Jobs in IT can be exciting, fulfilling, and profitable. To achieve a prosperous and fast-moving career in IT you need to have more than just technical skills. At a minimum, you have some basic computing skills or you graduated with a bachelors degree. In order to survive in a digital world, skills beyond strictly technical knowledge can elevate the technical pro to a higher level.

Employers are always looking for prospective employees who have a blend of technical and soft skills, which would enable them to perform tasks quickly and efficiently. In job applications, cover letters, resumes, and in the interview process, employers seek applicants with a blend of hard and soft skills.

For instance, the interview process helps employers assess the applicants soft skills: this scenario requires communication, critical thinking, persuasion, and stress management. IT jobs come in a variety of shapes and sizes, some of which will require using soft skills more than others.

Even though the IT field is tech focused, soft skills are just as important. What are your strengths and weaknesses in this area and in which areas could you improve? Below are a few examples of soft skills that would be advantageous to further your career in IT.

1. Analytical abilities

Many employers seek out candidates who have strong analytical skills, as they are essential for success in this rapidly changing and complex industry. Analytical skills allow IT professionals to quickly understand and solve complex problems. Strong analytical abilities can also help IT professionals stay ahead of the curve by identifying trends and anticipating future needs. While analytical skills are important for all IT professionals, they are especially critical for those working in data-intensive fields such as big data and data analytics. There are many ways to develop strong analytical skills. One way is to take courses or participate in training programs that focus on problem-solving and data analysis.

2. Communication

Communication is a critical part of any successful IT career. It ensures that all stakeholders are kept up to date on progress, helps to identify and resolve issues quickly, and facilitates teamwork. There are many different communication channels that can be used in an IT project, including face-to-face meetings, video conferencing, online chat, and email. The most effective communication strategy will vary depending on the project team's needs and preferences. It is important to remember that effective communication is not just about transmitting information - it is also about listening and responding to feedback. By taking the time to understand everyone's point of view, you can ensure that your IT project stays on track and meets everyone's needs.

3. Organization

In the world of IT, organization is key. When you're organized, you know where everything is and you can work more efficiently. Maintain files, list and systems to keep track of your projects and work. As mentioned above, communication is important, so this means keeping track of communication so that everyone is on the same page. By taking some time to organize your work, you can make your life much easier and avoid potential problems down the road.

4. Problem-solving

Problem-solving skills are the ability to recognize problems, brainstorm solutions, and analyze them, as well as to execute optimal solutions. It can be easier to problem-solve when you have a solid technical background. Then, we can apply logic to come up with a few solutions that fix the problem - it is no surprise that most employers look for problem-solving skills in candidates. Some managers are afraid to fail and procrastinate mostly because of their lack of structured approaches.

5. Creativity

Creativity in IT is all about coming up with new ways to solve problems and create value. It's about thinking outside the box and finding new ways to use technology to achieve objectives. To be creative in IT, you need to have a strong understanding of how technology works and be able to apply that knowledge in innovative ways. To be truly creative, you need to be open to new ideas and willing to experiment. There's no single formula for success, so it's important to try different approaches and see what works best for you. The most important thing is not to give up - even if your first few attempts don't succeed, keep trying and eventually you'll find a solution that works.

6. Leadership

Many entrepreneurs and small-business managers seek out leadership skills in candidates when making hiring decisions. There are some basic leadership skills that are considered essential traits that will help make you a more effective leader. Often, these skills require leaders to consider less themselves and more about how they can help the group succeed overall.

Employers find that employees who are good leaders are more productive and perform better at their jobs. Leadership training broadens thinking skills, helping leaders to think innovatively and creatively. Emotional intelligence is one of the most critical soft skills for leaders. Writing well, speaking with clarity, and using effective listening skills are part of this equation.

7. Project management

IT professionals often have multiple projects going on at a time and need to manage various responsibilities. Plans need to be created and managed to reach specific goals for yourself or for a team.

8. Flexibility

Workplace flexibility means being able to adapt rapidly to new circumstances when they occur. Flexibility at work is imperative, both for employees and employers. As an employee, you might want to seek employment with an organization that offers better scheduling flexibility. This means accepting telecommuting or flex-work, if that is something your company offers, and finding ways to make that work with your life.

Having a good balance between your hard skills and soft skills will ensure that your career in IT remains exciting, fulfilling, and profitable.