To become a successful software engineer, you must have more than one technical skill. Those days are gone when knowing how to code was enough. Nowadays, recruiters and hiring managers now seek out engineers who are not only amazing in what they do but who bring important soft skills required to interact effectively with their team on a regular basis.
Why are soft skills significant for engineers? No matter how big or small your organization is, as a software engineer you are never working in vacuum-whatever you do is always an important part of a large system. You should be able to communicate and collaborate with other engineers who are working on various pieces of that system, as well as the cross-functionality with designers, product managers, and others who contribute to the system’s design that you will help in implementation.
When you think about it in this manner, soft skills are not simply about making yourself and the people who are around you feel good. Being able to apply them can also make a huge difference in creating an efficient product and positive user experience.
Keep on reading to learn about the most significant soft skills that you will require as an engineer- and why those skills will not only help you in getting hired but also get a better job daily.
- Communication
No matter what the job is, communication plays a vital role in achieving success for an engineer. Recruiters look for those candidates who can communicate their thoughts concisely and clearly. It is not only important to communicate with fellow engineers, but it is also important to work with the non-technical people also. There will definitely be times when you have to collaborate with individuals in other departments, whether you are trying to understand the project requirements or you have to explain to a stakeholder why something cannot be done as per their request, and you must be skilled enough to break things down as much simple as possible. Many recruiters say that communication is the first and foremost soft skill they look for while taking the interview. It is all about the conversation to find how well a person can communicate about themselves and their work.
Soft skills associated with communication include:
- Active listening
- Public speaking
- Verbal and non-verbal communication
- Writing skills
- Empathy
- Leadership
- Teamwork
- Diplomacy
- Patience
- Intellectual Curiosity
Hiring managers and recruiters are always eager to know whether they are a lifelong learner or not, someone who is eager to evolve and stay updated in their skillset. Technology is evolving. Whatever you have learned, even if it was three months ago, might no longer be applicable in your current role. You must have a desire to learn new things as it is an ongoing procedure.
Soft skills associated with intellectual curiosity are:
- Research
- Problem-solving
- Innovation
- Creativity
- Troubleshooting
- Critical thinking
- Brainstorming
- Open to Feedback
When you execute tasks at work, it is important not just to listen to feedback (both negative and positive), but you should apply it too as per the situation. Being open to feedback is an important quality that recruiters look for while conducting an interview for engineering roles.
Soft skills related to openness to feedback are:
- Collaboration
- Adaptability
- Self-awareness
- Respectfulness
- Managing your emotions
- Flexibility
- Humility
- Resilience