Which is more important in a interview?

in a interview, which carries more weight; the ability to answer alot of technical questions or possessing very good soft skills?

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AwesomeGarrett

Depending on the position, but I would say soft skills trump technical.

hurricane1091

Both equally. If I ask you to explain OSPF and set it up and you can't do it, then you're out. But if you answer it and are awkward/rude/something about you isn't right, you're also out.

I've had very technical interviews and interviews with no tech questions at all. So obviously in the tech ones obviously that was big. In the non technical interviews (for IT jobs mind you) then soft skills were huge, but both are equally important.

AwesomeGarrett

True. However, the candidate with refined soft skills and a basic understanding of OSPF trumps the candidate with poor soft skills and advanced understanding of OSPF.

Thanks for bringing up that example.

Techguru365

thats very interesting, I need to work more on my soft skills. I have mostly been focusing on the technical stuff, and not that I am rude or a jerk, but I tend to be on the introverted side. I wonder now how much that has hurt me in the past

E Double U

Some managers prefer soft skills when they feel they can teach the technical stuff. I remember helping my former manager interview a NOC candidate and I felt the guy was really good. But my boss replied that he didn't like that guy because he seemed like an ass. He didn't say anything about the guy's hard skills and moved on.

At the same company when someone internally wanted to interview for the SOC, the manager would announce to the team who applied and ask what did we all think of that person. That response would make or break your chances at an interview.

I am fortunate for my unorthodox sense of humor and quick wit because I've made hiring managers laugh on almost every interview. I like to think that separated me from other guys. Not to mention that I seem very relaxed no matter how nervous I am on the interview.

Akaricloud

If a candidate can show base level knowledge, top level soft skills and explain how they would go about finding answers to questions they do not know, they're hired. Excellent soft skills and the ability to learn quickly far outweigh pure technical knowledge in the client facing company I'm a part of.

AwesomeGarrett

Again it all depends on the positions. Most places just need to fill a position, a go between management and techies, customers and techies, or just be part of a cohesive team. Odds are you will have to interact with people that are not as knowledgeable as you are when it comes to technology and you'll have to inform them on how the technology can help them achieve their business goals.

You could also be involved in a team with other engineers and need to prove your point without getting into fist fights or yelling matches, yes that does still happen.

I'm sure there is a small percentage of jobs out there where they need the technical know-it-all and have no choice but to hire the techie with poor soft skills. They probably keep that person out of site in the proverbial basement.

JamesKurtovich

Techguru365 wrote: »

thats very interesting, I need to work more on my soft skills. I have mostly been focusing on the technical stuff, and not that I am rude or a jerk, but I tend to be on the introverted side. I wonder now how much that has hurt me in the past

This is where I am. I feel like I've gotten better at carrying a productive conversation but there's always a lot of anxiety... especially if I'm interacting with someone I don't know. My main issue is self-promotion. If you asked me how I'd rate myself on a professional level, I'd probably tell you I was "okay" or "sufficient" whereas most managers want to hear "incredible" and "the best." You should also exhibit confidence (as opposed to arrogance).