9 examples of soft skills valued by the market

What is most important to emphasise in a CV and job application? Academic qualifications, professional experience or technical skills? All of these are particularly important, but the market is currently looking for more than that. Companies are looking for specific behavioural skills, the so-called “soft skills”.

Until recently, when we thought about a selection process, we idealised hiring the profile with the best technical skills. Those skills that define the ability to carry out specific tasks related to a profession, such as a dentist who must be able to restore teeth, perform surgery and, if necessary, extract teeth. However, the market has realised that technical skills alone are not enough. To achieve professional success, a professional must possess a specific profile and personality traits, which are known as behavioural competences.

The good news is that we are not limited to our personality traits to acquire these competences. They can be developed or improved through self-development actions. For this reason, here are 9 examples of these competences that are important for professional success and how you can develop them right now. Shall we get started?

1. Proactivity and self-confidence

In the labour market, enthusiasm and initiative are highly valued. Professionals who don’t need constant supervision and who not only carry out what is asked of them, but also actively seek solutions to problems and ways to improve efficiency are favoured by companies.

2. Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence in the workplace manifests itself in the ability to understand human behaviour, interpret it appropriately and react in a balanced and mature way to daily challenges. Professionals with developed emotional intelligence are able to listen to their colleagues, superiors and clients, show empathy and promote more productive interactions.

3. Teamwork

Globalisation has transformed the world and companies can no longer operate independently. The ability to collaborate interdependently, manage conflicts wisely and establish intelligent relationships has become fundamental. This skill is required in many positions, as it ensures that complementary skills are combined to achieve greater goals.

4. Versatility

The business world and society are constantly evolving. Economic crises, opportunities, technological advances and hierarchical changes are inevitable. Companies therefore value professionals who can adjust to these situations, applying their knowledge and experience to face challenges and find new solutions.

5. Ethics

Integrity is a highly valued characteristic in organisations, especially at a time when ethics and morals are more relevant than ever. Serious companies demand the practice of ethical and moral values in order to build credibility with employees, clients, partners and suppliers.

6. Knowledge management

The knowledge acquired must be applied to solve problems in the work context. In addition, professionals are encouraged to share their knowledge with superiors, colleagues, subordinates, customers and suppliers to improve the efficiency of the company as a whole.

7. Problem solving

Challenges in the workplace are constantly evolving. Professionals need to be prepared to face new problems and understand that there is no ready-made formula for solving them. They must identify problems, analyse them in the context of the organisation and propose innovative solutions to overcome them and guarantee the company’s survival.

8. Internal entrepreneurial spirit

Entrepreneurship is not just limited to the creation of companies. It is also seen in committed employees who work to produce positive results, as if they owned the business. This type of mentality is highly valued in organisations and leads to significant achievements for both the individual’s career and the company.

9. Leadership

Leadership is a quality that goes beyond leadership and management positions. Each individual has an influence on their sphere of activity and their work teams. Those who manage to motivate their colleagues and involve them in the pursuit of results stand out and open doors to exceptional opportunities.

How can a company determine whether candidates have the desired behavioural competencies? Recruiters can make this assessment by asking specific questions during job interviews, by creating group dynamics and even by observing the candidate’s behaviour throughout the selection process.

When used properly, these techniques provide an accurate assessment of behavioural competencies, with an almost perfect success rate. Interested? Contact us today and count on our expertise in the field!