Importance of Soft Skills in Tech Interviews

As a Data Science Hiring Manager, I often see candidates with impressive technical skills but lacking the essential soft skills needed to perform well in interviews, often leading to rejection. Whether you're a Data Analyst, Data Scientist, or Machine Learning Engineer, here are the key soft skills that have made a world of difference in my career: 🔹 𝗘𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Simplifying complex ideas and working well with others is crucial. I remember presenting data findings to senior executives – making the data story simple was key to getting their approval. - 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄 𝗤𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: "Can you describe a time when you had to explain a complex technical concept (like Causal Inference) to a non-technical audience?" 🔹 𝗖𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝗺-𝗦𝗼𝗹𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴: When data doesn’t make sense at first, digging deeper can reveal important insights. Once, my team and I uncovered a major product insight by looking closer at an outlier. Solving problems in a structured way is essential in our work. - 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄 𝗤𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: "Describe a situation where you identified a problem that others had overlooked. What steps did you take to resolve it?" 🔹 𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁: Handling multiple projects and deadlines can be challenging. Prioritizing tasks has been a lifesaver for me. Balancing urgent requests with ongoing projects requires smart time management. - 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄 𝗤𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: "How do you prioritize your tasks when you have multiple projects with tight deadlines?" 🔹 𝗔𝗱𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝘂𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴: The tools and techniques we use are always changing. Being flexible and open to learning is crucial. I had to quickly learn a new visualization tool for a project – it was tough but very rewarding. I encourage my team to embrace change and keep learning new skills. - 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄 𝗤𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: "Describe a situation where you had to adapt to a significant change at work. How did you handle it?" 🔹 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗕𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗔𝗰𝘂𝗺𝗲𝗻: Leading teams and projects is about inspiring and guiding them. Managing a data governance project taught me the importance of strategic thinking and making ethical decisions. Knowing the business context of your data makes your insights more valuable. Today, I help my team align their work with product goals to deliver real value. - 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄 𝗤𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: "Can you describe a time when you led a project or team? What was the outcome?" Developing these soft skills has not only complemented my technical expertise but also empowered me to make a meaningful impact as a leader. What soft skills have been game-changers in your data journey?

I watched a skilled young man struggle in an interview panel I was on simply because he had very poor communication skills. From his opening sentence, I knew he wouldn’t get the job. His portfolio showcased impressive technical skills, but when it came to communicating his expertise, he fell short. The interviewer asked simple questions, but his responses were flat, lacking context and depth. No stories, nothing to demonstrate his abilities. The role required more than technical know-how; it would involve joining client meetings and expressing ideas. It just wouldn’t work with him. After the meeting, the recruiter expressed her concerns. She couldn’t see herself working with him, not because of his technical skills, but because of his inability to communicate effectively. He couldn’t sell himself or display his expertise convincingly. This experience reinforced a crucial lesson for me: communication competence is just as important as technical know-how. It’s not enough to be good at what you do; you need to articulate your skills, experiences, and values clearly and confidently. When you’re in an interview, think of it as a storytelling opportunity. Share the stories behind your skills. How did you tackle a challenging project? What was the impact of your work? How do you approach problem-solving? Good communication isn’t just about answering questions; it’s about engaging your audience, building a narrative, and showcasing your personality and passion. So, if you’re gearing up for an interview or a crucial meeting, remember: your technical skills are your foundation, but your communication skills are the bridge that connects you to opportunities. Technical skills are crucial, but communication competence can make or break your career. #Communication

I’ve worked with countless leaders, candidates, and high-performing teams across the CPG space, and one thing stands out above all else: the best people aren’t just skilled, they’re easy to work with. You can have the most impressive résumé, the sharpest skills, and a portfolio of achievements, but if people dread collaborating with you, success will only go so far. Being easy to work with means: > You communicate clearly. No one should have to decode your emails or guess at your intentions. > You bring solutions, not just problems. Teams thrive on collaboration, not complaints. > You adapt to different work styles. Flexibility builds trust and rapport. > You’re approachable. Being open to feedback and ideas fosters a culture of growth. What’s often overlooked is that this “soft skill” has a massive impact on career growth. Why? Because opportunities follow trust. Managers advocate for team players. Colleagues recommend those who make their lives easier. Clients stick with people who listen and deliver. Leaders, When evaluating candidates, don’t just focus on their qualifications—ask yourself, “Would I enjoy working with this person every day?” For professionals, Whether you’re climbing the ladder or pivoting to a new role, remember: technical skills open doors, but collaboration keeps them open. What’s your take? How do you measure “easy to work with” when hiring or building teams? #Leadership #Headhunting #Hiring #CareerSkills #Teamwork

One of my mentees interviewed for a job with 800+ applicants. They were nervous but prepared. During the interview, they solved 1 out of 2 coding questions completely. The second one? They got stuck and only managed a brute-force solution. But instead of panicking, They talked through their thought process, Collaborated with the interviewers, And explored different approaches together. After they got the offer. When I asked them what made the difference. They quoted a response from their new manager: “Your technical skills were solid, but it was your ability to think, communicate, and work with us that stood out.” Turns out, There were two other candidates who solved both questions correctly But struggled to explain their solutions clearly. And that’s why my mentee got the job. The lesson? - Technical skills get you through the screening. - Soft skills help you win the interview.