The Growing Gap in Soft Skills | Full Guide for 2024

What Is the Gap in Soft Skills?

The gap in soft skills is the growing divide between the interpersonal skills employers seek and the actual skills job-seekers can bring to the table.

Soft skills involve abilities like communication, leadership, teamwork, adaptability, and more. And each of these is becoming increasingly important for the workplace.

A LinkedIn survey revealed, however, that while 92% of managers believe that soft skills are more important than ever, over 89% can’t find candidates who have them. This goes to show just how big that gap in soft skills is!

Why Is There a Gap in Soft Skills?

There’s no single culprit behind the widening gap in soft skills. Rather, a few different factors have a hand in it.

So far, employers mostly emphasized hard skills and work experience as job requirements. Since these qualities guaranteed a job offer, the workforce became highly technical.

This trend bled into educational institutions, too. Many schools and universities emphasize theory or hard skills for certain industries, but these alone aren’t enough to equip graduates to handle the work environment.

Students who passed their exams with flying colors entered the job market without knowing how to navigate conflict, work on projects with tight deadlines, or deal with difficult clients.

Additionally, generational differences can contribute to the growing gap in soft skills. Younger generations have had earlier digital access and thus have different ideas about online communication.

For example, Millennials and Gen Z are a lot more used to brief, casual communication compared to older generations. But, at the same time, their style of texting and emailing can come off as unprofessional. At the other end of the spectrum, older generations might come off as too formal and detailed, which might not be the most efficient approach.

Finally, it’s important to remember that businesses are evolving rapidly. More and more routine tasks are being automated, so the value of uniquely human skills, like conflict resolution and problem-solving, is skyrocketing.

Why Do Soft Skills Matter?

Soft skills are important because they show employers how you work and interact with others, not just what you know.

These skills are a window into your work ethic and cultural fit within the company you’re applying to. So, hard skills might get your foot in the door, but it's often your soft skills that help your career growth in the long term.

Here are a few reasons why soft skills are game-changers for finding a job (and then keeping it):

• Soft skills are easily transferable across most roles, so they’ll serve you well at different stages of your career.
• Being able to work well with others is non-negotiable across 99% of industries, so your teamwork skills are always a plus.
• Artificial intelligence (AI) and automation are taking over different technical tasks, but they can’t lead a team or negotiate a deal yet. So, your people skills can make you stand out.
• Creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking are among the soft skills that fuel innovation and help businesses stay competitive, which is what employers want.
• Soft skills are tied to your professional development because they help you adapt to new roles, navigate office politics, and stand out as a leader.

As the workplace continues to evolve, job seekers and employers must work to bridge this gap in soft skills if they want to succeed.

15+ In Demand Soft Skills

Now that you know what the gap in soft skills is all about, let’s check out the most in-demand soft skills right now, starting with:

#1. Communication

As one of the most universal soft skills out there, communication skills are something you need to work on throughout your career.

Communication is all about being able to convey ideas and information effectively, which can prevent misunderstandings and foster a positive work environment. You need to listen actively, empathize with the person on the other side, and find common ground.

Effective communication is crucial in almost every aspect of business, from working with others to building relationships with clients, professional networking, and more.

#2. Problem-Solving

Problem-solving is a skill that can make you stand out in any workplace. It's all about being able to identify, analyze, and come up with effective solutions for different issues.

Employers value team members who can tackle challenges head-on and think critically about how to overcome obstacles. This isn't just about fixing what's broken – it's also about improving processes and contributing to the company's overall success.

Whether you're dealing with a dissatisfied customer or figuring out how to streamline a complex project, strong problem-solving skills can help you navigate tricky situations and become a go-to person in your organization.

#3. Critical Thinking

Critical thinking is being able to objectively analyze and evaluate information and make well-reasoned decisions. It's about not taking things at face value but digging deeper to understand the full picture.

This is a great skill if you’re looking to become an academic, but it’s highly valued in the rest of the job market, too.

In the workplace, critical thinking helps you make better decisions, spot potential issues before they become full-blown problems, and think of innovative ideas. Employers value this skill because it shows you can think independently and contribute meaningfully to discussions and projects.

Whether you're assessing the pros and cons of a new strategy or fact-checking a report, strong critical thinking skills help you in any job and add real value to your team.

#4. Adaptability

Hiring managers are going to love you if change is something you deal with easily. Adaptability means you can adjust your approach, mindset, or behavior when faced with new conditions, expectations, or technologies.

Change is a part of life, and it’s needless to say that applies to the workplace, too. New software, shifting market trends, or unexpected challenges can pop up at any moment. So, employers highly value team members who can roll with the punches and stay productive, no matter what comes their way.

Whether it's about learning a new skill or applying different strategies in the middle of a project, being adaptable can help you thrive in any environment. It's not just about managing change - it's about embracing it and using it as an opportunity for career development.

#5. Teamwork

As cliche as it may be to describe yourself as a “team player” on your resume, teamwork isn't just a buzzword.

This is one of the most crucial soft skills that can make or break how successful you are at a given job. It’s the ability to work well with others towards a common goal, even when you might not see eye to eye on everything.

Good teamwork creates a positive work atmosphere, boosts productivity, and leads to better results, overall. That's why employers are always looking for workers who can mesh well with coworkers from diverse backgrounds and with different working styles.

Keep in mind that having teamwork skills does not mean you have to be best friends with everyone you work with. Think of it as a way of separating your relationships – you put everything else aside so long as you have a common goal.

In most jobs, your success is measured by how well you contribute to the team's overall success, not just your performance. As long as you can respect others' ideas, communicate, pull your weight, and help when needed, you’re all set to be a great team player.

#6. Collaboration

While teamwork is about working well with others, collaboration takes things further.

