What Soft skills do we look for in Software Engineers?

The ability to code isn't everything.

Is that right??

Indeed!

Technology has moved to the front of the business line and requires more technical actors to interact often with stakeholders that don't have a firm grasp of software engineering. To stay ahead of the curve, the technical and non-technical stakeholders must be able to effectively work and communicate ideas, processes, progress, and results.?

On the other side of the spectrum, startups primarily seek developers with a perfect understanding of frontend and backend languages [ typical conundrum: unrealistic hiring expectations lead to poor hires and lost time IMO]. Additionally, working in a team, managing multiple projects, and communicating feedback to many non-technical clients are essential skills.?

Today's reality

If a developer wants to thrive in their new position, they must have these soft critical skills, regardless of the programming language like Python, Java, Node, Javascript, React, e.g.?

Additional attributes such as approachability, helpfulness, and availability are vital in determining who makes a good team member.

The objective is that new hires should enhance existing teams by contributing to them right away. Yet there's a caveat if the company is not prepared to integrate the recent hire with a proper onboarding process for talent to begin to succeed from day one. Most companies overlook the importance of giving the new member a positive experience with all the necessary support.

Yeah, I know; when you are a startup or mid-sized business, it is a challenge to invest valuable time to plan such a team-integration process properly.

At least have the barebones ready ahead of time, such as documentation, keys, e.g., in a shareable space.

Part of our interview rubric allows for our Engineering interviewers to also gauge the following:

Having patience

No matter what level of technical skill a developer has, they must be able to explain technical concepts patiently, concisely, and clearly to clients or colleagues. Asking developers to define a technical idea is easy to test their tech knowledge.?

Management of time

We only have so much time, so much code! Time management and organization are critical when multiple projects are on the horizon with conflicting time delays and pressures. If you discover a developer doesn't have time management skills halfway into an important task, don't wait until the end of the project to find out.

Adaptability

It's not uncommon for work to throw us a curveball. Consequently, developers must be capable of coping with and adapting to unforeseeable circumstances.?

Concentration

The focus and dedication required to program successfully will be familiar to anyone who has worked through legacy code errors. Your developer candidates must demonstrate this focus from the beginning.

Effective communication skills

Effective communication is vital when conveying issues with a project to clients or explaining programming decisions to the boss or non-technical stakeholders. Seasoned Engineers must be able to articulate technical business propositions properly.

Responsibility

A soft skill that tech professionals need is the ability to prepare themselves for accountability. Code errors can be corrected more quickly if identified early - regardless of whether the developer is to blame.

Receiving and giving feedback

Supporting colleagues' ideas, backing up their arguments, and giving positive feedback - and taking it - is a good qualities of a good developer. Accepting constructive criticism is essential for employees in all sectors, not just technology.

Motivation

As new technologies and programming stacks emerge all the time, developers need to demonstrate a passion for learning beyond the scope of their jobs.

Ability to listen

It can cause a significant delay and even costly rework if the engineer fails to hear (or clarify) a comment or instruction. In a structured interview process, listening skills can be assessed effectively as part of the evaluation rubric.