What soft skills are employers looking for in 2024?

The landscape of the world of work continues to evolve from everything we thought we knew. Gone are the days of simply going to college, getting a job, and settling in; today’s employers seek qualities that reflect our humanity—the ability to connect with others, creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.

Technical know-how is still crucial, but soft skills are becoming more important than ever as our jobs adapt to modern needs, rather than trying to neatly fit us into a well-defined box. To be successful in both our personal and professional lives, we need to continually hone our soft skills to sync up with the demands of the ever-evolving workplace.

So, what exactly are employers looking for when it comes to soft skills in 2024? To find out, we connected with two career coaches to learn what soft skills are trending this year, how to build upon yours and acquire new ones, and how to convey your soft skills on your resume, cover letter, and during interviews.

What are the most valuable soft skills for employees to have in 2024?

According to Tiffany Waddell Tate, founder & CEO of Career Maven Consulting, communication skills, creative problem-solving, and emotional intelligence top the list. Tate emphasizes the significance of these skills, noting, “The ability to engage and inspire, especially in remote and hybrid contexts across the globe, is key in today’s dynamic work environment.”

She also notes being self-aware and attuned to the experiences of others is crucial for tapping into empathetic leadership during workplace challenges, providing a foundation for effectively managing change and stress. In Tate’s words, “These skills not only make you a well-rounded candidate but are essential for thriving in the ever-evolving professional landscape.”

Career counselor and coach Lynn Berger echoes Tate’s sentiments, also pointing out how today’s hybrid and remote work environments will demand flexibility and strong communication skills from candidates. Berger also includes active listening as a valuable part of the communication piece to ensure that messages are both being clearly delivered as well as received.

How can job hunters work on developing their soft skills, and how can they tell what they need to work on?

Knowing the soft skills employers are looking for in 2024, you can begin to assess yours and what you might need to work on. “The best way to identify what you need to work on is to ask for feedback from your leaders and peers about how you show up as a colleague, with clients, and other stakeholders within your organization or community,” Tate notes.

Seeking input from trusted individuals provides valuable insights into areas that may require attention. Tate continues, “Stretch yourself outside of your comfort zone on new projects and experiences where you can apply the feedback you gather.” This hands-on approach to skill development is underscored by Tate’s belief in the effectiveness of “professional development experiences that emphasize applied learning you can use in your day-to-day work life.” By combining constructive feedback and immersive experiences, individuals can actively work towards refining their soft skills and professional growth.

Berger points out that everyone’s strengths and weaknesses vary. “Some people are naturally good at certain things and some aren’t,” she begins. “So look at what’s challenged you in the past and where the gaps were so you can start to fill them in.” She continues that while it’s good to lean into your inherent strengths, don’t shy away from your perceived weaknesses and the things that don’t come as easily for you—after all, practice is what will help make them stronger.

How can you highlight soft skills on job applications, resumes, and during interviews?

According to Tate, it’s not just about possessing soft skills; it’s crucial to demonstrate their tangible impact. “You can present soft skills by using specific examples of how your ability has influenced impact or change for the people, projects, or places you’ve worked,” she suggests.

Tate provides personal insight on the topic, stating that her ability to communicate effectively across different levels of an organization has allowed her to keep key stakeholders informed as she manages cross-functional teams. Doing this allows her to complete project sprints on time while keeping everyone who needs to know what’s happening informed along the way.

She emphasizes the importance of quantifying your soft skills, stating, “It’s not just about what soft skills you have; it’s important to quantify how they help you get the job done, too.”

Key takeaways: What soft skills are employers looking for in 2024?

Let’s recap—here are the key things to keep in mind about sharpening your soft skills in 2024.

• Essential soft skills: Employers will prioritize communication, creative problem-solving, and emotional intelligence in 2024, all of which are vital to adapting to the dynamic work landscape. As for employees, they’ll benefit from self-awareness and being attuned to other people’s needs.
• Feedback and hands-on learning: Identify and develop soft skills by seeking feedback from leaders and peers. Make sure you engage in projects outside your comfort zone so you can actively apply the feedback for hands-on and applied learning.
• Quantify impact: When highlighting soft skills, provide specific examples, showcasing their impact on people, projects, or places. Quantifying soft skills’ contribution is crucial in job applications and interviews.

As interpersonal relationships and effective communication play an increasingly pivotal role in job satisfaction and career advancement, developing soft skills sets you up for long-term professional success. Continuous learning and skill refinement are emphasized for both formal leaders and individuals seeking to thrive in the evolving workplace.

Berger’s takeaway message to candidates is to leverage the fresh start of a new year to challenge yourself. “You don’t want to become too dependent on everything that comes easily,” Berger begins. “It’s a good time to start to address the skills you want to strengthen.”

As for Tate, she adds that when people end up leaving a job, it’s usually not because they’ve maxed out their technical skills. Rather, it’s their experience with managers (and sometimes peers) and the interpersonal relationships that go awry. She highlights this as being the top reason why developing your soft skills is crucial. “Whether or not you lead a team formally, it’s important to continue learning, seeking feedback, and honing your soft skills—the heart of leadership skills—along the way,” she says.

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