Of all the actions a person can do that lend itself towards engendering compassion, empathy or altruism there is none more so than effort.

Whatever you're doing, even if you don't know it all, even if it isn't the best, simply make sure it looks like you care.

Small things. Like putting a potted lavender outside your front door, or whatever. It shows your attention to detail that primarily effects other people. It makes you approachable. It's the difference between your neighbors knocking on your door when your too loud or them filing a complaint or calling the police, both of which could have ramifications down the line.

It's a soft skill, sure, but it greases so many wheels I can't even begin to detail.

My yard is kept tidy. It's not finished, sculpted, or anything much special. But it's on purpose. Not always clean, I usually have some construction or project I'm working on, but that's always temporary. Im generally reclusive. I'd rather build my stuff and sell what Ive made or build for someone else and be left alone. But I'm always offering to help everyone with their projects. Rarely taken up, but like clockwork, I always extend help.

My obvious display of care over what's under my supervision is, honestly, defensive. I get the benefit of the doubt. My neighbors don't sick code enforcement on me, regardless of what I'm doing (which is all within code regardless, but county given the call will come out, Everytime.)

Again, it's a soft skill. A subtle thing, but it'll help you stand out, unconsciously at the very least.