Why Soft Skills Often Outweigh Résumés in Hiring Decisions

Imagine this: There are two similarly qualified candidates for a role. Both have impressive résumés and nail the technical questions during their interviews. The difference? One candidate had researched the company and was able to ask great questions about the team’s strategy. The other candidate was less engaged and spent a good deal of time complaining about their current boss. Guess who was advanced to next steps?

Interviewers often wish candidates knew that the interview is not just about answering questions, but also about highlighting how you think and approach problems, as well as demonstrating your personality and fit with the company culture. 

Many candidates spend hours rehearsing answers to common questions while overlooking these equally important aspects that can make or break their chances. 

Hiring managers want to see your authentic self and assess if you’d be a good addition to the team. There are a lot of little things that are taken into consideration beyond your education and past work experience. 

Authenticity and culture fit

Interviewers want to see the real you, not a fabricated version. Be honest and let your personality shine through. Research the company and its values by exploring their website, reading recent news articles, checking employee LinkedIn posts and reviewing their social media presence. Highlight how your personality and work style align with their environment. 

For an interviewer, part of the consideration is, “Do I want to work with this person?” A candidate who makes a great first impression and sparks a real connection will often stand out among others.

Problem solving

They are interested in how you think and approach challenges, not just whether you arrive at the right answer. When faced with a problem-solving scenario, think out loud and walk through your process: “When I encountered this challenge, I first analyzed the root cause by gathering data from three different sources, then I...” This showcases how your previous successes have set you up for success in the potential new role. 

Professionalism

Professionalism, kindness and respect extend beyond the interview itself. Don’t be nice to the manager and rude to the receptionist, for instance. Remember, also, that negative sound bites are usually the ones interviewers remember most clearly.

Avoid disparaging or complaining about your current (or former) employer, co-workers and clients. Your words and tone matter, but also, your nonverbal communication speaks volumes. Maintain appropriate eye contact, sit up straight and show active listening. In virtual interviews, ensure that you have good lighting, test your technology beforehand and maintain the same level of professionalism that you would in person.

Smart questions

Open-ended questions are best in a conversation, so you may want to ask about early expectations, the qualities of top performers and how you will be evaluated. Asking thoughtful questions demonstrates your engagement and genuine interest in the opportunity.

Enthusiasm and follow up

Every interviewer appreciates a brief follow-up note within 24 hours. A well-crafted thank-you note can leave a lasting positive impression. The best approach is to reference something specific from your discussion and, when appropriate, include a relevant work sample that displays skills you discussed. 

An immaculate résumé followed up with sloppily written emails will be noticed, and not in a good way. Your passion for the role and the company can be a major differentiator but show your engagement without being pushy — you can ruin your chances by being too aggressive.

Even professional relationships have a foundation of genuine connection, and these soft skills often become the deciding factor between equally qualified candidates. Master these elements, and you’ll not only improve your interview performance but also boost your confidence throughout the entire process. Sometimes it’s the little things that count most! ϖ