What Are Interpersonal Skills

Interpersonal skills are a person’s soft skills needed to successfully communicate with the people surrounding them, whether their family, friends, or professional relationships. This is why they are often called “people skills”. The effectiveness of the interaction depends solely on these individual abilities to show empathy, teamwork, and emotional intelligence, among others.

Unlike hard skills, which are typically job-specific and easily measurable, interpersonal skills suit various roles and industries. They show a person’s ability to navigate social interactions and situations, build relationships, and positively contribute to team dynamics.

Importance in the Workplace

Strong interpersonal skills are crucial in the professional environment.They shape how people interact with colleagues, clients, and stakeholders.These skills go beyond technical expertise and contribute significantly to a positive workplace and overall productivity.

Communicating effectively, working well in teams, and adapting to changing situations is often as valuable as job-specific hard skills in collaborative work settings. Employers realise that employees with good interpersonal skills can foster better relationships, resolve conflicts more easily, and contribute to a more harmonious and productive workplace culture. This is why learning and developing interpersonal skills is highly desirable for any aspiring candidate.

Communication Skills

Effective communication is the cornerstone of successful professional relationships and is essential for career success. It encompasses verbal and written forms, although the emphasis is on the ability to initiate and maintain direct face-to-face communication. Strong interpersonal skills can help build rapport, influence decisions, and lead teams effectively.

Verbal Communication

Verbal communication skills involve expressing ideas clearly and concisely in direct interactions, meetings, and presentations. It’s about articulating thoughts in a way that others can easily understand. The rule also applies the other way around: active listening to colleagues and clients is a virtue that seems to fall behind but is an equally important interpersonal skill responsible for bridging the gaps between professionals and making the way for healthy and successful two-way communication.

Written Communication

We must admit that in this digital era, written communication occurs more often than its verbal counterpart. Its importance is emphasized by the increased need to craft clear, concise, and professional emails, reports, and other documents. Communication barriers and misunderstandings can be easily diminished by a single well-written message. You can showcase this communication skill by incorporating a mandatory motivational letter in your recruitment process: good writers’ words will immediately catch the employer’s attention.

Teamwork and Collaboration

Today’s pace often requires input from various departments and individuals simultaneously. This situation demands a high level of teamwork and collaboration throughout the company’s processes.

Working with Others

Sometimes, solo workers can make a difference, but only on specific tasks. For most other professional assignments, you need collaborative team players who can respect diverse viewpoints, contribute ideas, and support team goals. A valuable team member can integrate seamlessly into various sectors, share knowledge, and work towards common objectives. They also know how to get the best out of their teammates, showcasing leadership skills.

Conflict Resolution

Conflicts are an inevitable part of our professional life. What is important here is the skill to manage and resolve them successfully. This involves listening empathetically, finding common ground, and working towards mutually beneficial solutions. Effective conflict resolution can turn potential obstacles into opportunities for growth and improve team dynamics.

Adaptability and Flexibility

Adaptability and flexibility are important interpersonal skills in this rapidly changing professional world. What is once considered successful can quickly become a failure. Adjusting to new situations, embracing change, and remaining productive in the face of uncertainty is crucial more than ever.

Employers are searching for people who went through challenging industry periods, quickly learned new skills and adapted to changing priorities. If you hear these people talking about their turbulent experiences with a positive attitude, you should know they are masters of adaptability and flexibility. During your job interview, showcase how you have adopted new technologies – any use of the popular AI tools will spark an interest in your potential employer’s eyes. Also, think about the organisational changes you have gone through and the new responsibilities you have taken – they can present how you are better equipped to thrive in a dynamic work environment.

Problem-Solving Skills

Problem-solving skills are essential in almost every job position. They demonstrate the ability to identify issues, analyse situations, and develop effective solutions. Strong problem-solvers are assets to any team, as they can help navigate challenges and improve processes.

To demonstrate interpersonal skills, candidates display their analytical thinking, creativity, and practical application of their knowledge. More importantly, they approach challenges with a clear mind, considering different perspectives and implementing solutions that address the root cause of issues.

Critical Thinking and Analysis

To improve interpersonal skills, candidates should implement critical thinking and analysis. Critical thinking is a key component of problem-solving. It involves the ability to objectively analyse information, evaluate arguments, and make reasoned judgements. Critical thinkers can assess complex situations, identify potential risks and opportunities, and make informed decisions that benefit the organisation.

Leadership Skills

Leadership skills are maybe one of the most popular people skills. Their presence is accompanied by a high level of emotional intelligence. They are valuable at all levels of an organisation and not just at the top. They encompass the ability to motivate and inspire others, make decisions, and take responsibility for outcomes.

These aspects can easily recognise effective leaders:

  • Strong communication
  • Emotional intelligence
  • Delegate tasks appropriately
  • Set clear goals
  • Provide constructive feedback
  • Value their team members

Even if you are not applying for a managerial role, these interpersonal abilities can help you take initiative, mentor colleagues, and contribute to a positive work environment.

Better Chances For Employment with Interpersonal Skills

Highlighting your interpersonal skills on your CV can significantly increase your chances of securing your dream job. These interpersonal skills demonstrate to potential employers that you’re not just technically proficient but also capable of working well with others and contributing positively to the workplace culture.

Don’t worry if you think you don’t have them. To develop interpersonal skills and include them in your CV, focus on self-assessment and practical implementation in your daily professional life. Reflect on your accomplishments and areas for improvement, and actively seek opportunities to apply these skills in real situations.

By showcasing your interpersonal skills effectively, you can set yourself apart from other candidates and successfully take the next step in your career journey.

Land Your Dream Job with Olive Recruit

Enhance your resume with essential interpersonal skills that drive career success. Highlight your unique blend of skills with the help of Olive Recruit’s experienced recruiters.

We work closely with candidates to ensure their resumes effectively display their full range of abilities, especially the interpersonal skills they possess.

Contact Olive Recruit now if you want to apply within our extensive network of employers and industries.