In the world of IT, technical expertise often takes center stage during the hiring process. However, hiring managers know that a candidate’s long-term success isn’t just about coding languages or system architectures—it’s about how well they adapt, communicate, and thrive within a team. In fact, the difference between a good hire and a great one often comes down to soft skills.
We gathered insights from top IT hiring managers through interviews on the Tech Talent Today podcast. Drawing from conversations with leaders, here are the top five soft skills to prioritize when hiring IT talent.
1. Problem-Solving Ability
Technical skills may help diagnose an issue, but problem-solving skills determine how effectively a candidate can find innovative solutions. IT professionals face complex, evolving challenges daily, and their approach to tackling problems speaks volumes about their capability.
Rob Diamond, VP Security Architecture/Engineering Manager, assesses this by introducing unfamiliar concepts during interviews. He observes how candidates apply new information on the spot, which reveals their problem-solving process and adaptability.
2. Adaptability
The tech landscape changes rapidly. New tools, frameworks, and security protocols emerge regularly, and the best IT professionals are those who can pivot without missing a beat.
Adaptable candidates are quick learners who embrace change, making them valuable assets in environments where priorities shift frequently.
3. Communication Skills
Strong communication isn’t just about speaking clearly; it’s about translating technical jargon into language that stakeholders, clients, and non-technical team members can understand. Effective communicators ensure projects stay on track and cross-functional teams remain aligned.
Sravan Muthiraj, VP Chief Product Owner, emphasizes that successful interviews are a two-way street. When hiring managers approach interviews with curiosity and aim to connect, candidates naturally reveal their communication style and ability to articulate complex ideas with clarity.
4. Emotional Intelligence (EQ)
Emotional intelligence is the ability to understand and manage one’s emotions while empathizing with others. IT projects often involve high-pressure situations, and professionals with high EQ navigate conflicts, offer constructive feedback, and maintain strong team dynamics.
Pasquale Cirullo, Vice President of IT, evaluates EQ by asking candidates why they left previous roles and what drew them to new opportunities. This approach sheds light on their self-awareness, motivations, and interpersonal dynamics—key indicators of emotional intelligence.
5. Time Management
IT professionals juggle multiple priorities, from tight project deadlines to unexpected system issues. Strong time management skills ensure they can deliver quality work efficiently without burnout.
During interviews, inquire about how candidates prioritize tasks or handle competing deadlines. Look for specific examples where they successfully managed time-sensitive projects without sacrificing quality.
Putting it All Together:
While technical skills get candidates through the door, it’s the soft skills that keep them thriving in your organization. Problem-solving, adaptability, communication, emotional intelligence, and time management are the cornerstones of IT success.
Want to dive deeper into how top IT leaders assess these skills? Check out the interview clips here: Work Together – Clearmont Technologies