When you are searching for a candidate to fill a technical position in your organization, it is easy to focus on their abilities alone. However, there are several soft skills software engineers, and other tech-focused individuals should have. Be sure if you are looking to hire a software engineer that they have these five soft skills.
1. Teamwork
One important soft skill your software engineer candidates should have is teamwork. Even though engineers typically work alone, they will need to be able to communicate effectively and work with others. More often than not, the tech team will need to collaborate with other members of the staff. Collaboration means they will also be skilled listeners and communicators. Any organization that has engineers working for them needs to ensure they will work well with others.
2. Multitasking
Software engineers are often asked to be working on more than one project at a time. Because of this, the ideal candidate needs to be able to prioritize important tasks and manage multiple projects at a time. They should also be able to manage numerous due dates and be able to thrive on deadlines. Organization and being able to manage expectations are essential for this as well properly.
3. Attention to Detail
A good software engineer will be detail-oriented. This means doing small things like version control and data backups to ensure nothing valuable is lost. They will also employ testing strategies to make sure the system they developed is working properly. Paying attention to detail also means the perfect candidate will have strong critical thinking skills, creativity, and expertise with data analytics.
4. Problem-Solving Skills
Every software engineer needs to have good problem-solving skills. Being a good problem solver involves many of the characteristics listed above. They will need to pay attention to detail, be able to multitask, and communicate with others. Software engineers will also be able to identify problems and potential solutions while clearly communicating what needs to be done. They won’t crack under pressure and will be reliable when problems arise.
5. Computer Coding
Last, but not least, software engineers need to have some computer coding skills. For the most part, engineers are fluent in one or two “computer languages,” such as Javascript, HTML, CSS, and a long list of others. Depending on your business’ needs, you may need your software engineer to be fluent in one or more of these computer coding languages.
If your company uses coding that isn’t as well-known, you may consider adding a development opportunity to the organization that allows for learning. Then, instead of computer coding as a soft skill to seek out, you can focus on finding someone who learns quickly and may have expertise in other computer languages. Being adaptable and willing to learn is key for many engineers’ success.
Find the Right Candidate
Staffing agencies, like Timpl, can help you find the right candidate for your company, whether you are looking for a software engineer or another key member of your team. Let's chat about we can assist your organization.
