The 5 most in-demand soft skills for 2021

2020 has impacted every aspect of our lives. The way companies recruit, just like everything else, has changed. Employers are now looking for more than just experience and know-how; soft skills are essential in the ‘new normal’

What exactly are soft skills?

Soft skills are positive characteristics or behaviours that make you a better candidate, colleague, and employee. A person with soft skills doesn’t just get the job done but builds working relationships with those around them. For example, someone may excel in technical skills, but if they don’t communicate effectively, this can negatively impact the whole team.

Here are the soft skills that will set you on the path to success in 2021:

1. Adaptability

Last year led to a rise in remote work and online communication. Companies needed to adapt fast and adopt new technologies. While some people lost their jobs altogether, others found their roles changing. Flexibility is now essential in today’s world of work as employees need to be ready to adapt to change.

You have probably honed this soft skill over the past year without even realising it. For example, attending virtual interviews, or simply adapting to new restrictions and measures. Before your next interview, consider all the changes you have experienced and how you adapted to them. You’ll show prospective employers that you deal with change positively and are willing to take on new challenges.

2. Communication

Always a highly sought-after skill, good communication is more important than ever. With so much of our lives shifted online, fostering good work relationships and maintaining contact with others can be challenging.

The key is to focus on quality over quantity. Avoid bombarding people with information. Find out communication preferences – some may prefer email, while others will find video calls more effective. In a current job, have regular team and one-on-one meetings so everyone is updated. Make time for informal chats to ensure communication isn’t just about work and you can get to know each other better.

The ability to have a positive rapport remotely will set you apart from the competition. It demonstrates that you can build good working relationships, essential for effective teamwork.

3. Active listening

To achieve great communication, there needs to be true engagement from both sides. It may sound straightforward, but active listening is more than just hearing what the other person says. It means being truly in the moment and responding appropriately. This can be tricky after a marathon of online calls, but it’s important to remain present when someone is talking to you. Pay close attention to what is being said, maintain eye contact (if it’s in-person or via video call), and ask follow-up questions about points they have made. You can show you are engaged by using short responses such as “I understand” or with body language such as nodding.

Here’s the good news - your interview is the perfect opportunity to showcase your active listening skills and demonstrate you’re the right person for the job.

4. Emotional intelligence

A survey by CareerBuilder found that 71% of employers rate emotional intelligence over IQ in their employees. Emotional intelligence is the ability to understand, assess, and manage your own emotions as well as the emotions of others. Major components of this skill are being self-aware and having empathy.

Following the health crisis, many people have dealt with increased stress, from both home and work life. It’s crucial to be able to gauge how your co-workers are feeling and provide a safe space for others to share their emotions.

During the interview, show your emotional intelligence by talking about what drives you and how you’ve grown. Ask about culture and values to express your interest in the ‘personality’ of the company – not just the job.

5. A growth mindset

Linking back to adaptability, a growth mindset is key. Learning and training shouldn’t stop when you get a job, it’s an ongoing process. Having a growth mindset means continually learning to keep up with changes in your role and industry.

The job market is changing. Tasks you do today may shift or your role may no longer exist in the future. You can prepare for this by arming yourself with the most up-to-date knowledge and training.

Making continual learning a priority shows prospective employers you are self-motivated, forward-thinking, and flexible.

If you have these soft skills, you’ll be ready for the next step in your career. Use the challenges of last year to your advantage – it has tested your talent for adaptability, empathy, and communication. Now, it’s time to shine with these essential soft skills and get the job you deserve.

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