4 Non-Technical Traits to Look for in Technical Candidates
Imagine a job candidate who can communicate complex ideas with unwavering clarity—wouldn’t that be a game-changer? Insights from a CEO and a Founder & COO reveal the most vital non-technical traits they seek in their technical hires. From the ability to communicate effectively with clients to demonstrating critical thinking and teamwork, this article presents four essential qualities. Discover how industry leaders assess these traits during interviews through four actionable insights.
- Communicate Effectively with Clients
- Explain Complex Concepts Clearly
- Showcase Problem-Solving Skills
- Demonstrate Critical Thinking and Teamwork
Communicate Effectively with Clients
The most important non-technical trait I look for in candidates is their ability to communicate effectively. In gardening and landscaping, even the most technically skilled person will struggle without clear communication. It's about understanding a client's vision, collaborating with teammates, and explaining why a specific approach is best for the plants and the environment. I assess this during interviews by presenting candidates with a scenario where a client has conflicting ideas, say, wanting a lush, tropical garden in a dry, low-water area. I ask the candidate to explain how they would communicate alternatives while ensuring the client feels heard and respected. It's not just about finding a solution; it's about how they convey it and build trust in the process.
A great example of this in my own work was a project where a client wanted a hedge maze in their garden, but their space and soil conditions were not ideal. Drawing on my 15 years of experience and advanced horticultural knowledge, I explained the limitations while proposing a creative alternative: a trellis maze featuring climbing plants that would thrive in the conditions. I broke the process down into manageable steps, helping the client visualize the end result and ensuring they felt involved every step of the way. The project was a huge success, and the client appreciated not just the outcome but also the way I worked with them to adapt their vision. That ability to communicate and collaborate turned what could have been a frustrating experience into one of my proudest projects.
Explain Complex Concepts Clearly
Effective communication skills are one of the most important non-technical traits I look for in technical candidates. The ability to explain complex technical concepts in a way that non-technical audiences can understand is critical for fostering collaboration, driving project alignment, and ensuring that technical insights translate into actionable business decisions. This trait is essential at all levels, from entry-level roles—where team collaboration is key—to senior leadership positions, where influencing stakeholders and communicating strategy are paramount.
During interviews, I assess this trait by asking candidates, "Can you describe the last project you worked on, its goals, and its outcomes, as if you were speaking to someone with no knowledge of [role/industry]?" This question is valuable for several reasons: it tests the candidate's ability to simplify complex ideas, adapt their communication style to their audience, and articulate their contributions and the project's impact. Their response not only reveals their communication skills but also provides insight into their clarity of thought, understanding of the bigger picture, and ability to connect technical work to broader objectives.
Showcase Problem-Solving Skills
The most important non-technical trait I look for in technical candidates is strong problem-solving ability. While technical skills are essential, the ability to approach challenges creatively, think critically, and find solutions under pressure is invaluable in a fast-paced tech environment. This trait ensures that a candidate can adapt to new situations, troubleshoot issues effectively, and contribute to the overall success of the team.
During the interview process, I assess problem-solving skills by presenting candidates with real-world scenarios or case studies that reflect challenges they might encounter in the role. I observe their thought process, how they break down problems, and how they communicate their approach. A candidate who can explain their problem-solving steps clearly, even if they don't arrive at the "perfect" solution, demonstrates the kind of critical thinking that will benefit both their own growth and the company.
Demonstrate Critical Thinking and Teamwork
While I've hired hundreds of employees in sales and marketing roles, I hired a Full Stack Developer last year (for the first time) and the main non-technical skills I was searching for were critical thinking skills and the ability to collaborate effectively and demonstrate teamwork. It doesn't matter how good you are at the "job description." If you can't be a good team player in a small startup team, it's not going to work. I'm happy to report this employee has just passed their 1 year with us and was the best hire I ever made!
