills include communication, teamwork, adaptability, problem-solving, leadership, and emotional intelligence.

Recent studies have highlighted the increasing importance of soft skills in the workplace. According to a report by the World Economic Forum, by 2025, over one-third of the core skills required for most jobs will be soft skills. This underscores the critical role that soft skills play in driving organizational success.

Why Soft Skills Matter in Hiring

While technical skills and experience are essential, they only tell part of the story. Soft skills may be equally as important in determining a candidate’s potential for success in a particular role. Unlike hard skills, which can often be taught or acquired through training, soft skills are more difficult to train for.

Soft skills contribute to various aspects of job performance, including communication, collaboration, conflict resolution, and creativity. Employees who possess strong soft skills are better equipped to navigate challenges, work effectively in teams, and adapt to evolving circumstances. Moreover, they contribute to a positive work environment and foster strong relationships among colleagues.

Identifying Soft Skills in Candidates

One of the toughest challenges in the hiring process is assessing a candidate’s soft skills. While resumes may provide some insight into a candidate’s soft skills through descriptions of past experiences and achievements, they often lack specificity and context.

To effectively evaluate soft skills, businesses should explore incorporating behavioral interviewing techniques and situational assessments into their hiring process. These methods allow employers to observe how candidates respond to real-life scenarios, communicate with others, and handle various situations.

Soft Skills to Look for When Hiring Accounting and Finance Professionals

Here are some key soft skills that employers should look for when hiring accounting and finance professionals:

• Attention to Detail
• Analytical Skills
• Communication Skills
• Integrity and Ethics
• Time Management
• Adaptability
• Teamwork and Collaboration
• Problem-Solving Skills
• Attention to Compliance
• Customer Service Orientation

The Impact of Soft Skills on Company Culture

Soft skills not only influence individual job performance but also play a significant role in shaping company culture. A workforce comprised of employees with strong soft skills fosters a culture of collaboration, trust, and innovation. Employees who possess empathy, active listening, and conflict-resolution skills contribute to a supportive and inclusive work environment where everyone feels valued and respected.

Companies that prioritize soft skills in their recruitment efforts are more likely to cultivate a positive workplace culture. Organizations can enhance employee engagement, retention, and overall satisfaction by investing in employees’ interpersonal development.

Burchard and Associates’ Approach to Soft Skills

At Burchard and Associates, we recognize the critical importance of soft skills in the hiring process. Our team of experienced recruiters specializes in identifying and evaluating candidates based on a comprehensive set of criteria, including both technical expertise and soft skills.

Whether it’s communication skills, leadership potential, or cultural fit, we ensure that our clients are matched with candidates who possess the right mix of skills and qualities to thrive within their organizations. Contact us today to learn more.