When businesses are hiring, technical qualifications are often one of the first things they consider.
Does the candidate have the right experience?
Can they operate the necessary equipment?
Do they have the required certifications?
Can they perform the technical responsibilities of the position?
These questions are important.
But technical skills are only one part of a successful hire.
Soft skills such as communication, teamwork, reliability, adaptability, professionalism, and problem-solving can have just as much impact on an employee’s success.
An employee can have excellent technical abilities, but if they struggle to communicate with coworkers, adapt to changes, or demonstrate reliability, their technical experience may not be enough for long-term success.
For employers, the goal shouldn’t be choosing between soft skills and technical skills.
It should be finding employees who bring both.
The Job Shop has been providing staffing services since 1986 and currently serves employers across industries including light industrial, clerical and administrative, general labor, manufacturing, warehouse and logistics, food processing, distribution, and skilled trades. Its staffing services include temporary staffing, temp-to-hire, direct hire, and executive search.
What Are Soft Skills?
Soft skills are personal and interpersonal abilities that influence how employees communicate, collaborate, solve problems, and approach their responsibilities.
Examples include:
- Communication
- Teamwork
- Reliability
- Adaptability
- Problem-solving
- Time management
- Accountability
- Leadership
- Professionalism
- Organization
- Conflict resolution
- Work ethic
- Willingness to learn
Unlike technical skills, soft skills aren’t usually specific to one particular job.
They can be valuable across almost every position and industry.
What Are Technical Skills?
Technical skills are the specific abilities and knowledge employees need to perform their jobs.
Examples include:
- Operating machinery
- Forklift operation
- Welding
- Equipment maintenance
- Inventory management
- Quality control
- Production processes
- Reading blueprints
- Data entry
- Using specialized software
- Mechanical skills
- Electrical skills
Technical skills are often easier to identify on a resume or during an interview.
However, a resume doesn’t always tell an employer how well someone communicates, works with others, handles challenges, or adapts to change.
That’s why soft skills matter.
1. Communication Skills Help Employees Work Effectively
Communication is one of the most important soft skills in the workplace.
Employees communicate with:
- Managers
- Supervisors
- Coworkers
- Customers
- Vendors
- Drivers
- Contractors
- Other departments
Strong communication helps employees understand expectations, ask questions, share information, and address problems.
For example, a warehouse employee may need to communicate about inventory, shipping schedules, or equipment issues.
In manufacturing, employees may need to communicate production or quality concerns.
In an administrative position, communication may involve customers, coworkers, vendors, and management.
In skilled trades, clear communication can help employees coordinate work and maintain safe job sites.
Technical skills help employees perform their responsibilities. Communication skills help them perform those responsibilities as part of a team.
2. Teamwork Can Strengthen Workplace Performance
Most employees don’t work completely independently.
Even positions with individual responsibilities often require employees to collaborate with others.
Strong teamwork skills can help employees:
- Cooperate with coworkers
- Share information
- Support teammates
- Resolve disagreements
- Meet team goals
- Help train new employees
- Maintain productivity
An employee may have excellent technical skills but struggle to work effectively with coworkers.
That can create challenges for the entire team.
On the other hand, an employee who communicates effectively, supports teammates, and contributes to a positive workplace can make a valuable contribution beyond their individual responsibilities.
3. Reliability Is One of the Most Valuable Soft Skills
Employers need employees they can count on.
Reliability can include:
- Showing up on time
- Maintaining good attendance
- Completing assignments
- Meeting deadlines
- Following procedures
- Communicating when problems occur
- Following through on commitments
Reliability is particularly important in manufacturing, warehouse, distribution, production, and other operations where one absence can affect an entire shift.
The Job Shop emphasizes connecting employers with pre-screened, dependable candidates who meet skill, experience, and work-ethic requirements.
Technical experience may help someone qualify for a job.
Reliability helps keep the workplace running.
