36 Soft Skills in an Interview

Soft skills are the interpersonal attributes that help you get things done in the workplace (and in life). These natural abilities help you make the most of any task or activity, but they can also be developed if you choose to practice them regularly. When considering soft skills in an interview, your future boss will carefully analyse how you present yourself.

The choice to deploy and develop your soft skills is key to career success.

Employers understand the value of soft skills to a high-performing team, so it is to any job seeker’s advantage to drop examples of the following 36 skills into any interview conversation. Don’t just say, “I am good at showing empathy” – give them an example of when you needed to put yourself in someone else’s shoes.

I have split the 36 skills into seven common categories. No matter what role you are applying for, if you sprinkle your career stories with soft skills in an interview from each type, you will come across as a productive colleague and effective team player.

36 soft skills

Collaboration. Working with others towards to common goal lies at the heart of every great team effort. Very few people operate in a vacuum, so the ability to work efficiently with those around you is highly prized. Do you empathise with others and respect differing opinions before you arrive at the optimal conclusion for the group?

…. Teamwork, leadership, empathy, interpersonal skills, tolerance, conflict resolution

Adaptability. An ability to roll with the punches and change your approach when the situation demands it is crucial for many roles. Can you manage your stress levels and communicate clearly with others at a time of flux? If those around you understand that you are adaptable, they will share their worries, and you will find a solution together.

…. Flexibility, following instructions, managing stress, communication, customer service.

Resourcefulness. Obstacles tend to present themselves at the most inconvenient of times. Can you think creatively to find the best solutions and develop plans for a way forward? Resourceful people are not afraid of obstacles. They know that there is a way forward and are happy to spend some time planning how to get there.

…. Creative thinking, problem-solving, troubleshooting, organisational skills, planning

Behavioral interview

Positive attitude. Positivity is infectious and is possibly the most important of all soft skills. If you have the resilience to push past any issue with an attitude of quiet optimism, others will follow your lead. Do you persist with the belief that everything will work out, no matter what setbacks befall you? Optimism gives us the mental strength to keep going.

…. Charismatic, outgoing, friendly, motivating, mental resilience, persistence

Work ethic. Nothing beats good, old-fashioned hard work. If you have developed a habit of getting your head down and ploughing through a seemingly impossible workload, you will understand that you can achieve more than most people think. If you are motivated and organised enough to hit any deadline, employers will beat down your door.

…. Determined, motivated, focused, deadline-oriented, time management

Willingness to learn. LQ is the new IQ. Your learning quotient (LQ) is increasingly valued by employers who understand that the world is changing. Sure, what you have done in the past is relevant, but how quickly you pick up the future challenges is equally important. Are you self-aware enough to understand when you need to change your ways?

…. Active listener, self-awareness, professionalism, open to change, 

Critical thinking. Many problems have multiple solutions. So working out which one fits your situation is a valuable soft skill. Absorbing the views of others and piecing together the optimal solution requires polished analytical and influencing skills. Are you the person helping to shape the strategic direction of any project?

…. Observation, negotiation, persuasion, analytical skills, strategic planning

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This blog is shared with Job Seeker Duetists. 

Written by former recruitment ghostwriter Paul Drury (not AI).