Quick Job Application

In a rush? Simply drop off your CV by clicking on the button to your right, and we'll get in contact if we have a suitable vacancy.

CV Dropoff

Top 5 soft skills employers are looking for right now

With competition for jobs currently at its peak, it’s time to start thinking about how you can stand out from other applicants; especially with many people deciding to branch out into different industries. We’re in a time where we need to take a step back and evaluate what skills we have to offer and how we can adapt to suit a wider range of businesses’ needs.

Hard skills versus soft skills – what’s the difference?

First of all, what’s the difference between hard skills and soft skills, we hear you ask. Hard skills are knowledge which is specific to a job. This could include Data Analysis, Campaign Management, and specific software experience. Soft skills on the other hand are the personality traits which are easily transferable between jobs. For example, excellent communication, organisation and empathy would all be classed as soft skills.

So what are the most important soft skills employers are looking for right now?

1. Personable

First and foremost, employers are looking for people who are going to have a positive impact on their business. This includes looking for people who are naturals when it comes to building relationships. Do you see yourself as someone who can motivate and help others thrive? If so, you’re doing it right! If not, that’s ok, we’ve got you covered. Take a look at this well-written article from TypeTalk: https://www.typetalk.com/blog/11-things-highly-personable-people-do-differently/

2. Creative

Creativity comes in more than one form. You don’t need to be a Graphic Designer to be classed as creative. When problems arise, do you think outside the box? Do you have lots of ideas on how to improve the business efficiency, how to engage employees, how to win tender opportunities? Bringing new ideas to the table is being creative, but to do so, you may be in need of some inspiration. Take a look at this useful article to unleash your inner creativity: https://www.lifehack.org/articles/productivity/7-steps-you-need-take-creative-work.html

3. Problem solving – problem or opportunity?

Tying in with creativity comes our next point. Every business, no matter how big or small experiences speed bumps in the journey to success. Which is why they need people who are strategic thinkers who come up with unique ideas on how to solve problems, no matter the scale of the issue. Problem solvers flip their mind-set when issues arise. Instead, think of it as an opportunity to not only solve the problem but improve from it, and similarly, how to prevent it from happening again going forward. Check out this in-depth article to be the best problem solver a company could ask for: https://www.inc.com/kevin-daum/8-things-really-great-problem-solvers-do.html

4. Collaborative

No matter what level of seniority, it’s important to be able to work with your whole team in order to achieve the best possible outcome for the business. A good way to do this would be to brainstorm ideas and thoughts, taking in others’ opinions and work together to determine what the best course of action should be. There’s no ‘I’ in ‘team’, remember? In need of an example? Take a look at this informative piece by Mind Tools: https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/collaborate-successfully.htm

5. Adaptability

If the last 6 months are anything to go by, adaptability is the key soft skill to have. Many businesses go through challenging periods of change, where employers need to re-evaluate and change tactics to succeed going forward. They need the backing of their highly flexible staff in order to put their new plans into action.

Amy Harper, Senior Director of Workplace Training and Consulting at The National Safety Council said, “soft skills are absolutely critical if you’re going to be as effective as you can be. Technical knowledge will only get you so far”.

According to a 2019 LinkedIn survey of more than 5,000 talent professionals from 35 countries, 91% said the need for soft skills is the most likely trend to transform employee recruitment in the future.

We hope this article helps you on your journey to finding a new role in today’s competitive market. In the meantime, why not take a look at the jobs we are currently recruiting for to see if we can help get you one step closer. https://bit.ly/3hqtIL7

Testimonials

"Their knowledge of the industry, our organisation and candidates is one of the leaders in the market. They have always been able to supply us with the right calibre of engineering candidate no matter what the discipline or regional location is.

"First Recruitment Group’s service delivery has always been to a high standard and the customer service provided by the team has ensured that First Recruitment Group will remain a preferred supplier of engineering personnel to WorleyParsons on our future engineering projects."

WorleyParsons

"In my dealings with First I have found them to be responsive, knowledgeable, quality-focused and engaging in their approach. I would have no hesitation in recommending the services of First Recruitment Group to any prospective customers."

Global Engineering Consultancy

"We have a good working relationship with First Recruitment and they always put every effort in to filling our positions whether it's on a permanent or contract basis. First have an honest and open approach to recruitment and their clients which is refreshing. First offer an excellent payroll service which compliments their overall delivery service to MWH Treatment."

MWH Treatment

“As the biggest services supplier to the nuclear industry our demand for personnel is significant, when I have an urgent requirement I know I can rely on First Recruitment to rise to the challenge.

“As a preferred supplier for temporary labour and a fundamental part of our permanent recruitment process we get the right people at the right time. Whether its highly technical/specialist resources or back office support personnel the approach is to the same high standard.”

Veolia Nuclear Solutions

"It’s great to work with a recruitment agency we trust. The team at First Recruitment Group are friendly and straight talking and they continue to provide an excellent service. We’re proud to still be working with them after 20 years."

Simon Carves Engineering Ltd

"First Recruitment are on the 1st Tier of Sweett Europe’s preferred supplier list. We have found First recruitment to be hugely supportive and value adding partners to Sweett, helping us source a wide range of roles. The consultants at First are hugely knowledgeable and have a real desire to listen to, and understand, our needs. They have shown an unrivalled desire to work on hard to fill roles using innovative methods to ensure they always supply us with CVs.

"I have been hugely impressed by their willingness to support us, even when we have simply been after guidance which would not attract them a fee. I would be more than happy to recommend First Recruitment Group to any prospective organisation, and to discuss in more detail their capabilities."

Sweett Group

“We’ve worked with First Recruitment for over 12 years and have built up a great relationship with their team. They’ve helped us in sourcing contractors for our chemical division, maintaining consistently high standards in delivery, and we hope to continue building on this relationship in the future. I have no hesitation in recommending First to others.”

Haden Freeman Limited

"We have used First Recruitment to support the recruitment of several key roles within our business. The quality of the candidates put forward were extremely high which helped enormously in our ability to fill all roles, also the candidates have all been a success since joining our business. They were prompt, knowledgeable and very professional and made the recruitment process for us extremely simple. The service we have received has been first class and I would highly recommend the services of First Recruitment to any Company looking to fill a vacancy."

Meadow Vale Food Group

“I have worked with First Recruitment frequently over the last couple of years. Their ability to understand our business and support me in terms of recruitment has been excellent. Candidates are screened initially to meet our requirements and taken through the process in a professional way. I would have no hesitation in recommending First Recruitment to any employer who needs that little extra support in their recruitment process."

Bokomo Foods (UK) Limited

“I have found First Recruitment to be very efficient and professional in their approach to recruitment. They were able to gain an in depth understanding of the needs of our business and source high quality candidates. I would highly recommend their services to anyone with a recruitment need.”

AAK

"First Group are one of the key suppliers to Cobham. The team are quick to respond, friendly and professional, and as such have made a massive difference to the account. The team have supported and filled a variety of roles. Without hestitation I would recommend First."

Cobham

Read all Testimonials

Help us with our survey

Do you feel the jobs market has picked up?