7 Soft Skills Employers Look for When Hiring – Insights from Mark Goode of Inspired Recruitment

When employers search for the perfect candidate to fill a vacancy, they often look beyond technical qualifications. While specific skills and experience are essential to perform the job, it’s the soft skills that truly set great employees apart from the rest. These traits—like communication, time management, and teamwork—shape how you interact with colleagues, handle challenges, and contribute to the company’s culture.

At Inspired Recruitment, we’ve seen first-hand how soft skills can elevate a candidate’s potential. It’s these intangible qualities that often determine long-term success in a role. While technical skills can be taught, soft skills are developed over time and require intentional effort. That’s why we work with both candidates and employers to identify and nurture these skills.

Here are seven key soft skills that employers value and how you can showcase them effectively during your job search.

1. Communication

Strong communication skills are non-negotiable in today’s workplace. Whether it’s presenting ideas in a meeting, writing clear emails, or actively listening to a colleague, communication underpins every professional interaction.

Mark Goode often emphasises that most workplace issues can be traced back to miscommunication. Employers know that good communicators can pre-empt problems and maintain positive relationships.

How to demonstrate it: Show your communication skills in action during interviews. Engage in active listening, ask thoughtful questions, and follow up with a thank-you email to the interviewer. These small steps speak volumes about your ability to connect with others.

2. Time Management

Every employer appreciates a candidate who can manage their time efficiently. With competing priorities and tight deadlines, good time management ensures productivity without the need for micromanagement.

Lisa Applebee, Managing Director at Inspired Recruitment, often advises candidates to share examples of managing multiple tasks effectively. “Time management isn’t just about meeting deadlines; it’s about staying organised and knowing how to prioritise,” she says.

How to demonstrate it: Arrive at your interview early and be ready to discuss specific instances where you balanced competing deadlines or streamlined processes to save time.

3. Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving

In every job, challenges are inevitable. Employers look for people who don’t panic but instead analyse the situation and find creative solutions.

At Inspired Recruitment, we encourage candidates to view problem-solving as a skill they can refine. Whether it’s fixing a minor error in a process or addressing a complex operational issue, critical thinking shows you’re proactive and resourceful.

How to develop it: Practice analysing everyday problems around you and come up with logical solutions. Employers will appreciate your ability to think on your feet.

4. Teamwork

No matter your role or industry, collaboration is essential. Employers seek individuals who can work well with diverse teams and bring people together to achieve goals.

Mark Goode often shares this insight with candidates: “Every role connects to others in some way. Being able to collaborate effectively isn’t just beneficial; it’s essential for success.”

How to demonstrate it: Use examples from previous roles where teamwork was crucial. Highlight how you contributed to the group’s success and learned from others.

5. Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence (EQ) is your ability to understand and manage your own emotions while empathising with others. This is the foundation of strong interpersonal relationships at work.

Employees with high EQ build positive, productive relationships, creating a thriving workplace culture. At Inspired Recruitment, we always tell candidates that empathy and self-awareness are just as important as technical expertise.

How to develop it: Practice recognising emotions in yourself and others. Share examples in your interview where you successfully navigated challenging interpersonal situations.

6. Digital Literacy

With technology driving most industries, being digitally literate is no longer optional. While technical roles demand specific expertise, even non-tech positions require familiarity with tools like email, spreadsheets, and virtual collaboration platforms.

“Digital literacy isn’t just knowing how to use tools,” says Mark. “It’s about staying curious and being open to learning new technology as the workplace evolves.”

How to demonstrate it: Show your willingness to adapt by sharing examples of how you learned new software or systems in previous roles.

7. Initiative

Employers love candidates who take initiative. This means going beyond the minimum requirements of your role, finding ways to contribute, and solving problems without being asked.

At Inspired Recruitment, we recognise the value of self-driven individuals. These employees are the ones who inspire others and push the team forward.

How to demonstrate it: In interviews, talk about moments when you identified an opportunity to improve a process or tackled an issue independently. Highlight the impact of your actions on the team or company.

Putting It All Together

At Inspired Recruitment, we believe that developing soft skills is key to unlocking your full potential. When we work with candidates, we look beyond CVs and focus on the qualities that truly make a difference in the workplace.

If you’re searching for a role or looking to improve your career prospects, consider how you can demonstrate these seven soft skills. With the right mindset and preparation, you’ll not only stand out to employers but also thrive in any role you pursue.

Remember, at Inspired Recruitment, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Whether you’re refining your communication skills or learning to manage your time better, we’re committed to helping you succeed.

Let’s make your next career move your best one yet.

Mark Goode

CEO Inspired Recruitment

Mark Goode is the CEO of The Inspired Recruitment Group which originated with the inception of Inspired Selections a recruitment agency primarily focused on recruitment in the optical industry before branching out into audiology and pharmaceutical recruitment. New optical opportunities are featured daily here or if you're a business, looking for help with your recruitment needs, get in touch here