It’s easy to think the most important skills for tech roles are indeed technical – after all, it’s in the name! However, with the rise of AI and automation comes employers’ growing emphasis on soft skills. According to AISS Training, soft-skill-intensive occupations are expected to account for two-thirds (63%) of all jobs in Australia by 2030 – yet there is a significant skills shortage in the Australian market.
In tech, top talent possesses a range of both soft and hard skills that enable them to communicate effectively, collaborate with others and adapt to changing environments. We will highlight the six key soft skills that can help you stand out when hunting for your ideal role.
1. Communication
As many as 70% of global employers indicate that communication is the most desirable skill for potential recruits to have, making it an essential attribute for tech professionals. In tech roles, effective communication is not just about exchanging information – it’s about conveying complex technical concepts in a way that is easily understood by both technical and non-technical stakeholders alike.
For example, explaining the intricacies of a software feature to a marketing team requires simplifying jargon without losing the essence of the technical details. The ability to translate complex ideas into layman’s terms ensures that everyone involved in a project is on the same page. It’s why interview questions like ‘Explain _______ (technical concept) to a five-year-old’ are so common in tech job interviews!
2. Emotional Intelligence (EI)
Emotional intelligence (EI) is another critical soft skill for tech professionals in the increasingly collaborative and dynamic work environments of 2024. According to Monash University, EI refers to ‘the ability to understand, use, and manage your own emotions in positive ways to relieve stress, communicate effectively, empathise with others, overcome challenges and defuse conflict.’
A tech professional with high EI can manage interpersonal relationships with empathy, helping support a positive and productive work environment.
3. Cultural Awareness
With the rise of remote work and the globalisation of tech jobs, cultural awareness is becoming an increasingly important skill for tech professionals. The ability to communicate with colleagues from other cultures and work with diverse clients rests on the ability to recognise and respect different cultural norms.
4. Adaptability
Adaptability is an important trait for ICT jobs, for which rapid change is the norm. In fact, LinkedIn’s top 2024 ‘skill of the moment’ was adaptability, reflecting the pace of change we’re seeing in organisations. Given the rapid advancements in AI over the past two years, the ability to embrace change is essential for keeping your skills current. Having a love of continuous learning will increase your standing as a candidate for all kinds of tech roles, regardless of rank or industry!
5. Analytical Thinking
Analytical thinking – a methodical approach to problem-solving and decision-making – is a cornerstone of tech roles. According to the World Economic Forum, more companies consider it a core skill than any other.
This is no surprise, considering the broad relevance of analytical thinking to all aspects of tech jobs – from breaking down complex technical problems to problem-solving in stakeholder relationships. Professionals with strong analytical thinking can quickly get to the root cause of problems and identify solutions – always an attractive skill to employers.
6. Collaboration
Collaboration is particularly vital for tech roles, with projects often requiring cooperation from multiple departments such as marketing, sales and customer support. Effective collaboration ultimately relies on the strong interpersonal skills of a team, including building positive relationships with colleagues, showing empathy and actively listening to others’ perspectives.
Speak to the Tech Recruitment Experts
Focusing on your soft skills development is a wise career move and will put you in good stead for a wide range of tech jobs. Strengthening soft skills will not only contribute to your career success – they’ll also help you grow as a person.
As specialists in tech recruitment in Australia, we understand what top tech employers are searching for. For assistance finding your dream role, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today!
