A candidate’s fit to successfully execute a job has often been measured by his or her hard or technical skills supported by a degree. However, as demand for quality talent rises, employers are searching for candidates beyond their hard skills; they are seeking individuals who possess positive personal traits often referred to as “soft skills.” These soft skills often include but are not limited to their ability to effectively communicate, work in teams, and adapt to changing times.

During these changing times, searching for top talent is no easy feat. Here are seven key soft skills healthcare HR should consider when hiring to build effective teams.

1. Communication

Communication and interpersonal skills are arguably the most important skills in any workplace, especially in the field of healthcare. It involves articulating oneself well, being a good listener, and using appropriate body language, says Alison Doyle, Job Search Expert at The Balance. Not only do strong communication skills allow physicians and nurses to connect with patients and co-workers, it also fosters a positive working environment, which in return improves performance and patient outcomes.

2. Collaboration

Collaboration is important because it has an immediate and direct impact on patient care. Being able to work alongside others not only improves the level of care and safety for patients, but it can also help increase efficiency, job satisfaction, responsiveness and more. Seek employees who function efficiently as part of a team and are willing to balance personal achievements with group goals. As they say, “Teamwork makes the dream work!”

3. Adaptability

The ever-changing landscape of healthcare makes it one of today’s most elusive industries. From new payment models to evolving technologies, it’s important for employees to embrace change and are able to adapt to practices that will benefit their team and organization as a whole. Hiring employees resistant to change will not only impact morale, but it will also impede on their ability to grow and advance in their career.

4. Empathy

The ability to empathize with others is critical because it allows you to put yourself in the other person’s shoes—helping you to understand how he or she may be feeling. Those who possess high levels of emotional intelligence can perceive, manage, and appropriately express emotions to react appropriately to the emotions of others. It’s an invaluable social skill that’s important when interacting with patients and staff alike.

5. Flexibility

Flexible employees are often better equipped to adapt to healthcare and its demanding lifestyle and schedule. Most healthcare positions aren’t your conventional 9-5 jobs. Shifts are often long and late and can even require staff to stay overnight. Employees who are habitually late or infamous for calling in “sick” may lead to an ongoing shortage in staff, which will require others to work extra hours to offset the extra load. This will lead to higher turnover and increased burnout.

6. Self-Confidence

An employee’s level of confidence can impact their ability to accept criticism, work under pressure and even make important decisions. Patients need to know they can trust their doctor’s or nurse’s ability to treat them. Whether it’s at the bedside or in the operating room (OR), having the confidence to make swift and informed decisions is vital to a patient’s health and recovery.

7. Time Management

Healthcare professionals must exhibit the skills to successfully manage their job responsibilities as well as maintain a calm and professional environment when interacting with patients and their team. Having the ability to prioritize daily workload and effectively manage multiple tasks simultaneously is important for all positions and their capacity to serve others. In the medical profession, lives can literally depend on your timeliness.

Hard skills will always be important when qualifying a candidate’s ability to perform at your healthcare facility. However, implementing a process that evaluates his or her personal traits can really provide you a clear picture of how they’ll fit within your culture and adapt to your teams. What soft skills do you seek in a [email protected] If not mentioned above, please share in the comments section below.