Why getting your dream job requires empathy and humor

By Oliver Lewis, 72Point via SWNS

The leading ‘soft skills’ job interviewees need to demonstrate include empathy, willingness to learn - and a sense of humor, according to research.

A study of 1,000 adults, who are involved with hiring in their workplace, revealed 77 percent are on the lookout for much more than just technical attributes when someone sits down for an interview.

More than six in 10 (62 percent) have even hired someone who has demonstrated a raft of these soft skills - like sincerity and respectfulness - even if there were better-qualified candidates.

The study found that 63 percent believe prospective employees often forget to demonstrate their personable and human sides in job interviews and focus too much on their skills and qualifications.

And 68 percent claim doing this can cost candidates the job.

It also emerged 78 percent think interviewees must also demonstrate skills for the future - with the likes of critical thinking, emotional intelligence and a creative mindset giving candidates the edge.

Doug Rode, UK&I managing director at global recruitment specialist Michael Page, which commissioned the research, said: “The pandemic really drove home the importance of soft skills and taught businesses how crucial it is to invest in a workforce that possesses more than just technical ability.

“Now, with a turbulent economic landscape impacting businesses across the country, attributes such as a willingness to learn, flexibility and a sense of humor are all highly desired by hiring managers who know that personal qualities can impact a company’s overall success.

“Too often, candidates talk themselves out of applying for a certain job because they worry they don’t have every single skill, but this research clearly shows that employers are willing to overlook that for the right candidate.

“It’s easy to upskill once someone is in role, but traits like teamwork, empathy and friendliness are crucial attributes that you can’t necessarily teach.”

The study also found half of those polled said a key factor when deciding between two candidates with similar credentials would be which one demonstrates a willingness to develop their skills for the future.

While 49 percent would opt for the prospective employee they believe would complement the team, with 40 percent likely to offer the job to the applicant they deemed was more likely to be in it for the long haul.

However, despite the value to employers, only 15 percent think most of the candidates they interview consider how they can develop their existing skills for the needs of the business in the future.

And 36 percent claim they often know as soon as an interview is finished whether they will be offering the job to that person.

It also emerged 51 percent of those who have conducted interviews since the start of the pandemic prefer meeting face-to-face rather than via video call - with just 28 percent favoring the digital method.

Of those who relish meeting candidates in person, 74 percent believe they can get a better feel for the person this way, while 61 percent feel conversations flow more naturally.

But of those who enjoy interviewing over video, 74 percent think it helps them speak with more applicants from further afield, opening up the pool of talent.

The study, carried out via OnePoll, also found digital platforms have been transforming the recruitment process over the years, as six in 10 admit they scan through candidates’ social media profiles either before offering them an interview or the role.

And for 77 percent of these, what they have uncovered has influenced their final decision.

In fact, with digital platforms having such an influence on the recruitment process, nearly half (48 percent) even believe the traditional CV is now obsolete.

But despite some traditions changing when it comes to bagging a new job, 73 percent still think it is important prospective employees are researching the firm.

And 78 percent still want them to come prepared with a list of questions.

Michael Page, has a Skills Center to help job seekers understand the skills employers look for and offers advice for candidates.

Doug Rode said: “Over the past few years, technology has fundamentally changed the traditional recruitment process - particularly through virtual interviewing.

“One of the key benefits of this is that companies are able to widen the net to secure talent from further afield, increasing diversity and creating opportunities for previously untapped talent pools.

“However, whether virtual or in person, interviewers will be keen to get a sense of the soft skills candidates can offer their business.

“The most successful will be those who are able to showcase a blend of both - pairing expertise and qualification with emotional intelligence too.

“Now, more than ever, demonstrating the desire to develop and futureproof their skills, being willing to learn and able to solve problems will give most candidates an edge over purely technical ability.”

TOP 15 SOFT SKILLS EMPLOYERS ARE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR

1. Communication
2. Willingness to learn
3. Teamwork
4. Enthusiasm
5. Problem-solving
6. Friendliness
7. Flexibility
8. Respectfulness
9. Self-confidence
10. A sense of humor
11. Sincerity
12. Empathy
13. Growth mindset
14. The ability to own up to something they don’t know
15. Selflessness