Many people associate social competence with being friendly. And while that ability can take you far, social competence involves much, much more. It spans from being attentive and interested in others to the ability to communicate effectively. Social competence means having knowledge of how you should listen, what response you should give, what you should say, when you should say it, and how you should say it.

How do you explain social competence?

It’s about the ability to interact efficiently and smoothly with others. It’s a combination of several different skills that help us navigate social situations, build relationships, and communicate in a way that fosters understanding and trust. Some of the most important aspects of social competence are:

• Communication – The ability to express oneself clearly and effectively, both verbally and non-verbally, and to adjust your language and tone based on the situation and the people you’re interacting with.
• Empathy – The ability to understand and relate to others’ feelings and perspectives. Empathy allows us to treat people with respect and care.
• Active listening – Listening attentively and showing interest in what others are saying, rather than just waiting for your turn to speak. This builds stronger relationships and enhances understanding.
• Collaboration – The ability to work effectively in a group, where you contribute your ideas while being open to the opinions and suggestions of others. It involves being flexible and willing to compromise when needed.
• Conflict resolution – The ability to manage and resolve conflicts constructively without escalating the situation. This may mean staying calm and objective while respecting others’ viewpoints.

Social competence is essential both in professional and personal life. It’s a skill that can be developed through awareness and practice, and it plays a key role in creating and maintaining strong relationships, handling stressful situations, and building a positive social environment.

JobMatch Talent

By using a JobMatch Talent test in recruitment or internally, you can assess the above-mentioned qualities and determine whether an individual naturally possesses social competence.