Coding Isn’t Enough: 5 Soft Skills That Power Up Your Tech Career

The demand for soft skills by Tech employers.

In the world of tech, it’s not just about coding and technical skills. According to a study by LinkedIn, 92% of recruitment professionals believe that soft skills are just as important, if not more important, than hard skills. Employers are increasingly recognising the importance of soft skills when employing tech professionals. Surprisingly, only 37% of employers feel that their entry-level employees have the necessary soft skills.

What are the most important Soft Skills in Tech that Employers Value?

Over the years, there has been a notable shift in the tech industry, especially with AI and automation. While hard skills such as programming languages and technical knowledge used to be the most highly valued, employers now understand that soft skills are equally important. According to recent research undertaken by Salient, when it comes to driving innovation and solving complex problems top soft skills employers look for are:

1. Communication

2. Creativity

3. Adaptability

4. Emotional intelligence

5. Collaboration

Soft skills promote effective communication, leadership, and teamwork, which are crucial in a fast-paced tech environment. Additionally, soft skills are often markers of an individual’s ability to learn, grow, and adapt, which are traits that are highly valued in an industry that constantly evolves. A study from Boston College, Harvard University, and the University of Michigan found that soft skills training, like communication and problem-solving, boosts productivity and retention by 12% and delivers a 250% return on investment based on higher productivity and retention.

How to Develop and Showcase Soft Skills

Developing and showcasing soft skills can significantly enhance your career prospects in the tech industry. Here are a few tips to improve your soft skills.

• Embrace opportunities to practice. Volunteer for presentations, take on leadership roles in projects, or join committees. The more you use your soft skills, the more comfortable and confident you’ll become.
• Find a mentor: A mentor can be a great source of guidance and support as you develop your soft skills. Look for someone who has the skills you want to develop and who is willing to share their knowledge and experience with you.
• Engage actively at networking events: Smile, make eye contact, and use open body language. Stand in busy areas and avoid hiding in corners with your phone. Ask lots of questions! People love to talk about themselves and their work. Ask thoughtful questions that show you’re interested in getting to know them.
• Take online courses or workshops: There are many online resources available to help you develop your soft skills. Look for courses on topics such as communication, public speaking, or conflict resolution.

Highlighting Soft Skills in Your Resume and Interviews

When applying for tech positions, it’s essential to highlight your soft skills on your resume, LinkedIn and during job interviews.

• Provide specific examples of how you have demonstrated strong communication, problem-solving, or teamwork skills in previous roles.
• Discuss how your skills have contributed to successful projects or improved team dynamics.
• Quantify your achievements whenever possible: Put numbers on your accomplishments to showcase the impact of your soft skills. For example, you could say “Increased team productivity by 15% by implementing new collaboration tools and processes.”
• Don’t just tell the interviewer that you have strong soft skills. Show them! Use your body language, communication style, and overall demeanour to demonstrate the skills you possess.

In summary, developing soft skills is a critical component of building a well-rounded tech career where you can progress and contribute in a variety of environments. Building these skills isn’t something that will happen overnight – dedicate a little time each week for deliberate practice in this area.