As companies model their training programs, they prefer, and require interns that possess at least the basic soft skills. But when hiring new university graduates, a lot of companies do look for certain skills that are needed to get through the interview process and get the job.  
Soft skills are inclusive of communication, creative ability, team work, time management, etc. A lot more comes under this head as we break them into smaller concepts, found to be vital for a healthy work culture and employee growth.

1.    Analytical Skills:
Analytics has always been in demand. It has changed modes, but it has always been an integral part of any kind of business. Candidates with good analytical skills are favoured over the ones lacking it. There are trends everywhere that are always changing. Keeping a track of them, getting the required data on a timely basis and the ability to take decisions accordingly is a trait most sought out by companies. Employers need stats, which can be obtained by flawless analysis.

2.    Contextualizing
Candidates who are able to see the bigger picture behind any task or discussion, are known to be efficient. Employers look for such students who have a sensible head above their shoulders, while following a futuristic approach. Such employees are known to lead teams better, hence they are in high demand.

3.    Solution Oriented
The people doing the hiring can find out if a candidate has problem-solving skills by giving them made-up situations.
People who try to solve problems instead of finding more problems in them are valuable to any company. Employers need solution finders, not problem creators. Creative employees have a better chance at grabbing the internship as compared to the dull minded ones.

4.    Performing under Pressure:
World is moving fast, clients need speedy releases, and delivery must be on time. Do you feel the candidates interviewed are capable of performing under high pressure? The teams have to work at times under tight deadlines, and that requires a certain level headedness, instead of panicky attitude. Again, asking questions that show their productivity in the required manner will help you decide if they are a good fit or not.
A lot of companies ask the candidates beforehand if they would be comfortable working under pressure. They do so because they want to hire the right candidates.

5.    Emotional Intelligence:
This word has created a special room in the business world in recent times. This means being aware of your own emotions and those of your co-workers and acting in a way that fits the situation.
With fast-paced schedules being followed globally, it is required by the companies that the candidates understand how to manage their sentiments in a highly stressed work environment. Effective outcome is expected in everything that would come their way. Hence candidates with good emotional intelligence end up turning into full time employees pretty quickly.

Companies need to hire candidates while assessing almost all the above characteristics and traits. Having an agile workforce is the key to a successful business, and a healthy work environment. In today's business world, it's important to communicate, build relationships. You must show the general populace and new hires a good side of your company.

Soft skills in the workplace allow organisations to use their knowledge and expertise productively. That avoids being slowed down by problems with external stakeholders, and politics in company.
It requires careful planning to find candidates with the ideal mix of soft skills. It also needs time, patience, and trust in one's own instincts on the part of the practitioner.
Be sure to give some serious thought to how you might gather information about your applicants as social beings.