Top five ways to assess soft skills

1. To check writing skills, review the candidate’s resume and cover letter. A great resume and cover letter may indicate that the candidate has good writing skills. However, you might want to try exchanging emails with the jobseeker, in case they had a friend or consultant work on the application.
2. For verbal skills, try using open-ended questions during the interview. Encourage the candidate to provide detailed explanations. Using questions and statements such as “Can you tell me about a time when….?” or “Give an example of a situation in which you…” can help you test verbal skills.
3. When evaluating interpersonal skills, ask the candidate to describe past work relationships. Ask questions such as “Tell me about the best boss you ever had” or “Describe a time when a project went wrong”.
4. If you’re looking to explore integrity and honesty, ask the candidate a question such as “Describe your greatest success and biggest failure?”
5. To weigh personality, try questions such as “What makes you happy?” or “What really bugs you?”

Employers can also try using psychometric assessments and employment assessment tests to uncover personality quirks, work styles and soft skills. But interview provides a great opportunity to test for those same things in person.
Communication & Soft Skills: Body Language Speaks Louder Than Words
There's a great article over at LeaderValues that most of us in the business world could benefit from reading: Body Language Speaks Louder Than Words. Considering that 93% of the message you convey is non-verbal, leaving only 7% for actual "words", we should be paying more attention to things like eye contact, facial expressions, posture, but how often do you hear about the subject? Here is an excerpt from the article by Lydia Ramsey with some good information on how to gain more control over our non-verbal message:
Has it ever occurred to you how much you are saying to people even when you are not speaking? Unless you are a master of disguise, you are constantly sending messages about your true thoughts and feelings whether you are using words or not.
Studies show that your words account for only 7% of the messages you convey. The remaining 93% is non-verbal. 55% of communication is based on what people see and the other 38% is transmitted through tone of voice. So think about it. In the business setting, people can see what you are not saying. If your body language doesn't match your words, you are wasting your time.
Eye contact is the most obvious way you communicate. When you are looking at the other person, you show interest. When you fail to make eye contact, you give the impression that the other person is of no importance. Maintain eye contact about 60% of the time in order to look interested, but not aggressive.
Facial expression is another form of non-verbal communication. A smile sends a positive message and is appropriate in all but a life and death situation. Smiling adds warmth and an aura of confidence. Others will be more receptive if you remember to check your expression.
Your mouth gives clues, too, and not just when you are speaking. Mouth movements, such as pursing your lips or twisting them to one side, can indicate that you are thinking about what you are hearing or that you are holding something back.
The position of your head speaks to people. Keeping your head straight, which is not the same as keeping your head on straight, will make you appear self-assured and authoritative. People will take you seriously. Tilt your head to one side if you want to come across as friendly and open.
How receptive you are is suggested by where you place your arms. Arms crossed or folded over your chest say that you have shut other people out and have no interest in them or what they are saying. This position can also say, "I don't agree with you." You might just be cold, but unless you shiver at the same time, the person in front of you may get the wrong message.
How you use your arms can help or hurt your image as well. Waving them about may show enthusiasm to some, but others see this gesture as one of uncertainty and immaturity. The best place for your arms is by your side. You will look confident and relaxed. If this is hard for you, do what you always do when you want to get better at something - practice
Communication

Every day in almost any way you can think of you communicate. All kinds of business transactions whether in an email or in person, are done via some type of communication. Because it is so vital to everyday life, it is important not to neglect it.

When indoors, adjust the volume of your voice accordingly. Make sure you speak clearly. Maintain eye contact and respect the privacy of others. You should never chastise another employee in front of others.

Never interrupt others when they are talking; rather, wait until they are finished and then make your response. When you constantly cut someone off they get the impression that you are pushy or rude. Others will form opinions of you from the manner in which you communicate.

Written communication is very important. Check your spelling and grammar before handing out a memo or sending an email. You do not want to circulate documents that contain errors.

Body Language

Watch your body language because it tends to sends messages, either negative or positive. Sit up straight, be still and don't fidget during presentations. If you think positively then your body language should reflect that.

Positive body language sends a message of confidence.

Hand Movements

Limit your hand movements as excessive movements can become distracting. Unnecessary hand movements will make your audience focus on your hands and not what you actually have to say.

Eye Contact

It is a good rule of thumb to maintain eye contact when you are speaking with someone. Doing so tells the other person that you care about what they have to say.

Maintain Proper Distance

When you are engaged in a conversation with someone do not enter their personal space. Don't crowd them during the conversation, especially members of the opposite sex.

Attitude

You want to project a positive attitude. Positive does not mean arrogance, but rather charm and confidence. Take criticism in stride. Be grateful that someone brought your mistakes to your attention and use it as a learning opportunity.

The effectively you can communicate the more likely you are to become a leader within your organization. You want to learn from your colleagues but not become overly dependent on them. You should respect not just management, but all people that you come into contact with. Remember to smile. A warm smile goes a long way.

Try developing these skills - and you will see a positive change in your working conditions.