What is the importance of an IT contractor’s soft skills?

The importance of soft skills in teamwork

In teamwork, which is standard in IT projects, soft skills are as important, and sometimes even more important, than technical knowledge alone. Skills such as effective communication, cooperation, problem solving, adaptability, emotional intelligence or the ability to receive and give feedback determine the team’s fluidity, atmosphere and ability to achieve goals together.

Soft skills in the context of body leasing

In the case of IT contractors hired under a body leasing model, soft skills take on particular importance. A contractor joins a client’s existing team, often for a limited period of time, and must quickly find his way around the team and work effectively with people he didn’t know before. His ability to adapt quickly, build relationships, communicate clearly and solve problems proactively has a direct impact on the success of his engagement and the overall project.

Key soft skills for IT contractors

The most important soft skills sought in IT contractors include:

• Communicative: Ability to express thoughts clearly and precisely, listen actively, and ask questions to fully understand tasks and context.
• Teamwork: Willingness to share knowledge, support other team members, resolve conflicts constructively and work toward a common goal.
• Adaptability and flexibility: Ability to adapt quickly to new work environment, project changes, different work methodologies and tools.
• Independent and proactive: The ability to organize one’s own work, identify problems and find solutions without constant supervision.
• Problem solving: Ability to think analytically, identify causes of problems and propose effective solutions.
• Resilience to stress and time pressure: Ability to work effectively under stress and deadline pressures that are common in IT projects.
• Openness to feedback: Willingness to accept feedback on one’s work and use it for development.

Verification of soft skills

Assessment of soft skills is more difficult than verification of technical skills. It is usually done during job interviews (known as behavioral interviews), by asking questions about specific situations from the candidate’s past and observing the candidate’s communication and behavior. References from previous employers or clients can also be a valuable source of information.

Summary

Soft competencies are an indispensable part of the profile of a successful IT contractor. Their high level significantly facilitates integration with the client’s team, improves the efficiency of cooperation and contributes to the success of implemented projects. Therefore, both clients and body leasing providers should pay attention to them during the selection process of specialists.