Why Soft Skills Matter More Than Ever

Welcome to The Career Compass?

Hi, I’m Denise Matthews, a Careers & Executive Coach with over 30 years of experience helping professionals in retail, recruitment, and hospitality achieve clarity and confidence in their careers. Whether you’re preparing for a new role, planning a career shift, or aiming to grow in your current position, I’m here to help you succeed.?

In today’s newsletter, we’re focusing on soft skills - those interpersonal abilities that often mean the difference between good and exceptional. While technical expertise gets your foot in the door, it’s your ability to communicate, collaborate, and lead that helps you build a thriving career.?

The Growing Importance of Soft Skills in the Workplace?

Employers are increasingly recognising the value of soft skills as the foundation for workplace success. According to LinkedIn’s Future of Skills Report, communication, problem-solving, and emotional intelligence are consistently ranked among the top in-demand skills. These abilities enhance collaboration, innovation, and productivity - qualities every organisation values.?

We see that managers often prioritise soft skills over technical expertise when making final hiring decisions. Why? Because tools and technology can be taught, but the ability to navigate relationships and adapt to challenges requires a mindset that’s built over time.?

Essential Soft Skills Employers Value?

Here are five key soft skills that can help you stand out:?

1. Communication? The ability to articulate ideas clearly and actively listen to others is fundamental. Strong communication fosters collaboration and ensures projects move forward smoothly. Think about answers to interview questions which will demonstrate how your communication skills have added value.?
2. Adaptability? Change is inevitable, and employers value individuals who can adjust to new challenges with resilience and creativity.? As a Recruiter for over 30 years I have experienced and observed huge change not only in the way we work but also in how roles have disappeared or evolved and completely new job titles created. Adaptability and open-mindedness to your role changing is essential for your career growth.?
3. Problem-Solving? Analytical thinking and the ability to identify practical solutions are critical in today’s fast-paced work environments. Where have you demonstrated strong and successful problem-solving skills; be ready with great interview answers.?

1. Emotional Intelligence? Understanding and managing emotions - both your own and others’ - is key to building strong professional relationships. This is a requirement I see appearing on role briefs – what does it mean for you and how do you manage your emotions in relationships.?

1. Collaboration? Working effectively as part of a team, while respecting diverse perspectives, makes you a valuable asset in any organisation and makes you a sought after team member and colleague.??

How to Develop and Demonstrate Soft Skills?

Reflecting on these skills are there areas you identify could be improved? Improving soft skills takes time, but small, consistent efforts can yield good results. Here’s how:?

• Seek Feedback: Ask colleagues and mentors for honest feedback on areas like communication or teamwork. Use their input to address their feedback and grow.?

• Practice Active Listening: During meetings or conversations, focus fully on the speaker ‘without interrupting’. Paraphrase to confirm understanding.?

• Embrace Challenges: Volunteer for projects that push you outside your comfort zone, such as leading a team or presenting to stakeholders.?

• Join Groups: Participate in professional associations or networking groups to develop communication and collaboration skills in a low-pressure setting.?

• Invest in Personal Development: Books, podcasts, and courses can help you sharpen specific skills. (See the resource section below for recommendations!)?

?? Free Resources to Help You Grow?

• ?? Blog: Should I Stay or Should I Go? 5 Questions to Ask Before Making a Career Change?

• ?? Free Guide: Practical Tools for Career Growth?

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Recommended Resource?

??? Podcast Recommendation: The Look and Sound of Leadership by Tom Henschel? This podcast covers leadership communication, executive presence, and personal development—perfect for honing your soft skills.?

?? Listen here?

Career Offers to Accelerate Your Success?

Take your career up a notch with these tailored offers:?

?? Strategic Career Planner? Take control of your career journey with this all-in-one planner designed to help you reflect, strategise, and achieve your goals. From CV and LinkedIn optimisation to targeted job searches, this guide has everything you need.? ?? Get it here?

?? 1-1 Career Change Coaching Programme? For a more personalised approach, work with me one-on-one to create a bespoke plan for your career growth, whether you’re looking to pivot, advance, or land a dream role.? ?? Learn more?

Thank You for Reading?

Thank you for joining me on this journey of career growth. Soft skills aren’t just about getting hired—they’re about thriving in every stage of your professional and personal life. I’d love to hear from you about your career goals or topics you’d like covered in future newsletters.?

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Warm regards,? Denise Matthews? Careers & Executive Coach?

?? Book a HELLO call with me HERE or drop me a DM.?