The Benefits of Hiring for Potential: Why Soft Skills Trump Hard Skills

When it comes to hiring new employees, you are more likely to prioritize hard skills - the technical abilities that are specific to the job. But what about soft skills? These are the personal attributes that enable someone to work effectively with others, such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. 

It's becoming increasingly clear that hiring for potential and prioritizing soft skills can give your company a competitive edge. A study by the World Economic Forum found that the top five skills that will be in demand in the future are all soft skills, including complex problem solving, critical thinking, creativity, people management, and emotional intelligence.

In this article, we'll take a closer look at the value of soft skills and why they should be at the top of your list when hiring.

Hiring someone based solely on their experience limits your pool of potential candidates. Yes, experience is important, but it shouldn't be the only factor you consider. 

By hiring for potential, you're not just looking at the candidate's past, you're also considering their future. You're more likely to find individuals who are eager to learn, grow, and adapt to new challenges. 

In the long run, such an individual can be more valuable to your company than someone who has years of experience but is resistant to change.

Unlike hard skills, which are usually job-specific, soft skills can be transferred to different roles and industries. Meaning, if your business needs to shift focus or expand, employees with strong soft skills can adapt more easily. 

For example, a marketing manager with excellent communication skills can use those skills to transition to a sales role or a customer service representative with strong problem-solving skills can move into a project management position. 

Prioritizing soft skills in your hiring process helps you build a team that is flexible and adaptable.

Team dynamics is a vital element in creating a collaborative work culture. Communication, empathy, and teamwork are all soft skills that can improve collaboration and make your team more productive. Employees with strong soft skills are also more likely to be positive and supportive, creating an inclusive and enjoyable workplace culture for everyone.

Whereas hard skills are typically acquired through formal education or training, soft skills can be developed over time. This means that if you hire someone for their potential, you can invest in their development and help them grow into the role. Mentorship programs, on-the-job training, and leadership development initiatives can all aid in developing your employees' soft skills. 

By investing in your employees' soft skills, you're not only building a stronger team, but also create a culture of learning and development that can benefit your company for years to come.

Hiring for potential and prioritizing soft skills can give your company a competitive edge in today's job market. By looking beyond experience and considering a candidate's ability to learn and adapt, you can build a flexible, collaborative, and productive team. So, take a step and prioritize those soft skills – you won't regret it!