Soft Skills Employers are Looking for in a Candidate in 2023

Soft Skills Employers are Looking for in a Candidate in 2023

In today's fast-paced job market, possessing the right skills is crucial to landing a job. While technical skills and experience are still essential, employers are increasingly looking for candidates with a range of soft skills that will help them fit into the company culture and work effectively in teams.

Here are the top soft skills employers are looking for in a candidate in 2023.

  • Communication Skills

Communication skills are essential in almost every job. Employers want candidates who can communicate effectively with colleagues, clients, and customers. According to a survey by LinkedIn, 92% of hiring managers say that communication skills are the most important soft skill they look for in a candidate.

"As a hiring manager, I always look for candidates who can communicate well," says John Smith, HR Manager at ABC Company. "In today's global marketplace, communication skills are essential. We need employees who can communicate effectively with clients and colleagues from diverse backgrounds."

  • Adaptability

With rapid changes in technology and the job market, adaptability has become a vital soft skill. Employers want employees who can adapt to new situations and learn quickly. According to a survey by Deloitte, 90% of companies believe that soft skills like adaptability are essential for success.

"Adaptability is one of the most critical soft skills we look for in a candidate," says Sarah Johnson, CEO of XYZ Company. "We work in a fast-paced industry, and we need employees who can adapt to changing situations quickly. Adaptability also means being open to new ideas and ways of doing things, which is crucial for innovation."

  • Teamwork

In today's workplace, teamwork has become a fundamental aspect of job performance. Employers want candidates who can work effectively in teams and collaborate with others to achieve common goals. According to a survey by Forbes, 97% of employees and executives believe that lack of alignment within a team impacts the outcome of a task or project.

"We want employees who can work effectively in teams," says John Smith. "Collaboration and teamwork are essential in our company. We need employees who can share ideas, support each other, and work towards a common goal."

  • Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence has become an essential soft skill in the workplace. Employers want employees who can manage their emotions and understand the emotions of others. According to a survey by TalentSmart, 90% of top performers have high emotional intelligence.

"Emotional intelligence is becoming increasingly important in the workplace," says Sarah Johnson. "We want employees who can manage their emotions, communicate effectively, and understand the emotions of others. Emotional intelligence also means being empathetic and understanding the needs of our clients and customers."

  • Problem-Solving

Problem-solving is a crucial soft skill that employers look for in a candidate. Employers want employees who can analyze problems, develop solutions, and implement them effectively. According to a survey by CareerBuilder, 77% of employers believe that soft skills like problem-solving are just as important as technical skills.

"We want employees who can think critically and solve problems effectively," says John Smith. "In our company, we face new challenges every day, and we need employees who can analyze problems and develop creative solutions."


Possessing the right soft skills is essential to succeed in today's job market. Employers are looking for candidates who possess a range of soft skills, including communication skills, adaptability, teamwork, emotional intelligence, and problem-solving. Developing these soft skills can help you stand out in the job market and increase your chances of landing your dream job.

Diane Hoelzel

Executive Search | Leadership Talent Partner | Business Development | Nuclear Industry Advocate

1y

So very true Josh. Soft skills, behavioral competencies and cultural fit should be examined not just for the best hiring practices but also for retention and an organization's overall cultural health.

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