In the healthcare and information technology sectors, demonstrating the right mix of hard and soft skills can be a game-changer for both candidates and employers. At Global Service Resources, founded in 1993 and headquartered in Burbank, California, we have seen firsthand how exceptional interpersonal attributes can elevate an employee’s overall performance far beyond what technical know-how alone can achieve. Below, we explore five essential soft skills that organizations should prioritize in their next hire.
Mastering the Art of Communication
Effective communication is the foundation of any high-functioning team. Whether in healthcare, where patient instructions must be delivered with absolute clarity, or in IT, where developers must articulate system requirements effectively, strong communication ensures productivity and minimizes errors.
Employees who actively listen, express ideas clearly, and adapt their messaging to different audiences create seamless workflows and stronger team cohesion. Interviewers can assess this skill by asking scenario-based questions about conflict resolution, handling unexpected changes, and clarifying complex concepts.
In smaller organizations, where cross-functional collaboration is common, clear communication becomes even more critical. Employees who can explain complex tasks in straightforward terms—such as a software engineer guiding a financial analyst through a new tool—help maintain efficiency and reduce bottlenecks.
Navigating Change Through Adaptability
Rapid changes in regulations, technologies, and market conditions require professionals who can pivot without losing focus. In healthcare, new patient protocols may arise suddenly, while IT professionals must frequently adjust project scopes based on evolving client demands.
Adaptable employees view change as an opportunity rather than an obstacle. During interviews, hiring managers can ask candidates to describe a time they had to shift their approach quickly. Candidates who demonstrate resilience, problem-solving, and initiative in response to challenges are valuable assets to any organization.
For smaller businesses, where every hire plays a crucial role, adaptability ensures smooth transitions during company growth, restructuring, or unexpected industry shifts. Having team members who embrace change rather than resist it contributes to a company’s long-term success.
Fostering Empathy in Team Dynamics
Empathy is the backbone of teamwork and collaboration. In high-pressure environments like emergency rooms or cybersecurity centers, understanding colleagues’ perspectives fosters trust and enhances overall efficiency.
A physician who recognizes signs of staff burnout and adjusts scheduling accordingly, or a project manager who acknowledges an engineer’s frustration and offers support rather than criticism, helps build positive work environments. Hiring managers should assess candidates’ empathy by asking them to describe a time they helped resolve a misunderstanding or supported a struggling colleague.
Empathetic employees improve workplace morale, reduce conflict, and encourage collaboration. They contribute to a work culture where individuals feel valued, which leads to higher engagement and retention.
Cultivating Emotional Intelligence Under Pressure
Emotional intelligence (EI) encompasses self-awareness, self-regulation, and social awareness—key qualities in high-stress roles. A nurse who remains composed during peak patient hours or an IT specialist who calmly handles a system failure demonstrates strong EI.
During the hiring process, employers can evaluate EI by asking candidates how they handle critical feedback or high-pressure deadlines. Candidates who describe using strategies such as prioritization, mindfulness, and constructive communication showcase resilience and maturity.
For smaller organizations, where the impact of individual emotions is magnified, hiring emotionally intelligent employees ensures smoother teamwork, stronger leadership, and a healthier workplace environment.
Unleashing the Power of Team Spirit
Collaboration is a defining factor in successful businesses. Healthcare teams require seamless coordination among nurses, physicians, and administrative staff, while IT firms rely on developers, analysts, and quality assurance teams working together to meet deadlines.
To assess a candidate’s teamwork abilities, employers can conduct group interviews or team-based exercises. Observing how candidates navigate brainstorming sessions, contribute to discussions, and acknowledge others’ input provides insight into their collaborative mindset.
Employees with strong team spirit promote knowledge sharing, encourage peer development, and create a positive workplace culture. Their willingness to collaborate ensures that projects move forward efficiently and with collective success in mind.
By prioritizing communication, adaptability, empathy, emotional intelligence, and teamwork, businesses can build a workforce that excels under pressure, collaborates effectively, and adapts to evolving challenges. While technical expertise remains essential in healthcare and IT, soft skills set apart professionals who can truly drive long-term success.
When hiring, organizations should incorporate behavioral interviews, scenario-based questions, and role-playing exercises to assess these skills. Investing in candidates who possess strong interpersonal abilities leads to higher retention, better workplace morale, and improved overall performance.
At Global Service Resources, we believe that blending technical skills with interpersonal strengths results in exceptional hires.
