Why Soft Skills Matter Just as Much as Technical Skills

Technical skills may get you hired, but soft skills help you succeed. Communication, teamwork, adaptability, and emotional intelligence are what can turn a good employee into a great one. In today’s workplace, being able to collaborate, lead, and connect with others is just as important as knowing the tools of the trade. Soft skills aren’t optional; they’re essential.

What are soft skills?

Soft skills, also known as people skills or emotional intelligence, refer to the ability to interact with others in a friendly and effective manner. Training your abilities to resolve conflicts, solve problems, and provide excellent customer service can lead to better relationships with colleagues, clients, and other professionals. It is not uncommon to underestimate the power of soft skills, or to underestimate yourself and your own abilities. Soft skills matter just as much as technical skills because they shape how we communicate, collaborate, and build relationships. They are often harder to develop but equally vital for career success.

Soft skills help employees adapt to different work environments and interact smoothly with peers, managers, and stakeholders. These skills enable people to navigate social situations in work and in life. Soft skills determine how an employee works, either on their own or with others. 

Some soft skills include:

• Leadership

• Adaptability

• Communication

• Problem solving

• Critical thinking

• Empathy

• Networking

Why are soft skills important in the workplace?

In the workplace, soft skills are important because they enhance one’s ability to collaborate with others, ultimately having a positive impact on one’s career. Strong soft skills can help improve your level of confidence. Highly developed presentation skills, networking abilities, and etiquette awareness are also useful in the workplace. By demonstrating strong leadership, teamwork, and communication skills, you can run projects smoothly, deliver impressive results, and positively impact your personal life by enhancing your interactions with others.

What are technical skills?

Technical skills or hard skills refer to abilities that are specific and measurable.  Examples of hard skills include programming languages, data analysis tools, specific software proficiency, and operating specialized equipment. These skills are typically easier to measure and assess. Technical skills allow workers to use specific tools, machines, and techniques to work more efficiently. More importantly, they help reduce errors and support task automation. Workers gain technical skills through structured learning pathways, which may include formal education, training, or certifications. Hands-on experience builds technical expertise, where each of these methods reinforces the other. For technical skills, there is often a clear path from novice to expert, and milestones are definable. Progress can also be measured by looking at the problems solved, systems built, or certifications earned.

Some technical skills include:

• Programming and coding

• Cloud computing

• Cybersecurity

• Data science

• Machine learning and AI

• UI and UX design

• Video editing

Technical experience alone isn’t enough to guarantee professional success. Effective collaboration, conflict management, adapting to change, and clear communication are aspects that can distinguish a poor employee from a great one. Soft skills are subjective and hard to measure, often revealed through behavior over time rather than on paper. This makes them challenging for employees to demonstrate and for managers to evaluate.

Hard Skills vs. Soft Skills: What sets them apart?

Hard skills may not be transferred easily between fields because they are industry-focused. Therefore, people need to prepare before going through a career change. They need training and support to adjust their skill set to the new role requirements. Hard skills require a structured career path with a learning process that is straightforward. Technical skills can be tracked clearly, and an employee's proficiency can be measured. Some hard skills can only be used after being evaluated by specific institutions or boards. In technology-related fields, professionals need to constantly update their technical skills.

Soft skills are highly transferable and universally valued, making them essential and desirable for both employers and employees alike. These skills are less structured and are often shaped by personal experiences, relationships, and self-reflection. They can be improved through coaching and mentorship, and can be acquired through trial and error in social and professional situations. The learning curve for soft skills is lifelong. Evaluating soft skills requires input based on interactions and interpersonal dynamics at work. Soft skills aren’t backed up by certificates, but they can be revealed by activities unrelated to work, such as volunteering, side hustles, or career choices. They allow workers to be relevant and solve more complex challenges.

Most job roles require a combination of hard and soft skills, with the strongest candidates bringing both technical expertise and strong interpersonal abilities. Many employers prioritize soft skills, as they reflect personal traits that are difficult to teach or change. So, as you prepare for your next job interview, it’s important to remember that sharpening your soft skills can be just as important as showcasing your technical strengths.