# The Essential Soft Skills Every Hiring Manager Should Look For
When it comes to hiring a new employee, it’s important to look beyond the resume and consider crucial soft skills that can make a candidate successful in your organization. In a survey conducted by the Young Entrepreneur Council, members were asked about the soft skills they find most essential when considering a new hire. Here are some of the top soft skills to look out for:
## Curiosity
– **Description:** Being curious and always seeking to learn and improve.
– **Importance:** A team of curious individuals who ask questions can help ensure business growth and prevent stagnation.
## Emotional Intelligence
– **Description:** Demonstrating high emotional intelligence, being perceptive and self-aware.
– **Importance:** High emotional intelligence is a valuable asset in team-based organizations, as it fosters better communication and understanding among team members.
## Email Communication Skills
– **Description:** Ability to produce typo-free, well-written, well-formatted email communications.
– **Importance:** Effective email communication skills are essential for maintaining professionalism and conveying information clearly to colleagues and clients.
## People Skills
– **Description:** Ability to build rapport with clients and provide excellent customer service.
– **Importance:** Strong people skills are crucial in client-facing roles and contribute to the overall success of the business.
## Hunger
– **Description:** Being motivated and proactive in seeking opportunities for growth and improvement.
– **Importance:** Hiring individuals who are hungry for success can lead to a more dynamic and innovative work environment.
## Self-Awareness
– **Description:** Knowing one’s strengths and weaknesses and being able to seek help when needed.
– **Importance:** Self-awareness is key in promoting personal growth and development within the organization.
## Humor and Positivity
– **Description:** Injecting humor and positivity into the work environment to reduce tension and foster a positive workplace culture.
– **Importance:** Maintaining a sense of humor and positivity can help team members cope with stress and challenges more effectively.
## Willingness to Make Phone Calls
– **Description:** Comfort and effectiveness in communicating via phone calls instead of relying solely on email and text.
– **Importance:** Phone communication can be more efficient and personal, making it a valuable skill in various business settings.
## Persistence
– **Description:** The ability to persevere and overcome challenges rather than giving up easily.
– **Importance:** Persistence is essential for driving success and achieving goals, especially in the face of obstacles.
## Honesty
– **Description:** Being truthful and ethical in all interactions and decisions.
– **Importance:** Honesty and integrity are essential qualities in building trust and credibility both internally and externally.
## Ability to Learn from Experience
– **Description:** Being open to learning from past experiences and applying those lessons to future situations.
– **Importance:** Learning agility is crucial in adapting to new challenges and opportunities in the workplace.
## Self-Motivation
– **Description:** Taking initiative and maintaining productivity, especially in a remote work environment.
– **Importance:** Self-motivated employees are more likely to stay focused and productive without constant supervision.
## Autodidactism
– **Description:** Being self-directed in acquiring new skills and knowledge.
– **Importance:** Self-motivated learners are better equipped to adapt to changing job requirements and industry trends.
## Versatility
– **Description:** Having a broad range of skills and knowledge across different areas of the business.
– **Importance:** Versatile employees can contribute to the overall success and growth of the organization by taking on a variety of tasks and responsibilities.
Incorporating these essential soft skills into your hiring criteria can help you build a strong and dynamic team that is well-equipped to succeed in today’s fast-paced business environment. Remember, it’s not just about technical qualifications – soft skills play a crucial role in determining the overall success and effectiveness of your team.
