--- title: The Top 5 Soft Skills Recruiters Should Seek in Providers description: Read this blog to learn our thoughts on 5 soft skills that recruiters should seek when looking for providers to enhance patient care and contribute to a team. image: https://inbound.hargerhowe.com/hubfs/GettyImages-1135492654.jpg --- [781.425.5005](tel:1-781-425-5005) [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/HargerHoweAdvertising/) [Twitter](https://twitter.com/hargerhoweadv) [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/user/hargerhowe) [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/hargerhoweadv/) [![HargerHowe_Logo_2024hr](https://inbound.hargerhowe.com/hs-fs/hubfs/HargerHowe_Logo_2024hr.png?width=327&height=79&name=HargerHowe_Logo_2024hr.png) ![HargerHowe_Logo_2024-204](https://inbound.hargerhowe.com/hs-fs/hubfs/HargerHowe_Logo_2024-204.png?width=204&height=49&name=HargerHowe_Logo_2024-204.png) ](https://hargerhowe.com/) - [home](https://www.hargerhowe.com/) - [Agency](https://hargerhowe.com/agency/) - [Services](https://hargerhowe.com/services/) - [Our Work](https://hargerhowe.com/showcase/) - [Blog](https://inbound.hargerhowe.com/blog) - [Contact Us](https://hargerhowe.com/contact/) - [Home](https://hargerhowe.com/) - [Agency](https://hargerhowe.com/agency/) - [About Harger Howe](https://hargerhowe.com/agency/) - [Q & A](https://hargerhowe.com/q-a/) - [Services](https://hargerhowe.com/services/) - [Digital Media](https://hargerhowe.com/services/digital-media/) - [Inbound Marketing](https://hargerhowe.com/services/inbound-marketing/) - [Media Placement and Creative Services](https://hargerhowe.com/services/media-placement-and-creative-services/) - [Social Media](https://hargerhowe.com/services/social-media/) - [Recruitment Marketing](https://hargerhowe.com/services/recruitment-marketing/) - [HH Direct Search](https://www.hargerhowedirect.com/) - Our Work - [Case Studies](https://hargerhowe.com/showcase/) - [Featured Content](https://hargerhowe.com/featured-content/) - [Blog](https://inbound.hargerhowe.com/blog) - [Contact Us](https://hargerhowe.com/contact/) [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/HargerHoweAdvertising/) [Twitter](https://twitter.com/hargerhoweadv) [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/user/hargerhowe) [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/hargerhoweadv/) [Refine your recruitment with HH Direct Search!](https://www.hargerhowedirect.com/) # The Top 5 Soft Skills Recruiters Should Seek in Providers - [Home](https://hargerhowe.com/) - [Blog](https://inbound.hargerhowe.com/blog) - The Top 5 Soft Skills Recruiters Should... [Recruiting blog](https://inbound.hargerhowe.com/blog/topic/recruiting-blog) [recruiting](https://inbound.hargerhowe.com/blog/topic/recruiting) [provider recruitment](https://inbound.hargerhowe.com/blog/topic/provider-recruitment) [soft skills](https://inbound.hargerhowe.com/blog/topic/soft-skills) [providers](https://inbound.hargerhowe.com/blog/topic/providers) ![GettyImages-1135492654](https://inbound.hargerhowe.com/hs-fs/hubfs/GettyImages-1135492654.jpg?width=723&name=GettyImages-1135492654.jpg) [Nov122019](https://inbound.hargerhowe.com/blog/archive/2019/11/12) **Audio version** Soft skills, otherwise known as interpersonal or “people” skills are imperative to have when working in healthcare. Many times, we tend to focus on successful grades, GPA, and test scores- not only in medicine but in education in general. However, soft skills are essential in complimenting hard skills, especially in healthcare - after all, you are working with people. Although having these skills is not often emphasized in the medical curriculum, they are immensely important when helping care for patients everyday. Keep reading to hear our thoughts on five soft skills that recruiters should seek when looking for providers to enhance patient care and contribute to a team. #### 1.) Clear Communication A recently published [Forbes article](https://www.forbes.com/sites/quora/2018/04/26/why-soft-skills-are-so-important-for-medical-professionals/#677b86684ec0) speaks on the importance of soft skills in medical professionals. It states, “It’s essential for a physician to communicate effectively with patients and family. This has to be done with plain English and with a personal touch.” Many times, emotions can run high when dealing with certain diagnoses, and this can make clear and concise communication tricky. Healthcare professionals must take into consideration the bridge of understanding that must be met when explaining medical terms to patients who are not familiar with medical jargon. In order to do this one must “explain the problem \[at hand\] in a way that someone could understand with a high school education. No medical jargon, no technical shortcuts, and to also speak with some compassion in light of the subject at hand.” #### 2.) Empathy Certain diagnoses can cause emotional stressors such as fear of the unknown, grief, anxiety, and well as other tensions – like financial strain. Being empathetic and sensitive to patients’ emotions, reactions, and needs is vital in order to be a support in their diagnosis. Professionals are not only meant to diagnose, but to support patients the best that they can. Being able to put yourself in others' shoes is necessary to providing the best patient care. #### 3.) Situational Awareness/Emotional Intelligence A multitude of situations happen within the healthcare profession, which is why it is so important to be able to stay on your toes at all times. The ability to evaluate a situation, the multiple personalities within it, and assess the best way to move forward that is beneficial to all parties, is something that