“Hard skills will get you an interview; soft skills get you a job”.
“Hard skills will get you an interview; soft skills get you a job”. In a recent article in The Guardian, Anna Tims commented on the importance of emotional intelligence in the workplace, arguing that it’s not just qualifications you need to secure a job.
In simpler times, 'A's at school, a degree from a well-respected university and a clean shirt could get you a job, no matter how much of a recluse you may be. In more recent years, emotional intelligence has become just as important as qualifications, if not more. This has been supported by a survey carried out by Microsoft, which shows that business leaders rate emotional intelligence above academic qualifications.
The importance of qualifications shouldn’t be underestimated; it is, after all, your education and experience that are likely to get your foot in the door. However, it’s the soft skills that will sell you in an interview. Self-motivation, time management, critical thinking and leadership ability are all soft skills that show a certain level of emotional intelligence, which is invaluable.
Whether it’s a decision that is made consciously or unconsciously, we all make instant judgements about people, and this opinion is hard to change. As stated by Amanda Vickers, Managing Director of the training consultancy Speak First, “somebody who looks smart and confident has the halo effect because people add on intelligence, wit and ability without any further evidence, whereas tiny details like scruffy shoes or lack of eye contact can have the horns effect and make people conclude the opposite.” First impressions count, and they are usually shaped by soft skills and emotional intelligence, not qualifications.
At SilverDoor we have always had the view that soft skills are vital in all our employees, no matter what their role, and with these skills in place, qualifications are of secondary importance. Good customer service is imperative in any sales company, and we pride ourselves on the service we provide for our clients and the relationships we build with them.
Having a team with strong emotional intelligence allows us to put ourselves in other people’s shoes and better understand their wants and needs, allowing us to provide a quick, efficient and professional service that they feel confident to use and that meets their requirements.
Employing people who fit in with SilverDoor’s ethos has always been an important factor to us, and one which benefits the company on a daily basis. Emotional intelligence should not be underestimated, and we can guarantee that there is no lack of it here!
