Soft skills to look for in tech candidates

In the rapidly evolving world of technology, it’s easy to focus primarily on technical expertise when evaluating job candidates. However, the most successful IT teams are not just a collection of brilliant coders or infrastructure wizards; they’re diverse groups of individuals who possess a rich tapestry of soft skills. These abilities enable professionals to adapt, communicate, and collaborate effectively, making them indispensable for growth and innovation in any tech-driven organization.

Why Soft Skills Matter in Tech

Technical prowess can get a candidate through the door, but soft skills are what help them—and the teams they join—thrive over the long term. As projects grow more complex and cross-functional, the need for clear communication, empathy, and adaptability has only intensified. Successful teams are those that can bridge the gaps between developers, designers, project managers, and stakeholders, creating a cohesive environment where ideas are translated into reality.

Soft skills are the connective tissue that transforms individual technical ability into collective achievement.

Key Soft Skills in IT Hiring

Let’s explore the essential soft skills every hiring manager should consider when evaluating tech candidates. While these skills are valuable in any field, their importance in technology is amplified by the collaborative and dynamic nature of IT work.

1. Communication

Effective communication is the bedrock of successful technology initiatives. This encompasses not only the ability to articulate complex ideas clearly, but also to listen actively and tailor one’s message to varied audiences. Whether it’s explaining a technical concept to a non-technical stakeholder or documenting code for future developers, communication skills are crucial.

What to look for: Candidates who can break down intricate concepts, ask clarifying questions, and provide thoughtful feedback. Watch for those who can communicate across cultures and time zones, as remote and distributed teams are increasingly the norm.

2. Collaboration and Teamwork

Modern tech projects are rarely solo endeavors. From agile squads to DevOps pipelines, collaboration is part of day-to-day life. The most valuable team members are those who can work alongside colleagues from diverse backgrounds, respectfully challenge ideas, and contribute to a positive and productive team dynamic.

What to look for: Evidence of past collaboration, willingness to share credit, and openness to peer review. Look for candidates who use inclusive language and demonstrate an appreciation for different perspectives.

3. Adaptability and Flexibility

Change is a constant in the world of technology. New frameworks emerge, priorities shift, and unexpected challenges arise. Adaptable professionals can pivot with changing circumstances, remain calm under pressure, and embrace continuous learning.

What to look for: Stories of handling ambiguity, learning new skills on the fly, and thriving in environments where requirements evolve. Candidates who demonstrate resilience and a growth mindset are invaluable as technology continues to advance.

4. Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking

While technical knowledge is essential, the ability to approach problems creatively and critically is what separates good engineers from great ones. Tech professionals frequently encounter “unknown unknowns”—issues without obvious solutions that require structured thinking and persistence.

What to look for: Examples of troubleshooting complex issues, weighing trade-offs, and making decisions based on incomplete information. Ask about moments when a candidate’s initial solution failed and how they regrouped or sought alternative approaches.

5. Empathy

Empathy is often overlooked in technical hiring, yet it’s fundamental to building user-centric products and inclusive teams. An empathetic technologist considers the perspectives of users, peers, and stakeholders, ensuring that technology serves real human needs.

What to look for: Candidates who ask about the end users, consider accessibility, and show understanding of the challenges faced by colleagues. Empathy is especially important when supporting neurodivergent colleagues or working in multicultural teams.

6. Initiative and Self-Motivation

Technology moves quickly, and waiting for instructions can mean missed opportunities. The best IT professionals are proactive—they identify areas for improvement, volunteer for challenging projects, and seek out learning opportunities without constant direction.

What to look for: Evidence of self-driven learning, contributions to open-source projects, or involvement in tech communities. Candidates who take ownership and drive positive change, even in small ways, can have an outsized impact.

7. Time Management and Prioritization

With deadlines looming and priorities shifting, the ability to manage time and tasks efficiently is non-negotiable. Tech professionals must juggle multiple projects, handle interruptions, and deliver quality work on schedule.

What to look for: Techniques for organizing work, setting boundaries, and communicating about delays or shifting priorities. Candidates who can explain how they stay focused and productive in the face of competing demands stand out.

8. Receptivity to Feedback

In healthy tech teams, feedback is frequent and constructive. Professionals who are open to feedback—not just from managers, but also from peers and end users—are more likely to improve and contribute to a culture of continuous improvement.

What to look for: Examples of incorporating feedback into work, responding to criticism with curiosity rather than defensiveness, and offering constructive comments to others.

Soft Skills and Neurodiversity

It’s crucial to recognize that neurodivergent tech professionals—those with ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and other neurological differences—may demonstrate soft skills in unique ways. Standard interview questions might not fully capture their strengths. For instance, someone with autism may communicate more directly, but excel in pattern recognition or deep focus. Building inclusive hiring practices means valuing diverse expressions of soft skills and creating spaces where all technologists can shine.

Neurodiversity enriches tech teams with fresh perspectives and approaches to problem-solving, making thoughtful evaluation of soft skills essential.

Assessing Soft Skills in Practice

Identifying soft skills effectively requires moving beyond traditional interview formats. Consider incorporating:

• Behavioral interviews using real-world scenarios
• Pair programming or group exercises to observe collaboration
• Situational judgment tests that simulate workplace challenges
• Feedback loops where candidates respond to hypothetical peer review

An empathetic, flexible approach helps uncover hidden strengths and ensures candidates are assessed fairly, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds or with neurodivergent profiles.

Growing Soft Skills Within Tech Teams

Hiring for soft skills is only the beginning. To truly nurture these abilities, organizations must foster a culture where communication, collaboration, and empathy are not just valued but actively developed. This means:

• Providing ongoing training and mentorship in both technical and interpersonal skills
• Encouraging knowledge sharing and cross-functional projects
• Recognizing and rewarding soft skill contributions, not just technical achievements
• Designing onboarding and leadership programs with a focus on inclusion and emotional intelligence

When team members see that soft skills are prioritized, they feel empowered to speak up, support one another, and grow beyond their job descriptions.

Soft Skills for Women and Underrepresented Groups in Tech

For women and other underrepresented groups, soft skills are sometimes double-edged: they are often expected to demonstrate higher levels of empathy and emotional labor, yet their technical contributions can be undervalued. It’s vital for hiring managers to recognize and reward both technical and soft skill strengths, providing clear growth paths and support systems.

Creating equitable tech workplaces means cultivating environments where every individual’s communication style and collaborative approach are respected and celebrated.

Mentorship, affinity groups, and transparent feedback channels all play a role in ensuring that soft skills are nurtured equitably across the team.

The Evolving Role of Soft Skills in a Tech-Driven World

As artificial intelligence, automation, and remote work reshape the landscape, the premium on soft skills will only increase. Algorithms can optimize code, but true innovation comes from humans who can empathize, adapt, and inspire. By seeking out and supporting candidates with strong soft skills, tech organizations position themselves for resilience and creativity in the face of constant change.

Ultimately, it is the blend of technical expertise and human insight that propels both individuals and organizations forward in technology. As you build your teams, remember that while the tools may change, the value of empathy, adaptability, and collaboration endures.