As proven by certifications and degrees, hard skills (data analysis, programming, foreign language mastery, project management, bookkeeping, predictive modelling, etc.) have traditionally been the focus when hiring employees. Soft skills (sometimes called interpersonal or people skills) are aptitudes that enable a worker to interact with others appropriately. Recently, soft skills have become a focus. They include communicating with clarity, leadership abilities, proficiency with teamwork, creativity, emotional intelligence, problem-solving, adaptability, time management, critical thinking, resilience, and work ethic. Soft skills are tricky to quantify, yet are essential for success. They help employees navigate complicated social interactions, enabling companies to build successful teams. A staffing agency identifies soft skills as part of the process of finding the best candidate for a position.
How Staffing Agencies Identify Soft Skills
Staffing agencies identify soft skills and ensure candidates match the open position through:
- Behavioural interviews: Recruitment agencies utilize behavioural interview questions and inquiries that request an applicant to speak about their past work and how they adapted to different situations. These questions reveal the strengths/weaknesses of each candidate regarding interpersonal interactions and help predict future behaviour. They assist the agency in evaluating applicants’ soft skills.
- Role-specific assessments: Simulations and scenarios allow agencies to observe candidates’ soft skills at work. They reveal how applicants handle pressure, work with others, and approach problem-solving.
- Reference checks: Talking to an applicant’s previous employers provides insight into the candidate’s teamwork, communication, leadership abilities, creativity, and adaptability, revealing the individual’s level of soft skills.
- Analysis of cultural fit: Recruitment agencies work with companies to understand their values, principles, ethics, and work environment. They identify candidates who match an organization’s culture and are likely to fit with the current team.
- Evaluation through informal interactions: Insights often result from informal/casual conversations. Staffing agencies observe applicants in post and pre-interview chats.
- Psychometric assessments (skill assessments, personality tests, verbal reasoning assessments, cognitive tests, situational judgment analysis, etc.) provide an understanding of a candidate’s adaptability, leadership potential, emotional intelligence, and teamwork skills.
- Resume and cover letter clues: The quality of writing found in a cover letter/resume, the frequency of job changes, the clarity of information shared, and the understanding of the role on offer may reveal a candidate’s soft skills.
Equation Staffing Solutions Can Help
Are you interested in considering soft skills when hiring? Do you wish to know the probable culture fit of prospective employees? Need help assessing the soft skills of candidates? Contact Equation Staffing Solutions. Try our pre and post-employment services. We’ll help you find the best person for your open position.