Adapting, collaborating, leading, and communicating effectively are the key traits that elevate technical talent to professional excellence in an ever-evolving industry.
Imagine you’re working on a complex digital product design at your studio. The project feels daunting; the kickoff meeting and client documentation at Notion haven’t clarified the challenge. The subject matter is so technical it’s hard to grasp, and you’re stuck between creating a modern design and adhering to the conservative codes of the banking sector. What do you do? Push through autonomously and hope for the best? Raise your hand and ask for help? Voice your confusion and request more information?
The clock is ticking, and the task is taking longer than planned. To make things more stressful, your team has recently implemented a new design system you haven’t fully mastered yet.
This situation could easily ruin a Monday—or, on the contrary, be a chance to showcase your professionalism by opening the right doors. This is the reality of today’s workplace, especially in the remote-first era. These scenarios highlight the growing importance of soft skills in the tech industry—a field that’s rapidly evolving and reshaping how we approach work.
Over the past five years as Head of People at Z1, I’ve witnessed constant change. When I joined, we were a team of 20; At one point, we reached as many as one hundred! I built the People department from scratch, navigating a whirlwind of transformation accelerated by the pandemic. None of this is taught in college. Nobody prepares you for how quickly the ground can shift beneath your feet, forcing you to reinvent your role to keep things running smoothly.
In my experience, soft skills—personal traits essential for workplace success—have taken on an unprecedented level of importance. These include:
- interpersonal skills, or how we relate to others
- intrapersonal skills, or how we relate to ourselves
- professional skills, or how we approach our work
In a recent talk, I asked the audience what percentage of a hiring decision is influenced by soft skills. Their consensus: soft skills now account for 50% of the equation. These are the traits that distinguish good employees from outstanding ones.
Yet, if we value soft skills so highly, why aren’t we trained in them? Why don’t we dedicate time to developing them? A common misconception is that soft skills are tied to personality traits. While it’s true that some people are naturally more organized, communicative, or independent, these abilities can and should be cultivated. For instance, if you’re introverted, that’s fine—but it’s valuable to acknowledge it, communicate your preferences, and actively work on improving how you engage with others, just as you refine your technical expertise.
A common misconception is that soft skills are tied to personality traits.
At Z1, we’ve made soft skills a core part of our recruiting process. Candidates undergo situational interviews where we present real-world scenarios to gauge how they’d respond. The ability to navigate these situations is crucial, particularly in tech. Through years of experience, I’ve identified the following soft skills as essential in our field:
1. Flexibility
A classic interview question might ask whether it’s better to deliver a product on time or to release it late but polished. This speaks directly to flexibility: the ability to adapt to change and choose the best course of action for the situation.
In tech, flexibility is non-negotiable. The tools and technologies we learn today may become obsolete tomorrow. Being adaptable means embracing an ever-changing environment, learning quickly, and aligning with diverse international standards. At Z1, we seek candidates who understand that the strongest professional isn’t the most aggressive but the one who adapts best to their surroundings.
2. Collaboration
If your team proposes an idea you believe won’t work, how do you handle it? Some might shy away from disagreement, while others may insist on their perspective at all costs. Both approaches miss the mark.
Collaboration involves raising concerns or ideas respectfully and engaging in healthy debate. It’s about finding common ground and contributing constructively to the project. Remember, we spend a third of our lives working alongside others—so ask yourself: Am I collaborating effectively?
3. Organization
Efficiently managing tasks and time is a skill that often goes overlooked. How do you organize your workload each day?
Many talented professionals struggle because they take on too much and fail to deliver. Knowing your resources, prioritizing tasks, and understanding your limits are essential for success. Being organized also means learning to say no when necessary. At Z1, we look for candidates who demonstrate thoughtful planning and use tools like calendars and task managers to stay on top of their commitments.
4. Commitment
Commitment isn’t just about loyalty to an organization—it starts with a commitment to yourself, your work, and your growth as a professional.
In the tech sector, which offers strong job prospects and competitive salaries, some people prioritize stability over passion. While this isn’t inherently wrong, it can make cultivating enthusiasm, persistence, and a positive attitude more challenging. Genuine commitment fuels continuous learning and development, which benefits both the individual and the company.
5. Initiative
Initiative is the ability to identify opportunities for improvement and act on them without waiting for instructions. In tech, this proactive mindset is invaluable.
For example, if you notice a more efficient way to approach a task or process, would you suggest it? Initiative doesn’t mean rushing into changes without thought—it’s about striking a balance and ensuring your actions align with team goals. Professionals who hesitate to take the lead often limit their own growth and that of their organization.
6. Autonomy
Remote work has made autonomy more important than ever. A common question to assess this skill is: When faced with a challenge, do you prefer to figure it out alone or ask for help?
The best approach lies in balance. Trying independently shows initiative, but knowing when to seek help saves time and avoids unnecessary delays. A good rule of thumb: if you can’t resolve an issue within 20 minutes, ask for assistance. Effective autonomy stems from understanding company processes and building a network of support.
7. Effective communication
We are what we think, but to others, we are what we communicate. This includes both effective and affective communication—expressing ourselves clearly while considering the emotional impact of our words.
Constructive feedback is a prime example. It focuses on improvement, not criticism, and is delivered with the intent of helping colleagues grow. Clear, timely, and empathetic communication strengthens teamwork and fosters trust.
8. Emotional awareness and management
Emotions are inseparable from who we are—they don’t vanish when we start our workday. Recognizing and managing emotions, both our own and others’, is vital for navigating challenges.
For example, responding to conflict requires pausing to assess whether we’re acting out of anger or frustration. Increased emotional awareness leads to better problem-solving and healthier workplace relationships.
Increased emotional awareness leads to better problem-solving and healthier workplace relationships.
Practical tips for acing soft skills-focused interviews
To wrap up, I’d like to share practical tips for excelling in interviews that focus on soft skills. Keep in mind that in a fast-evolving job market, soft skills are not just an add-on; they are one of the foundational pillars on which we build our careers. Be prepared to give them the attention they deserve.
Preparation: Reflect on specific examples where you have demonstrated the skills mentioned. An iterative draft can be beneficial.
Situational interview: Be ready to respond to hypothetical scenarios with real-life examples.
Continuous development: Soft skills are trainable, just like any other skill. Invest time in working on them.
Be yourself: Don’t invent situations, but present your experience with confidence and persuasion.
Stay curious: Research, stay informed, and keep up with industry trends and demands.
