In today’s competitive job market, a resume filled with impressive qualifications and technical expertise is no longer the only ticket to landing your dream job. Employers are increasingly prioritizing soft skills, the interpersonal and emotionally intelligent traits that shape how we interact, collaborate, and adapt in the workplace.
These essential skills are how we connect, solve problems, and navigate change, and are now proven to drive job performance, making them just as critical as hard skills in shaping a successful career.
We’ve partnered with Randstad RiseSmart Canada, a leading talent solutions provider, to share the 9 essential soft skills that can help you grow in your career and potentially grow your income:
- Effective Communication: Effective communication is a key differentiator in any professional setting. It means expressing ideas clearly, listening actively, maintaining eye contact, and welcoming feedback. Whether in interviews or team meetings, strong verbal and written skills help build trust, foster collaboration, and prevent misunderstandings. Beyond your resume, how you communicate will truly set you apart.
- Teamwork: Collaboration is key in any workplace. Responding promptly to colleagues, participating in team discussions, and staying engaged – even as a remote or contract worker – demonstrates your commitment to shared goals.
- Adaptive Thinking: Thinking on your feet and adapting to new situations quickly is invaluable. Get comfortable with ambiguity by taking on new tasks outside of your comfort zone.
- Curiosity: Curiosity drives progress, whether you’re launching a business, navigating your career, leading a team, or working independently. It sparks new ideas, challenges assumptions, and leads to better solutions. Employers value curious minds for their ability to ask thoughtful questions, explore possibilities, and adapt quickly. In any role, curiosity isn’t just a trait, it’s a competitive advantage.
- Self-Awareness: Knowing your strengths, weaknesses and opportunities for growth gives you a sense of direction and self-awareness that can improve your judgment and help you manage your reactions to everyday situations.
- Growth Mindset: A growth mindset keeps you focused on improvement and learning even when facing challenges. It’s a belief that skills can be developed through hard work and perseverance and that constructive criticism is a tool for development not as a personal slight.
- Leadership & Self-Leadership: Whether you’re leading a team, managing your own business, or building your career, leadership starts with you. The ability to inspire others, adapt to change, and take ownership – in addition to self-leadership skills like time management, focus, and initiative – are key skills in today’s fast-paced work environments. Those who lead themselves effectively are better equipped to lead others, create impact, fast-track career advancement and succeed in any professional setting.
- Problem-Solving
Critical thinking and the ability to resolve issues creatively are vital across all roles. Randstad suggests a five-step approach: observe, analyze, brainstorm solutions, communicate, and act. - Emotional Intelligence (EQ)
EQ influences how you handle stress, empathize with others, and contribute to a positive workplace culture. High EQ is linked to better job satisfaction and stronger team dynamics.
In addition to these key traits, Randstad also emphasizes confidence, passion, and critical thinking as key traits valued by employers. Confidence reflects belief in one’s abilities, passion signals dedication, and curiosity drives continuous learning, especially vital in fast-evolving industries.
How to develop your soft skills:
Unlike hard skills, which are often acquired through formal education, soft skills are honed through real-world experience. Here are practical ways to build them:
- Seek feedback: Ask peers and supervisors to provide feedback/insights on your strengths and areas for improvement.
- Observe and learn: Watch how effective communicators and leaders operate in your workplace.
- Volunteer or mentor: Engage in community activities or mentorship programs to practice empathy, leadership, and teamwork.
- Join Workshops: Organizations like WorkBC offer a range of self-paced workshops covering topics like problem-solving, workplace culture, and conflict resolution.
Use your soft skills to stand out:
Soft skills not only boost your employability, but they also enhance your ability to build relationships, resolve conflicts, and manage life’s inevitable challenges. When applying for jobs, highlight your soft skills in your resume and cover letter. During interviews, relate your key soft skills directly to the job description
Next steps
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to advance in your career, investing in your soft and transferable skills is a powerful step toward a fulfilling career. Check out the following resources for more support:
Randstad RiseSmart Canada Soft Skills Articles
Skills Training and Supports | WorkBC
