10 Soft Skills Employers Look for in 2023.

Why mastering these skills is crucial for career success in the new job market.

Starting a career can be daunting, especially for young adults who are just about to leave school or have just started their professional journey. As someone who has been a career coach for over a decade, I have seen first-hand how the job market has evolved and how important it is for school leavers and first-time job hunters to be equipped with the right skills to succeed.

As we look to the future, the job market is bound to change in ways that we can’t even begin to imagine. But one thing we know for sure is that soft skills will always be in demand. With the rise of apps like ChatGPT, who knows what jobs we’ll be doing in a few years, but one thing we do know is that mastering these 10 soft skills will give you a leg up in the new job market.

Now, I know what you’re thinking, “But I’m not a softie, I’m a tough, no-nonsense businessperson.” Well think again! According to research, these soft skills are crucial for success in the workplace.

1. Communication Skills: Sure, you can have all the technical skills in the world, but if you can’t communicate effectively, you’re going nowhere fast. And it’s not just me saying this – a survey by NACE found that 73.4% of employers consider communication skills to be the most important quality in job candidates. You need to be able to articulate your ideas, listen actively, and communicate with people at all levels of the organization.
2. Critical Thinking: You need to be able to analyse information, make decisions, and evaluate outcomes. And guess what? According to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs report, critical thinking and problem-solving are among the top 10 skills needed for the future workforce. So, if you want to be a valuable asset to any company, sharpen those critical thinking skills!
3. Adaptability: In today’s fast-paced job market, being able to adapt to new challenges and changing circumstances is essential. And you don’t have to take my word for it – a report by McKinsey Global Institute predicts that up to 375 million workers worldwide may need to switch occupational categories and learn new skills by 2030. So, it’s time to be flexible and adaptable, folks!
4. Teamwork: You need to be able to collaborate and communicate effectively with others, and contribute to achieving shared goals. According to a LinkedIn survey, 80% of professionals believe that networking and building relationships are important to career success.
5. Time management is also crucial. You need to be able to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and manage your workload efficiently. And if you’re constantly late, beware! According to a survey by CareerBuilder, 29% of employers say that tardiness is the top productivity killer in the workplace.
6. Leadership: Even if you’re not in a management position, leadership skills are important. According to a study by Deloitte, leadership is the most important talent issue facing organizations today. Employers value candidates who can take initiative, motivate others, and drive change.
7. Digital Literacy: Technology is a crucial part of most jobs today. According to a report by Burning Glass Technologies, there is a digital skills gap in the workforce, with more jobs requiring digital skills than workers who possess them. You need to be proficient in using basic software and tools and be able to learn and adapt to new technologies.
8. Emotional Intelligence: Emotional intelligence involves being aware of and managing your own emotions, as well as understanding and empathizing with others. According to a study by TalentSmart, emotional intelligence is responsible for 58% of a leader’s job performance. Employers value candidates who can work well with others, manage conflicts, and maintain positive relationships.
9. Creativity is the top-rated skill sought by employers, according to a report by the Conference Board. You need to be able to come up with new and innovative ideas, and think outside the box. Employers value candidates who can bring fresh perspectives and contribute to creative problem-solving.
10. Professionalism: Professionalism involves demonstrating the appropriate behaviour, attitude, and appearance in the workplace. According to a survey by Accountemps, 93% of executives say that a person’s attire at work influences his or her chances of promotion. You need to be punctual, reliable, and respectful of others.

In conclusion, starting your career can be challenging, but by developing these essential skills, you can increase your chances of success in the workplace. Remember the wise words of Albert Einstein, The measure of intelligence is the ability to change”, so continue to learn and develop these skills throughout your career.

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