Top Soft -Skills employers value

Today’s workplace is continually changing, creating the need for professionals to be well prepared, not only with technical skills but also with soft skills. 

LinkedIn’s Vice President, Aneesh Raman, highlights the rising importance of people-centred capabilities, which he notes impact personal career growth and company success.

This insight shows us how soft skills like adaptability, communication, and problem-solving enable professionals to undertake new challenges, work collectively and contribute to the company’s goals. That’s why we’ll explore some of the most valued soft skills in the workplace and share practical ways to develop them. 

Why Soft Skills Matter for Career Success

We are working in a competitive job market where it is necessary to stand out. 

This is where soft skills come into play. By mastering soft skills, you can increase your productivity, improve how you work in teams, and be better at solving problems. 

These benefits translate to better job performance and communication with relevant professionals, opening up greater career advancement opportunities.

Employers value individuals who can adapt quickly, communicate effectively, lead projects, and create a positive solution-oriented workplace culture. 

Understanding the impact of soft skills on your career can help you prioritise these abilities.

The Must-Have Soft Skills

According to LinkedIn’s 2024 Most In-Demand Skills report, soft skills are among the qualities employers seek in candidates. 

These are the top 5 and what they mean:

1 - Adaptability

• Adjusting quickly to new circumstances 
• Seeing change as an opportunity rather than a setback
• Managing transitions smoothly (new role, new technology, etc.)

2 - Communication

• Expressing ideas clearly
• Practising active listening
• Sharing insights and providing constructive feedback
• Collaborating effectively with others

3 - Leadership

• Taking initiative and motivating others
• Taking ownership of projects
• Inspiring teams and being a positive example

4 - Teamwork

• Working well with diverse perspectives
• Creating a supportive work environment 
• Valuing collective goals over individual recognition

5 - Problem-Solving

• Identifying and analysing challenges
• Thinking critically to find solutions
• Implementing effective solutions

Developing these soft skills will help you handle new challenges, build strong workplace relationships, and contribute to your team’s success. 

But where do you start? 

The good news is they can be strengthened with practice. 

Practical Tips for Growth

Improving these 5 skills will take some effort, that’s why we present you some practical ways to start incorporating them into your everyday life:

1 - Adaptability

• Look for opportunities to step out of your comfort zone (joining a new project or learning something that doesn’t have to be related to work)
• Learn from unpredictable situations: reflect on what went well, what didn’t, and what you can do differently next time

2 - Communication

• In conversations, focus on listening before answering, ask questions and acknowledge other points of view
• Ask for feedback on your communication style from trusted peers

3 - Leadership

• Volunteer to lead available projects, even if they are small or informal
• Focus on connecting with others, motivating them and offering support when needed

4 - Teamwork

• Participate in team sports, group volunteering, or any other team activity available to you
• When working in teams, encourage everyone to share their ideas to make them feel valued

5 - Problem-Solving

• When faced with complex problems, break them into smaller more manageable parts
• Stimulate critical thinking with puzzles or strategy games

Incorporating these habits into your routine will help you develop skills and apply them more naturally in the workplace. 

All in all, soft skills are no longer nice-to-haves, they’re needed to build your career. 

Technical skills are constantly changing: what you learn today might not be applicable in a few years while your soft skills can only grow. 

Succeed by integrating these skills into your daily life, but do it gradually: it’s about experience and understanding. 

Start with small specific goals that take you out of your comfort zone like taking the lead on a project, asking for feedback, or breaking a challenge into actionable steps. 

Whatever effort you make will contribute to mastering a skill that can open doors. 

If you need help identifying and sharing your soft skills, please Contact us. 

Our team of professionals will help you understand the kind of support you need and guide you through the process.