Five soft skills employers look for when hiring, promoting

As workplaces evolve with hybrid models and AI integration, soft skills remain essential for success. A recent survey of 1,000 employees and managers found that 84% believe candidates must possess abilities like communication, emotional intelligence and problem solving to be hired.

However, many younger workers are reportedly lacking these skills due to an emphasis on academic performance over interpersonal development.

“Soft skills are the personal attributes and abilities that enable individuals to work effectively with others, adapt to various situations and approach tasks with the right mindset,” said Advita Patel, president of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations.

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Unlike hard skills, soft skills are rarely taught formally. “They aren’t usually taught in formal training but are developed through experience and self-awareness,” Patel added. While some abilities are innate, experts say they can be cultivated with conscious effort.

According to Yahoo Finance, Here are skills that can make a difference when applying for a job or aiming for a promotion.

1. Communication remains one of the most valuable soft skills. “Communication is always top of the list, not just talking, but listening properly and getting your point across without confusion,” says Katie Howarth, head of people at YuLife. Clear communication means saying what needs to be said in a simple way. It also includes asking questions when something is unclear. A good manager should be willing to explain further if needed. It helps to use examples to make ideas clearer and to pay attention to tone, facial expressions, and body language. These non-verbal signs can tell you just as much as words do.

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2. Resilience is another key skill that can help at work. “In work and in life, we all have setbacks, but the ability to bounce back, refocus, and push forward in the face of challenges stands out to our colleagues,” says Cindy Gunn, group head of people at Gi Group. Building resilience can be hard, but it is possible. Being aware of how you respond when under pressure is a good place to start. Getting feedback and learning from it can also help. Everyone experiences pressure at some point. What matters is how you respond. Taking regular breaks and having support from others can make it easier to deal with stress. Remember that not all problems are within your control. Your response is.

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3. Problem-solving is also a useful skill. It means finding ways to deal with issues as they come up and trying to stop them from happening again. To improve problem-solving skills, it helps to consider different options and think about the best way forward. Listening to different points of view and thinking carefully before acting can lead to better results. These are habits that can be developed with time and experience.

4. Adaptability matters because change happens in every job. Whether it is new technology or a shift in the way work is done, being able to adjust is important. Being aware of your thoughts and how you respond in new situations can help you manage change. When you know your limits and are open to learning, it becomes easier to adapt. “Notice how you react under pressure and how people respond to you,” says Howarth. “Ask for feedback regularly. And then look for ways to stretch yourself, whether it’s leading a project, giving a presentation, or having that difficult conversation you’ve been putting off.”

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5. Teamwork remains essential in most workplaces. Not everyone enjoys working in a group, but nearly every role requires it in some way. Teamwork includes listening, sharing ideas, and being open to other people’s views. It also means managing conflict calmly. “It can help to notice your strengths and how they can help your teams,” says Gunn. Cooperation and support between colleagues can lead to better results and a more balanced work environment.