How does one stand out from the other qualified engineers in the interview phase? Two words….Interpersonal Skills.
In the world of engineering, technical skills often take center stage. Engineers must be adept at solving complex problems, designing systems/processes, and using cutting-edge technology to innovate further. But while technical proficiency is critical, it’s the softer, less quantifiable skills that often determine long-term success for both engineers and the companies they work for.
At KeyPoint Staffing, we’ve seen firsthand how essential soft skills are in creating successful matches between employers and candidates across all industries. Today, we’ll explore why soft skills matter and how they can impact your career and your team’s success.
For Employers: Why Soft Skills Should Be a Priority in Your Hiring Process
When hiring for engineering roles, it’s tempting to focus primarily on technical expertise. After all, engineers need to have the right qualifications and experience to excel in their jobs. But soft skills—such as communication, teamwork, adaptability, and problem-solving—are often what separates a good engineer from a great one.
Why Soft Skills Matter:
- Effective Communication: Engineers often work in cross-functional teams, requiring clear communication with colleagues from different departments, including non-technical stakeholders. An engineer who can explain complex technical concepts in simple terms can prevent costly misunderstandings and facilitate smoother project execution.
- Teamwork: The best solutions are often the result of collaboration. Engineers who work well in teams can leverage the diverse perspectives of their colleagues, leading to more innovative outcomes. A strong team player will also contribute to a positive workplace culture, improving retention rates and overall productivity.
- Adaptability: All industries are rapidly evolving. Engineers who can adapt to new technologies, regulatory changes, and shifting market demands are invaluable. A candidate with a growth mindset and the ability to embrace change will help your organization stay ahead of the curve and reach your goals.
- Problem-Solving: While all engineers are problem-solvers by nature, the ability to think critically and creatively is a soft skill that enhances technical knowledge. Those who can approach problems from multiple angles and stay calm under pressure are often the ones who come up with the most effective solutions.
How to Assess Soft Skills:
- Behavioral Interviews: Ask candidates to describe situations where they demonstrated key soft skills, such as resolving a conflict in a team or adapting to a significant change in a project.
- Reference Checks: Reach out to previous employers or colleagues to get insights into the candidate’s communication style, teamwork abilities, and adaptability when stuff goes wrong.
- Collaborative Exercises: Consider incorporating team-based problem-solving exercises into your hiring process to observe candidates in action. By hearing their thought process through a complex problem, you can get a sense as to their initial instincts when confronted with adversity.
For Candidates: Why Soft Skills Can Accelerate Your Career
If you’re an engineer looking to advance your career, improving your soft skills can set you apart in a competitive job market. While your technical skills may get you in the door, your soft skills will help you thrive in your role and open up new opportunities for growth.
How Soft Skills Elevate Your Career:
- Leadership Potential: Strong communication and teamwork skills are often tapped for leadership roles. Even if you’re not in a management position yet, demonstrating these skills can lead to managers trusting you to take the reign on certain projects which will set you up for potential leadership opportunities within your organization.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: As projects become more complex, engineers are increasingly required to work with departments such as marketing, sales, and customer support. Your ability to collaborate across functions will make you a valuable asset to any organization.
- Career Flexibility: Adaptability is key to career growth, especially in industries where innovation is constant. By developing a flexible mindset, you’ll be better equipped to take on new challenges, learn new technologies, and explore different career paths.
- Client and Stakeholder Relations: In many engineering roles, you’ll interact with clients, regulatory bodies, and other external stakeholders. Strong communication and interpersonal skills will help you build lasting relationships and ensure project success.
How to Develop Your Soft Skills:
- Seek Feedback: Regularly ask your peers and supervisors for feedback on your communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities. Use their insights to identify areas for improvement.
- Continuous Learning: Attend workshops, read self improvement book/articles or take courses focused on soft skills development. Many universities and online platforms offer classes in leadership, communication, and emotional intelligence.
- Practice Active Listening: Whether in meetings or one-on-one conversations, practice active listening by fully engaging with the speaker, asking clarifying questions, and showing empathy.
The Bottom Line
For both employers and candidates, soft skills are often the missing ingredient in creating long-term success in engineering roles. By prioritizing these skills in the hiring process and in career development, you’ll not only build stronger teams but also foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement. It is important to remember though that no one is perfect, candidate or employers (who were candidates at one point too). But by being self aware and taking action to improve day by day, you will be better than you were yesterday.
At KeyPoint Staffing, we are all about self improvement! We understand the importance of soft skills in engineering roles, and we’re here to help both employers and candidates make the most of them. Whether you’re looking to fill a position or take the next step in your career, let us guide you to success. Connect with us on LinkedIn and visit our website to learn more.