will make a professional stick out from the rest. #### 4.) De-Personalization You may think this is counter-intuitive since we just listed empathy as #2 on our list, however a balance is needed. To be a great professional in this industry, one must be able to make rational decisions from a logical perspective, especially when dealing with a highly emotional patient or case. Being able to do this is crucial in performing and caring for patients. #### 5.) Time Management This may be self-explanatory, but with this career comes urgency. Patients need to be frequently checked on, provided information, and given medication timely and efficiently. Not to mention, there will sometimes be urgent situations where you will need to care for someone unexpectedly and immediately. Being able to compartmentalize your time, and do so where you are not overwhelmed is key. #### 6.) Sense of Humor Last but not least, a sense of humor. In this profession, sometimes things get heavy and you will need to be able to see the good in situations. Making light of things when appropriate can be a major part of patient care, when it is easy for others to get overwhelmed. Being able to lighten the mood or brighten someone’s day can be amazing support for patients. -- ##### With all of that said, we know finding outstanding candidates fit for your needs can be a challenge. Want to find providers with these qualities? Let us help! [![Contact Mike Walsh](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/559861/22546a09-ba00-42d7-9a11-2df113aab347.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/559861/22546a09-ba00-42d7-9a11-2df113aab347)   Category: [Recruiting blog](https://inbound.hargerhowe.com/blog/topic/recruiting-blog), [recruiting](https://inbound.hargerhowe.com/blog/topic/recruiting), [provider recruitment](https://inbound.hargerhowe.com/blog/topic/provider-recruitment), [soft skills](https://inbound.hargerhowe.com/blog/topic/soft-skills), [providers](https://inbound.hargerhowe.com/blog/topic/providers) [by Emily Souza](https://inbound.hargerhowe.com/blog/author/emily-souza) [November 12, 2019](https://inbound.hargerhowe.com/blog/archive/2019/11/12) ### Share This Article - - - - - ![Emily Souza](https://inbound.hargerhowe.com/hs-fs/hubfs/emilysouza.png?quality=high&width=80&height=80&name=emilysouza.png) #### Author:Emily Souza Emily Souza is an Account Coordinator here at Harger Howe. She is passionate about digital marketing & social media and enjoys learning about art and fashion [Previous 2019 Recruitment Marketing Round-Up](https://inbound.hargerhowe.com/blog/2019-recruitment-marketing-round-up) [Next Snapchat Geofilters: Your Next Recruitment Marketing Tool?](https://inbound.hargerhowe.com/blog/snapchat-geofilters-your-next-recruitment-marketing-tool) ### Recent Articles [![What The 2026 Residency Match Really Means For Recruitment](https://inbound.hargerhowe.com/hubfs/GettyImages-1372638205.jpg)](https://inbound.hargerhowe.com/blog/what-the-2026-residency-match-really-means-for-recruitment) [What The 2026 Residency Match Really Means For Recruitment](https://inbound.hargerhowe.com/blog/what-the-2026-residency-match-really-means-for-recruitment) *July 29, 2026* [![Your Careers Page Is Your First Interview](https://inbound.hargerhowe.com/hubfs/GettyImages-1307162575.jpg)](https://inbound.hargerhowe.com/blog/your-careers-page-is-your-first-interview) [Your Careers Page Is Your First Interview](https://inbound.hargerhowe.com/blog/your-careers-page-is-your-first-interview) *July 20, 2026* [![Every Vacancy Creates Invisible Work](https://inbound.hargerhowe.com/hubfs/GettyImages-2096319765.jpg)](https://inbound.hargerhowe.com/blog/every-vacancy-creates-invisible-work) [Every Vacancy Creates Invisible Work](https://inbound.hargerhowe.com/blog/every-vacancy-creates-invisible-work) *July 14, 2026* [![Physician Recruitment Is a Family Decision: Why Health Systems Must Market the Full Opportunity](https://inbound.hargerhowe.com/hubfs/GettyImages-2259093025.jpg)](https://inbound.hargerhowe.com/blog/physician-recruitment-is-a-family-decision-why-health-systems-must-market-the-full-opportunity) [Physician Recruitment Is a Family Decision: Why Health Systems Must Market the Full Opportunity](https://inbound.hargerhowe.com/blog/physician-recruitment-is-a-family-decision-why-health-systems-must-market-the-full-opportunity) *July 13, 2026* [![The Recruiter Is No Longer the First Source of Information](https://inbound.hargerhowe.com/hubfs/GettyImages-2233005232.jpg)](https://inbound.hargerhowe.com/blog/the-recruiter-is-no-longer-the-first-source-of-information) [The Recruiter Is No Longer the First Source of Information](https://inbound.hargerhowe.com/blog/the-recruiter-is-no-longer-the-first-source-of-information) *June 25, 2026* [![Physician Recruitment Has a User Experience Problem](https://inbound.hargerhowe.com/hubfs/GettyImages-1305333546.jpg)](https://inbound.hargerhowe.com/blog/physician-recruitment-has-a-user-experience-problem) [Physician Recruitment Has a User Experience Problem](https://inbound.hargerhowe.com/blog/physician-recruitment-has-a-user-experience-problem) *June 24, 2026* ### CONNECT WITH US [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/HargerHoweAdvertising/) [Facebook](https://twitter.com/hargerhoweadv) [Facebook](https://plus.google.com/100866082476092210501) [Facebook](https://www.youtube.com/user/hargerhowe) [Facebook](https://www.pinterest.com/hargerhoweadv/) [Facebook](https://www.instagram.com/hargerhoweadv/) ### LOCATIONS **Houston** 1800 St. James Place, Ste. 400 Houston, TX 77056 **Boston** 111 South Bedford St., Ste. 201 Burlington, MA 01803 *Need to talk now? 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