Ever wondered why they’re called soft skills? It’s simple: technical skills are easier to measure and quantify, while soft skills, like teamwork and communication, are a bit trickier to pin down. Soft skills are essentially those character traits that show how well you can work with others in a team or handle interactions with customers. Let’s dig a little deeper.

Soft skills are like the elephant in the room – you know they’re crucial, but sometimes it’s hard to demonstrate or even recognize them. When you’re applying for jobs, depending on what they’re looking for, you might need to highlight your soft skills in a way that really resonates with the reader. Terms like “team player,” “hardworking,” and “fast learner” are classic examples. But is it enough to just list them?

Honestly, if someone sends me a CV with a separate section labeled “soft skills,” I might not take it seriously. Recruiters I’ve interviewed also emphasise that soft skills should be integrated into your job experiences; they shouldn’t stand alone. For instance, saying you’re a great team player but prefer to work alone is a contradiction that could land your application in the NO pile. Employers want problem solvers who can collaborate effectively.

Think of soft skills like the background music in your favourite video game. Your technical skills are the graphics, and your experience is the gameplay – essential, but it’s the perfect soundtrack (your soft skills) that truly immerses you and makes the experience memorable.

Now, let’s break down how to showcase these soundtracks effectively:

Quantify your experience:

“I’ve worked with a group of N system developers”

Here, the applicant demonstrates teamwork while using technical skills.

Years of Experience:

Some job ads specify a minimum number of years of experience. Quantify it:

”N years of experience in analysing next generation sequencing data.”

This not only meets the technical requirement but also shows your expertise.

Project management skills:

“During the last two years, I’ve delivered N projects.”

This shows time-management skills and multitasking ability.

Be specific:

“Led a group of N data scientists in R&D.”

Using power words like “led” showcases leadership skills, which can be crucial for management roles. You can read more about power words in this post.

Communication Skills:

“I effectively communicated with an average of N customers per day, with N% satisfaction”

This example highlights communication skills in a customer-facing role, crucial for resolving problems and ensuring customer satisfaction.

Show Evidence:

“I have obtained a certificate in [specific area].”

This demonstrates your commitment to staying current and shows you’re a fast learner.

Remember, avoid listing every certificate or webinar you’ve attended. Only include relevant training that adds substantial value to your skillset.

To sum up, think of soft skills like the dressing on a salad – it complements the main dish (your technical skills) and should be balanced according to the job requirements.

Show your technical skills boldly,

but

let your soft skills shine softly.