The Role of Soft Skills in an Interview

It was the final round of interviews of a communications manager position and Sarah was nervous and anxious. She had all the right qualifications and had spent weeks rehearsing and researching for the interview.

There was one thing that was crossing her mind, how she would come across in the interview. Would her communication be clear? Would she portray herself as a team player?

As she sat in the waiting area, she recalled what the interview coach had told her. “It’s not about what you know, it’s about how you portray yourself and how you work with others.

Well, the interview coach gave a good insight. The soft skills like the ability to connect with others, communicate clearly and adapt to challenges are factors considered by many recruiters.

When Sarah walked into the interview room, the first thing she noticed was the warm smile of the interviewer. She took a deep breath and began talking about her experiences, achievements and how she is fit for the role.

The conversation was slowly shifting from her CV and she soon realized that the interview was not just about her technical skills.

For example, when she was asked about a time she faced a challenge and how she handled it, she didn’t jump into problem-solving; instead, she told a story about how she worked with her team to brainstorm and eventually came up with a solution.

Note this: The interviewer tested her soft skills, such as communication and collaboration, sending a message to her that they were as important as her hard skills. Always keep in mind that recruiters are not just looking for someone who can do the job. They want someone who brings more to the table, such as good communication skills.

During the interview, Sarah also paid attention to her body language. She made eye contact, smiled, and listened keenly. When asked about how she responds to criticism, she said she is open to feedback since it helps her improve and builds stronger relationships with colleagues.

This response shows how she brings value to the company. As the interview came to a close, Sarah felt a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. Not only had she shared her expertise but also her wide range of soft skills meaning she did capture the interviewer’s attention.

She stayed calm and composed under pressure and shared relevant examples while responding to questions. Her soft skills ensured she left a lasting impression, and a week later, she got the call—she got the job!

The interviewer told her she was the best candidate because while her technical skills were impressive, they were impressed by her interpersonal skills.

Lesson from Sarah’s experience? As you prepare for an interview, do not sideline the soft skills as they are a major factor in an interview. If you are facing any challenges, our interview coaching experts are here to help!

Read Also>>>5 Effective Strategies to Prepare and Win An Interview

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