Companies today are placing considerably more emphasis on hiring candidates who possess the requisite hard skills required for a job, as well as increasingly-important soft skills. They recognize that in order for a business to maintain or gain a competitive advantage, its employees must know how to effectively handle themselves at work, with customers and their peers. 

In the past, soft skills were considered “warm and fuzzy, and touchy-feely,” but no longer.  They are, in actuality, essential in a competitive marketplace. Sought-after soft skills include good communication, self-awareness, the ability to teach and learn, organization, teamwork and creativity.   

Here are a few things to remember about soft skills when interviewing for your dream job:

• Do your homework. To know which soft skills to present during your interview, research the company to assess which would be most beneficial for the job you are seeking. 
 
• Brush up on soft skills prior to an interview.  You only have one shot to make a first good impression so make sure you are ready.  Take a speech communications course or join an industry network to improve communication and teamwork skills. 

• Unspoken actions.  Even if an interviewer doesn’t ask about your soft skills, they may be reading your abilities through the way you greet them and respond to questions.  Arrive on time, use good communications skills, dress appropriately for the work setting and be professional.

• Avoid interview cliché’s.  It may be true, however, don’t describe yourself as an outgoing team player with excellent communication skills.  Use a more memorable way to present your soft skills by describing a specific situation, how you handled it, and the positive result or outcome.

• Sell yourself.  You typically have only 15 minutes to a half hour to sell yourself in an interview. Focus on four or five soft skills you are best at and relate them to the position you are applying for, as well as the company’s needs.

Today, it is work experience and hard skills that may land the interview, but it is soft skills that land the job.  Remember that soft skills don’t replace hard skills, but they are critical in the interviewing process. Highlight your soft skills with confidence and professionalism during your next interview, and you’ll stand out from the rest.