4. Adaptability Helps Employees Handle Change
Today’s workplaces can change quickly.
Employees may need to:
- Learn new equipment
- Adjust to new procedures
- Learn new technology
- Work different shifts
- Take on new responsibilities
- Respond to changing demand
- Work in different environments
Employees who demonstrate adaptability may be better prepared to handle these changes.
This is especially important for businesses experiencing seasonal demand, growth, new projects, or changes in production.
Flexible staffing can also help employers respond to changing workforce needs. The Job Shop offers temporary staffing and temp-to-hire solutions designed to provide businesses with flexible workforce options.
5. Problem-Solving Skills Can Set Employees Apart
Problems happen in every workplace.
A shipment gets delayed.
Equipment stops working.
A customer has an issue.
A production schedule changes.
An order contains incorrect information.
Employees with strong problem-solving skills don’t simply identify problems. They think about how to address them.
Employers should look for candidates who can:
- Identify the problem
- Understand the situation
- Consider possible solutions
- Communicate with the appropriate people
- Take appropriate action
- Learn from the experience
Problem-solving skills can help employees become more independent and valuable members of a team.
6. Work Ethic Matters
Experience is valuable.
But experience doesn’t always tell the entire story.
A candidate may have years of experience but lack motivation or accountability.
Another candidate may have less experience but demonstrate:
- Initiative
- Reliability
- A willingness to learn
- Accountability
- Focus
- Professionalism
- A strong work ethic
Employers should consider both what a candidate knows and how they approach their work.
Someone who is motivated and willing to learn may have significant long-term potential.
7. Soft Skills Can Support Employee Retention
Hiring the right employee isn’t simply about filling an open position.
It’s about finding someone who can succeed in the role and contribute to the organization.
Employees who communicate effectively, work well with coworkers, adapt to change, and demonstrate accountability can contribute to a stronger workplace environment.
Those qualities can support employee engagement and retention.
The Job Shop’s current messaging emphasizes matching people with opportunities that fit their skills, experience, interests, and goals, while also highlighting pathways from temporary positions into full-time roles.
8. Soft Skills Matter for Frontline Employees
Soft skills aren’t only important for office or management positions.
They are critical for employees working in:
- Light industrial
- Manufacturing
- General labor
- Warehouse
- Logistics
- Food processing
- Distribution
- Skilled trades
- Clerical and administrative positions
These are key areas of The Job Shop’s staffing expertise.
For example, a manufacturing employee needs technical knowledge but also needs to communicate production or safety concerns.
A warehouse employee needs to understand their responsibilities but also needs to be dependable and communicate with coworkers.
A skilled trades professional needs technical expertise while also demonstrating accountability, communication, and teamwork.
An administrative employee needs job-specific knowledge while also communicating professionally with coworkers and customers.
Technical skills help employees do the work. Soft skills help employees work successfully with others.
9. Soft Skills Can Be Developed
Employers shouldn’t assume that soft skills are either present or absent.
Many soft skills can be developed through:
- Training
- Coaching
- Mentoring
- Feedback
- Experience
- Team projects
- Leadership opportunities
- Professional development
For example, an employee can become a stronger communicator through coaching and practice.
An employee can develop leadership skills by taking on additional responsibilities.
A new employee can improve problem-solving skills by working alongside experienced team members.
Employers don’t necessarily need to find a candidate who is perfect in every category.
Sometimes, the best candidate is someone with the right foundation and willingness to learn.
10. How Employers Can Evaluate Soft Skills During Interviews
Soft skills can be harder to measure than technical qualifications.
Behavioral interview questions can help employers understand how candidates have handled real workplace situations.
Consider asking:
“Tell me about a time you worked with a difficult coworker.”
This can reveal communication and conflict-resolution skills.
“Tell me about a mistake you made at work.”
This can reveal accountability and problem-solving.
“Describe a time you had to learn something new.”
This can reveal adaptability and willingness to learn.
