Soft skills in 2023: the most in-demand

As the job market evolves, employers are progressively paying more attention to soft skills in their employees and candidates.

These are personal qualities and traits that are difficult to define and teach, but essential for success in the workplace. Here are some soft skills likely to be in high demand by employers in 2023, and why they are relevant:

1. Adaptability: With the rapid pace of technological and social change, the ability to adapt and learn new things fast is becoming more and more important. Employers need a workforce that can think ahead and adapt to new situations and challenges.
2. Communication skills: It will not be too revealing to state that communication skills are fundamental to success in any job, as they allow employees to effectively communicate their ideas and work successfully with others. This includes both verbal and written communication, as well as the ability to listen actively and share constructive feedback.
3. Collaboration: The ability to work well with others is becoming increasingly valued as more companies adopt an agile and team-based approach to work. Those who can contribute to a positive team culture and collaborate effectively with colleagues from different backgrounds and disciplines are most wanted.
4. Creativity: As the economy becomes more competitive and technology advances, employers are often looking for employees who can bring fresh ideas and unique perspectives to the table. Creativity and problem-solving skills are becoming more valuable in today’s job market.
5. Emotional intelligence: The ability to recognise and manage one’s own emotions, as well as identify the emotional states and reactions of others is a key predictor of the company’s success. Employers need staff who can build positive relations with co-workers and customers, and who can handle difficult workplace situations in a healthy and productive way.

As the job market changes, these and other soft skills are expected to become increasingly important to employers. It is not uncommon for these skills to determine the selection of a candidate for a position in the recruitment process. Having a strong foundation in these areas can help you stand out in a labour market and succeed professionally.

Besides taking into consideration the most in-demand soft skills mentioned above, you can read our blog post “Expert advice on interviewing” to help you prepare for your interview and succeed in your job seach.