The corporate world has come to realize that only 20% of their challenges are of a technical nature, while the remaining 80% are related to human factors. Consequently, the job market has placed an increased emphasis on soft skills, also known as interpersonal skills. This shift in focus is rooted in the recognition that while technical expertise can be acquired through training, personality traits are more innate and not as easily developed. 

But what are the most sought-after interpersonal skills in the job market, which we must work on developing if we want to stay employable and tuned to the ‘new company’? 

In an article published by Você S.A. titled “What Are Soft Skills and How to Develop Them to Grow in Your Career,” psychologist and expert in the field of emotional intelligence, Daniel Goleman, emphasized that competencies such as resilience, empathy, collaboration, and communication are all based on emotional intelligence and can differentiate exceptional professionals from the average ones. Goleman’s best-selling book, Emotional Intelligence, defines soft skills as “traits and behaviors that characterize our relationships with others.” 

According to Goleman, “as organizational structures evolve and globalization accelerates, these soft skills will be more crucial than ever”. This is especially true for leadership positions, where intelligence and experience alone are not enough to be effective. 

Claudio Fernández-Aráoz, a senior adviser at Egon Zehnder, a leading headhunting company, asserts that while IQ is important for getting a job, emotional intelligence is crucial for securing promotions. He further emphasizes that the absence of emotional intelligence can result in job loss. 

Here are examples, according to the article, of high-demand Soft Skills in the job market: 

• Collaboration: being able to work well in a group
• Flexibility: being able to adapt to changes
• Working under pressure: managing stress without losing focus
• Effective communication: listening attentively and communicating clearly
• Results orientation: achieving the end result in the most effective way possible
• Team leadership: knowing how to motivate and engage groups

Read about it, but above all, invest heavily in Emotional Intelligence. While a strong resume may help individuals land a job, it is their behavior and soft skills that ultimately determine their long-term career success.