5 Soft Skills Recruiters Always Look For. Are you ready?

However thoroughly you prepare, an interview is your opportunity to find out more about the company and the role, and for them to find out more about you.

It’s only natural to have some pre-interview nerves, but once underway an interview should be a pleasure, not a chore.

While it’s crucial that you have the skills and ability to do the job, you also have to get across your personality and characteristics. Soft skills or competencies are just as important as your experience, and can help you to stand out from other candidates.

In this post, we’ll guide you through the 5 soft skills recruiters always look out for.

1. Reliability

A business can’t run with unreliable people, which is why recruiters are apprehensive about job hoppers.

If you have frequently moved jobs within a year, or started but not finished a number of work or personal projects, it could be seen as a warning sign.

Be ready to account for any career gaps or frequent moves to reassure a recruiter that you had good reason, and it’s not how you want to continue.   

Reliability goes hand in hand with trust, so think of examples that demonstrate how others have relied upon you, and how you have gone the extra mile to make sure something happens.

First off, make sure you turn up on time, fully prepared for the interview.

2. Efficiency

Recruiters will be looking for you to prove that you are efficient and effective at getting things done. It’s no good being able to do a job but taking twice as long as someone else, or not doing it so thoroughly.

Think of past experiences that tie in with the demands of the new role and paint a picture to demonstrate just how efficient you were. If there’s a project you were involved in that can highlight efficiencies, write it down and talk it through with people before your interview.

Also make sure you have a copy of your CV, portfolio or letters of recommendation to show the recruiter. If they ask you a reasonable question, you don’t want to be scrabbling around for the information or materials you need.  

3. Confidence

Recruiters are busy meeting prospective candidates all day long. They won’t waste your or their time meeting you, unless they believe you are capable of doing the job. So you can always go to an interview feeling confident.

Be proud of your achievements and abilities, and never forget to share the glory. If it was a team effort make sure you acknowledge and praise everyone involved. 

What specific skills are they asking for in the job description that you’re confident you can do particularly well? Highlight them, and ask for any clarification which might lead to you being able to talk about that skill.

4. Communication

We all communicate everyday so tend not to think of it as a necessary skill, but the ability to deliver concise and rounded communication is essential in all roles. If communication is not clear, things don’t get done or may go horribly wrong.

The recruiter will be checking that you are thinking about your answers, staying on track and getting across the necessary detail. Too much information or rambling is a sign that you are nervous and unsure of your answer or ability.

5. Passion

Passion is one of the core Arthur Edward values and runs deep within the cosmetic industry in general. We are a fast moving, innovation-driven industry and if that doesn’t excite you, if you do not feel a passion for it, then this is not the industry for you.

As well as a passion for brands and products, you must also be passionate about the company and the role in general. You need to do your research and find out all about the company and their competitors.

If this preparation work doesn’t excite you, then don’t go for the interview. Without genuine energy and enthusiasm, you simply will not get or maintain the job.

Think long and hard about what motivates you and what you most enjoy in the work place, and use this passion to help you land a role with a company that will make truly excite you every day.


If you’re not meeting in person, here are our tips on preparing for video interviews.  


Recruiters may put forward four or five candidates for each role, and the job offer is often given to the one who shows they want it the most.

Asking questions and covering these soft skills with solid examples will ensure the recruiter remembers you for all the right reasons. 

Remember to keep your guard up and be the most charming version of yourself and please make sure you smile!


If you’re looking for a job or looking for staff in the beauty, cosmetic or personal care industry, Arthur Edward Recruitment can help you find your perfect match.