Imagine this: you’ve just landed your dream job interview.
You tick all the boxes on the technical side. You have the certifications, and your CV is full of impressive qualifications.
But there’s a catch. The interviewer is more interested in how you handle conflict. They want to know how you communicate with teammates and adapt to challenges. Suddenly, your technical expertise isn’t the only thing that matters.
This is the reality of today’s workplace. Technical skills are important for doing a job well.
Nowadays, soft skills are now just as important, if not more, for career success. But which one holds more weight? Let’s explore.
Understanding soft and technical skills
Before we dive into the debate, let’s define what we mean by soft and technical skills.
What are technical skills?
Technical skills, often called ‘hard skills’, refer to specific, teachable skills related to a particular job or industry.
These are the skills you can measure and test. Examples of technical skills include programming, financial modelling, graphic design, or data analysis. You can improve technical skills through formal education, professional corporate training, and hands-on experience.
For example, an accountant must be good at financial reporting and tax laws. A software developer needs to know coding languages.
These skills are essential for performing job-related tasks accurately and efficiently.
What are soft skills?
Soft skills, often called ‘people skills’, are the social attributes. They determine how you interact with others. Some soft skills include:
- Communication,
- Leadership,
- Customer service,
- Presentation skills,
- Flexibility,
- Problem-solving,
- Teamwork.
Unlike technical skills, they are harder to quantify but play a crucial role in workplace success.
Consider a project manager who can plan every detail of a project but has trouble motivating their team.
Without leadership and communication skills, their technical knowledge won’t be enough for success.
The growing importance of soft skills
There’s a reason why employers are paying more attention to soft skills.
Research shows that hiring managers value skills like communication, emotional intelligence, and problem-solving. These are just as important as technical skills.
Changing employer preferences
A recent report found that 95% of employers look for candidates with strong soft skills.
The reasoning is simple: you can learn technical skills, but soft skills take time to develop. Employees who work well with others, adapt easily, and show leadership help a company succeed in the long run.
Addressing the skills gap
Many businesses struggle to find candidates who have the right mix of technical and soft skills. A UK study found that 9 out of 10 employers find it difficult to fill positions because of a lack of essential soft skills. The problem is not only a lack of knowledge. There is a shortage of people who can communicate well, think critically, and work well in a team.
The relevance of technical skills
Soft skills are gaining attention, but that doesn’t mean technical skills are any less important. No amount of communication skills can help a software engineer who can’t code. The same goes for an architect who doesn’t understand design.
Industry-specific needs
Some industries rely heavily on technical skills. Professions in healthcare, IT, finance, and engineering demand a high level of expertise. Without these specialised skills, it’s impossible to perform essential job functions.
The impact of technology and automation
As industries evolve and automation takes over routine tasks, technical skills are changing. Professionals need to keep up with the latest tools.
Learning about new technologies, such as AI, to stay relevant in their fields is important. Continuous learning is key. Outdated technical knowledge can become a career roadblock.
Striking the right balance: why both matter
So, which is more important—soft skills or technical skills? The truth is, they go hand in hand. A well-rounded professional possesses both. Employers are looking for candidates who can do the job and thrive within a team.
Holistic skills development
Take sales teams as an example. They need technical skills to understand products, analyse customer data, and use CRM software. But they should also be persuasive and have relationship-building skills to close deals and maintain client trust. Without one or the other, success becomes much harder to achieve. Corporate sales training could improve sales managers’ skills by:
- Enhancing their leadership abilities.
- Communication techniques.
- Strategic decision-making
This will ultimately lead to increased sales performance and team productivity.
The role of corporate training programs
Organisations that invest in employee training are setting themselves up for success. Corporate training programmes teaching both technical skills and soft skills improve the workforce. They help employees become more competent, confident, and well-rounded employees.
The future of workplace skills
The workplace continues to evolve. This means the demand for a balance between soft and technical skills will only grow.
Shift toward skills-based hiring
Many companies are moving away from degree-based hiring. Instead, they are focusing on practical skills. This shift means professionals with a mix of technical and soft skills will have an advantage in the job market.
Continuous learning and flexibility
In a fast-changing world, the ability to learn, unlearn, and relearn is invaluable. Professionals who commit to lifelong learning will remain competitive. You can do so through formal training sessions, self-study, or hands-on experience.
Conclusion
So, what matters more—soft skills or technical skills? The answer isn’t one or the other; it’s both.
Technical skills are important for doing specific jobs. However, soft skills show how well you work with others. They help you adapt to challenges and grow in your career.
For professionals, investing in both skill sets is the key to long-term success. For businesses, offering corporate training courses that include both technical and people skills will create stronger teams. More importantly, instructor-led training will also improve their performance.
If you’re looking to develop a well-rounded workforce, ISM Dubai can help. Our custom corporate training courses in Dubai equip workers in both technical and soft skills. This helps them succeed in today’s changing workplace. Get in touch with us today to learn more!