How to Showcase Soft Skills in a Digital Hiring Environment

Your virtual interview is approaching quickly, and you might be unsure about how to effectively showcase the intangible qualities that make you a strong candidate through a computer screen. Soft skills such as communication, adaptability, and emotional intelligence are highly valued, especially in hybrid and remote work environments, so it’s important to accurately convey these qualities. Below are some strategies to help you effectively demonstrate these soft skills, which often go beyond what is on your resume, even without in-person interaction. 

1. Communication

Effective communication remains a top priority for employers when hiring for any role but is particularly top of mind in remote and hybrid work environments. To most effectively convey your communication skills in an interview, we suggest: 

• Coming Prepared: Do your research about the organization and review its communication style. You can typically tell by the way the company interacts with its clients or on its website if they are looking for a more buttoned-up, formal communicator or a more down-to-earth, casual one. From there, you can mold your interaction with the Hiring Manager to the organization’s preference. 
• Being Clear & Concise: Try your best to speak clearly and avoid rambling. A common interview technique is called the “STAR” method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Utilizing this method helps you communicate concisely. 
• Active Listening: Listen intently to the interviewer and maintain strong eye contact through the camera to showcase that you are engaged in the conversation. Nod your head and ask follow-up questions to further demonstrate your interest. 
• Following Up: For all interviews, virtual and in-person alike, it is always best practice to send a follow-up email thanking the interviewer for meeting with you and expressing continued interest in the position. If you are working with an Atrium Recruiter, you can have them review your thank you note and deliver it to the Hiring Manager on your behalf. 

2. Adaptability

We’re all aware of some of the challenges of remote work, whether it be frozen screens and audio glitches or ever-changing tools and environments. Being able to adapt and pivot when faced with these challenges is essential for your success in a new role. Here’s how to display adaptability: 

• Highlight Experience: Use examples from your career where you successfully navigated change. Whether it was transitioning to remote work during the pandemic, learning a new software tool, or stepping into a new role, demonstrate your ability to pivot quickly into something unexpected. 
• Exhibit Flexibility: If any technical issues arise during your virtual interview process, address them quickly and calmly. Being composed under pressure signals to employers that you can handle challenges gracefully. 
• Be Open to New Tech: Different companies utilize different technology. Familiarize yourself with the tools the company with which you are interviewing uses and express willingness to learn new tools as needed. 

3. Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence (EQ) is the ability to understand, use, and manage your own emotions, as well as the emotions of others. It is a key component of collaboration and leadership skills. Here are a few ways to show your EQ:  

• Self-awareness: We all know the infamous “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” question. When this question is asked, emphasize how you use self-awareness to maintain balance under pressure, manage relationships, or lead projects remotely to showcase your EQ.  
• Empathy: Empathy is the key to successful collaboration. Be sure to demonstrate times you’ve used empathy to help resolve conflicts or provide support to your colleagues when working with others. 

Landing the Job 

Soft skills such as communication, adaptability, and emotional intelligence are always in demand. By effectively showcasing these skills in virtual interviews and remote assessments, you can make a strong impression on potential employers. Remember to prepare for effective communication, demonstrate adaptability in the face of challenges, and exhibit emotional intelligence through self-awareness and empathy.  These strategies will help you stand out and land the job you want. 

Originally published by Atrium. Reprinted with permission.