“Tell me about a time you worked under pressure.”
This can reveal organization and professionalism.
“Tell me about a time you helped a teammate.”
This can reveal teamwork and initiative.
These questions help employers look beyond a resume and understand how a candidate may perform in real workplace situations.
11. Pay Attention to Soft Skills During the Hiring Process
Soft skills can be visible before an employee is even hired.
Employers can pay attention to how candidates interact throughout the hiring process.
For example:
Communication: Do they communicate clearly?
Reliability: Do they arrive on time?
Organization: Did they come prepared?
Professionalism: How do they interact with staff?
Adaptability: How do they respond to unexpected changes?
Initiative: Do they ask thoughtful questions?
Small behaviors can provide valuable insight into how someone approaches work.
12. Technical Skills Can Be Taught, but Attitude Matters
Many technical skills can be developed through training.
Employees can learn:
- Equipment operation
- Software
- Production procedures
- Inventory systems
- Company policies
- Safety procedures
However, qualities such as reliability, accountability, communication, and willingness to learn can sometimes be more difficult to develop.
That doesn’t mean technical skills aren’t important.
They absolutely are.
It means employers should evaluate the complete candidate.
Someone with strong soft skills and a willingness to learn may have significant long-term potential.
Soft Skills and Technical Skills Work Together
The strongest employees often bring both types of skills to the workplace.
Think about it this way:
Technical skills = Can you perform the job?
Soft skills = Can you perform the job effectively with other people?
Employers need both.
A machine operator needs to understand the equipment.
But they also need to communicate, follow safety procedures, work with coworkers, and respond appropriately when something goes wrong.
A warehouse employee needs to understand their responsibilities.
But they also need to be dependable, organized, and able to communicate.
A skilled trades professional needs technical expertise.
But they also need teamwork, accountability, communication, and problem-solving abilities.
An administrative professional needs technical knowledge.
But they also need organization, professionalism, communication, and customer-service skills.
The combination creates a stronger employee.
How Staffing Can Help Employers Find the Right Candidates
Finding candidates with the right combination of technical and soft skills can take time.
A staffing partner can help employers identify candidates based on the requirements of the position and the needs of the workplace.
The Job Shop offers temporary staffing, temp-to-hire, direct hire, and executive search services. Its process is designed to connect employers with candidates based on skills, experience, work ethic, and business needs.
Temporary Staffing
Temporary staffing can help businesses fill short-term or project-based workforce needs while maintaining flexibility.
Temp-to-Hire
Temp-to-hire staffing allows employers to evaluate an employee’s technical abilities, reliability, work ethic, and overall fit before making a long-term hiring decision.
Direct Hire
Direct hire can help employers find full-time talent without having to manage the entire sourcing and screening process themselves.
Executive Search
For leadership and specialized positions, executive search can help employers identify candidates with the experience and skills needed to make an impact.
The Job Shop combines local expertise with national resources and has more than 30 years of staffing industry experience.
Build a Workforce With Both Skills
The best hiring decisions don’t focus exclusively on resumes, certifications, or years of experience.
They consider the entire candidate.
Ask:
- Can they perform the technical requirements?
- Can they communicate?
- Can they work with a team?
- Are they dependable?
- Can they adapt?
- Are they willing to learn?
- Can they solve problems?
- Do they demonstrate a strong work ethic?
When businesses consider both technical skills and soft skills, they can make more informed hiring decisions and build teams that are better equipped for long-term success.
Find the Right Talent for Your Business
Finding employees with the right combination of technical qualifications and workplace skills doesn’t have to be difficult.
Request an Employee from The Job Shop to tell the team about your hiring needs and connect with staffing professionals who can help you find dependable talent.
If you’re looking for your next opportunity, you can also explore available jobs with The Job Shop and find opportunities that match your experience, interests, and goals.
Hire for skills. Look for potential. Build a stronger workforce.
