If you want to work in IT, keep in mind that there is a scarcity of talent for such a high demand. Companies are paying close attention to the profiles that enter the hiring circuit, and if you want to undertake this journey, the best thing to do is to enter and let yourself go, because the recruitment market has never been more active, competitive, and demanding. Candidates cannot leave their credits in "outside hands" in this setting and must strive to distinguish themselves among their peers. How? The answer is straightforward: balance hard and soft talents.

But what exactly are these hard and soft skills? We refer to hard skills as teachable abilities or capabilities that are easily identified. Hard skills are typically acquired in the classroom, through books, at other training activities, or on the job. These abilities are typically straightforward for an employer or recruiter to identify because they are frequently included on resumes to define IT careers. A degree or certificate, for example, machine or system operating abilities, expertise in one or more foreign languages, computer programming, and so on are examples of hard skills. Soft skills, on the other hand, are far more difficult to quantify. These abilities are related to how an individual reacts to various situations and interacts with others. Communication skills, motivation, problem-solving talents, and other moral and leadership characteristics are examples of soft skills. Soft skills are attributes that firms strive for in an employee to fulfil their objectives.

Essentially, creativity and resilience characteristics that enable professionals to respond to the numerous business issues that businesses confront. As a result, soft skills are becoming increasingly important in recruitment processes.

Can you learn soft skills?

These soft talents are now more important than ever in the recruitment process, with the candidate's behavioural profile ranking towards the top of the competencies examined by recruitment specialists. It is possible for an IT professional to reinforce this type of competency if there is a focus on doing it or an organisational culture that encourages its development.

What should organisational managers do to improve RH soft skills?

Managers should look at employees who are unable to adjust to the work environment or who have issues relating, communicating, or developing critical thinking, while keeping in mind the diverse cultural and generational characteristics.

Managers will be able to reap various benefits for their business by investing in the training of their personnel, including greater productivity, better attainment of results, improving the organisational atmosphere, continuous improvement, and other contributions to the company's development. If the Human Resources Department has the essential capabilities to produce these trainings, it can outsource the work to a qualified partner.

What should you say if the recruiter inquires about your soft skills?

You cannot simply respond or state on your resume that you are a driven individual or an excellent leader. Soft skills must always be backed up with examples of results and successes, if not data.

See the top 5 soft skills in demand by IT companies:

1. Communication

A breakdown in communication inside a firm can derail an entire project, producing disagreements and causing the company to lose a lot of money. A professional must be able to communicate effectively in order to manage a meeting, give duties, write reports, negotiate, or argue ideas.

2. Engagement

Commitment is a highly valued quality, particularly when it is tied to timeliness agreements, task delivery, and contracts in general, whether written or verbal. Commitment is a critical foundation for developing a positive image and, as a result, positive references, and credibility.

3. Collaboration 

As work has increasingly moved into the home, employees have had to adjust to new modes of communication and collaboration. Teams are internationally connected, which means geographic borders, and this cannot be an impediment to enterprises functioning properly. Companies would choose professionals who can operate efficiently in a team, even if it is virtual.

4. Problem-solving

One of the most valuable abilities in the business world is the capacity to solve difficulties. This quality, whether basic or complex, compliments the profile of a professional who also takes initiative, seeks solutions, and delivers outcomes while overcoming weaknesses and motivating the team.

5. Emotional intelligence

The ability to comprehend and control one's own emotions indicates that professionals possess what managers refer to as emotional intelligence. This competence demonstrates that the professional is prepared to relate at all hierarchical levels, deriving the necessary value from these encounters to ensure the organization's productivity.

Soft skills for everyone and at any future moment

To these five talents, a slew of other equally vital ones can be added, such as active listening, empathy, adaptability, positive thinking, creative thinking, and much more. These soft skills, which are highly prized by employers, are applicable not only to new professionals. They also have a significant impact on retention. Soft skills are required at all levels of a company's hierarchy, regardless of seniority.

Remember that they are necessary qualities for success in your current or future workplace. Pay attention to your responses and reactions during the interview, and keep in mind that using soft skills effectively even in a job interview is critical to landing the desired position.