Why soft skills are the new hard skills in IT hiring

In an industry dominated by technical skills and certifications, soft skills are emerging as crucial factors in hiring IT professionals. IT hiring managers and tech recruiters are increasingly recognising that soft skills—once considered "nice-to-have"—are now essential for creating cohesive, adaptable teams that can navigate complex challenges and fast-paced digital transformations.

In fact, the demand for these interpersonal abilities is reshaping IT hiring criteria, placing qualities like communication, adaptability, and collaboration at the forefront of candidate assessment.

Let's dive into why these skills are crucial for today’s IT workforce and explore how they’re changing the landscape of tech recruitment.

1. The shift to hybrid and collaborative work environments

The traditional IT role was often focused on individual tasks and technical expertise. But with the rise of hybrid work models, cross-functional teamwork is more critical than ever.

According to a recent UK workforce report, nearly 65% of tech jobs now require regular collaboration with other departments. In these environments, soft skills like clear communication, teamwork, and emotional intelligence make a tangible difference.

The ability to communicate complex technical issues to non-technical team members, for example, can prevent misunderstandings, streamline projects, and improve overall efficiency. A developer who can break down code issues for a marketing colleague or an IT manager who can convey project goals clearly to executives is invaluable in a collaborative setup.

2. Problem solving and adaptability

Innovation in tech relies heavily on problem-solving—a skill that goes beyond what’s listed on a CV. With new challenges emerging daily, from cybersecurity threats to scaling demands, adaptability has become one of the most valued traits.

Research from LinkedIn reveals that adaptability and problem-solving are among the top five skills most requested in IT job postings. These are abilities that can’t be learned overnight but rather are honed through experience and a willingness to pivot when necessary.

Candidates who show adaptability and resilience tend to handle complex projects better and are often those who suggest fresh solutions rather than sticking rigidly to outdated protocols.

3. Customer-centric IT roles where empathy is key

In customer-facing IT roles—think support engineers, client success managers, or tech consultants—empathy is as important as technical know-how. Recruiters today are increasingly looking for candidates who can balance technical problem-solving with a user-centric approach, showing a genuine understanding of customer needs and frustrations.

A report by the British Computer Society highlights that over 40% of IT roles now involve some degree of customer interaction, making empathy and patience key components of effective service.

For hiring managers, spotting candidates with strong interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence can make the difference in delivering standout client service.

4. Bridging the skills gap in IT

There’s currently a skills gap in the UK’s IT market, with 70% of UK tech companies reporting a shortage of talent, according to a recent report by TechUK. Part of the problem is not just finding candidates with technical expertise but finding those who bring well-rounded interpersonal skills. In response, IT recruiters are adapting their hiring processes to focus on soft skills assessments alongside technical tests.

From video interviews to real-time problem-solving exercises, many companies are implementing behavioural interview questions designed to assess communication styles, adaptability, and teamwork skills. For example, posing situational questions like, “Describe a time when you had to explain a complex concept to a non-technical team member,” gives insight into a candidate’s ability to translate technical jargon into plain language—an increasingly valuable skill.

5. The business case for soft skills in tech teams

Tech projects fail not just due to technical flaws but often because of communication breakdowns or misaligned goals between departments. A 2024 industry survey found that projects with strong communication practices had a 40% higher success rate compared to those where communication was lacking. Teams that actively foster and value soft skills are also shown to have lower turnover rates, as people feel more connected and supported by their colleagues.

In fact, many top UK tech companies have started offering soft skills training as part of employee development programs, underscoring the importance of these skills for long-term success.

Hiring for the Future

As the IT field continues to evolve, hiring managers and recruiters must adapt to ensure they’re building teams ready for the future. This means focusing not only on coding languages or technical certifications but on a candidate’s holistic skill set.

Soft skills are quickly becoming the backbone of successful IT teams, helping professionals not only tackle technical issues but also navigate the nuances of communication, teamwork, and empathy that drive modern tech businesses forward.

By elevating soft skills to a priority in hiring, IT and tech recruiters can position their organisations for sustainable growth, innovation, and adaptability—qualities that no amount of technical expertise alone can guarantee.

So, the next time you’re evaluating a candidate, remember: the best hires often bring both hard and soft skills to the table, and in today’s fast-paced tech landscape, soft skills might just be the hardest skill to find.