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I have been recruiting for almost a decade now. Knitting the right talent for any requirement with an organization has always been an arduous but crucial task.

Today’s fast paced growing industries and work culture demand prominent strategic decision making. To hunt the “right talent”, apart from the technical skill set match, employers today are looking for perfect match for the soft skills desired for the role too. Hiring managers feel where technical skills vary for various roles; soft skills are required for every profile. As a matter of fact, retail is one such industry where soft skills are often rated higher than technical skills for numerous roles.

Talent with a perfect combination of technical and soft skills, however, is hard to find. According to one research, recruiters are not able to match the desired skill set for more than 50% of their requirements. Now this definitely creates a need for active job seekers to master these distinct skills to accelerate their career growth.

After years into recruitment, below are the five most important soft skills I can list that managers keep in mind while making a new hire.

Communication Skills

This is the foremost competency that the hiring managers seek in the prospective candidates. It not only includes excellent verbal & written communication skills but effectual listening powers as well. Employees with proficient communication skills are found to grasp, analyze, explicate and administer work more adeptly.

Interpersonal Skills

Ever evolving work places today demand a well connected workforce for a balanced organizational growth. Candidates who are willing to cooperate and collaborate with the team members are always preferred over others. Managers keep a look out for a team player possessing friendly personality, a warm, tolerant spirit who can easily blend with their work culture. As teamwork is imperative for business success, interpersonal skills form the second most desired quality for a new hire.

Adaptability & Multi Tasking

Change is the only constant. It forms the base for any organization’s evolution to next level of growth. More often change comes along with multiple responsibilities. To adapt and multi task remain the only solution for survival and success. So, job seekers with flexible attitude and ability to manage all with ease are always favored. Employees who multi task with least stress work as positive catalyst for a jubilant work environment.

Discipline & Decision Making Ability

Well managed and clutter less workplace leading to stress free environment results in happy and content – high performing team. Lower stress levels further help the individuals to keep calm, improve their creative and critical thinking abilities making them efficient problem solvers. And this can only be achieved by self disciplined, well organized professionals. Such professionals exhibit level-headedness when tough situations arise and also demonstrate exceptional ability to influence while making strategic decisions.

Zeal & Honesty

Zeal & honesty form a valuable asset in a new hire. Learning agility to enhance skills with a loyal passion towards the assigned task can make a noticeable difference in the work surroundings. Hiring managers often associate passionate, proactive and honest employees with positivity. They feel that such workers always have positive winning approach, acknowledge their strengths and weaknesses and thus are not afraid of making mistakes and owning up for them. They display great sense of responsibility and loyalty for the organization- all an advantage to the endeavor

I firmly believe whetting these skills before an important interview will surely land you the desired job. All the Best!!