Collaboration is all about actively contributing your ideas, skills, and resources to create something greater than what anyone could achieve individually. It’s more than dividing tasks and working side by side.

A popular word in the corporate world for this is "synergy," where your combined efforts produce results that exceed the sum of individual contributions. This is why many innovative companies are shifting from a teamwork model to a collaborative culture.

Let’s illustrate the difference:

If you’re working in a restaurant as a waiter, you are a part of a diverse team. You need to work well with the other waiters, as well as the hosts, bartenders, line cooks, bussers, dishwashers, and restaurant managers.

On the other hand, if you’re an illustrator or other creative, you might need to be open to collaborations instead. Rather than having specific tasks, you might bounce ideas off each other, work on different parts of the same art piece, or produce individual versions to compare.

#7. Leadership

Leadership isn't just for managers or executives - it's valuable at every level of an organization. At its core, leadership is about inspiring and guiding others towards a common goal.

A leader doesn't just tell people what to do. They motivate their team, set a positive example, and create an environment where others can thrive. This is why employers value leadership skills in all their employees, not just those in management.

Showing leadership might mean taking charge of a project, mentoring a new coworker, or simply speaking up when an issue needs addressing. It's about taking initiative, being responsible, and helping to bring out the best in those around you.

#8. Emotional Intelligence

Sometimes referred to as your EQ (Emotional Quotient), emotional intelligence is the ability to recognize, understand, and manage your own emotions, as well as those of the people around you.

Emotional intelligence is a crucial interpersonal skill that can help you navigate tricky social situations, resolve conflicts, and build strong relationships with coworkers and clients alike. It's about reading the room, picking up on subtle cues, and responding appropriately.

Employers value emotional intelligence because it translates to better teamwork, more effective leadership, and improved customer relations. Whether you're giving feedback to a coworker, negotiating with a client, or managing stress during a tight deadline, emotional intelligence can be the key to handling these situations gracefully and professionally.

#9. Time Management

Whether you’re applying for college or an executive position, time management skills are essential.

As the name suggests, this skill is all about organizing your tasks, setting priorities, and using your time efficiently to get more done.

Good time management isn't just about ticking items off your to-do list on time, though. It's more about focusing on what truly matters, minimizing distractions, and finding ways to work smarter, not just harder. Plus, it often leads to a better work-life balance!

Needless to say, employers love workers who can handle multiple responsibilities without getting overwhelmed. When you manage your time well, you'll miss fewer deadlines, produce higher-quality work, and reduce stress for both yourself and your team.

At the end of the day, time management isn’t about how busy you are - it's about how productive you are with the time you have.

#10. Creativity

Creativity isn't just for artists or graphic designers - it's a valuable skill in any job. It includes thinking outside the box, coming up with fresh ideas, and finding innovative solutions to problems.

Companies are always looking for ways to stay ahead of the competition. That's why employers value team members who can bring new perspectives to the table. Creative thinkers are often the ones who spot opportunities others miss or find unexpected ways to overcome challenges.

Being creative at work doesn't mean you need to reinvent the wheel every day. It could be suggesting a new approach to a routine task, finding a unique way to present data, or coming up with an original marketing idea.

Just stay curious, be open to new experiences, and don’t be afraid to suggest ideas that might seem unusual. Today's "crazy idea" could be tomorrow's breakthrough innovation, so why not go for it?

#11. Attention to Detail

Small mistakes can have big consequences, so attention to detail is a skill that shines through. You should be thorough and careful in your work and catch the little things others might miss.

Employers always value team members with a keen eye for detail – they can maintain high standards and prevent costly errors.

Whether you're proofreading a text, balancing financial records, or ensuring product quality, being detail-oriented can make a huge difference.

Attention to detail can go further than that. It's also about understanding the finer points of projects, anticipating potential issues, and ensuring everything aligns with the bigger picture. But if you’re not careful, it could turn into a weakness like excessive perfectionism.

#12. Conflict Resolution

Wherever people are working together, there's bound to be some friction now and then.

That's where conflict resolution skills come in handy. This skill involves addressing disagreements and finding solutions that work for everyone involved.

Even the most introverted employees should know how to navigate confrontation, manage disagreements, and keep the peace.

Good conflict-resolution skills can turn potentially disruptive situations into opportunities for growth and improved understanding. So, it's not about avoiding conflict altogether – it's about handling it constructively.

Conflict resolution can come in handy when you’re mediating a dispute between coworkers, negotiating with a difficult client, or finding a compromise in a team project. The goal here is never to win an argument but to find a solution that moves everyone forward.

#13. Initiative

Sometimes you need to take action without someone telling you what to do first.

Initiative is the ability to see what needs to be done and jump in to do it, often before others even realize it needs to be done.

Employers love team members who show initiative because it means they're proactive, self-starters who don't need constant supervision. When you take initiative, you're not just doing your job – you're actively looking for ways to improve things and contribute more.

This could mean volunteering for new projects, suggesting improvements, or even creating solutions to problems that haven't been officially addressed yet. Taking initiative shows that you're engaged with your work and committed to the success of your team and company.

Just remember, there's a fine line between showing initiative and overstepping boundaries, so it's always good to use your judgment and communicate your intentions. You don’t want to come off as bossy or arrogant.

#14. Customer Service

Every interaction with a customer can make or break their experience with a business.

Customer service is about understanding customers’ needs, addressing their concerns, and providing a positive experience no matter what. Answering questions is just one small side of it - these skills let you leave a lasting impression that makes customers feel valued.

When it comes to customer-facing roles, employers need strong customer service skills because they directly impact a company's reputation and success in the long term. When you excel at customer service, you help build customer loyalty and ensure that people keep coming back.

You’re the person who can make a real connection with customers. This means listening attentively, being patient in difficult situations, or going the extra mile to ensure a customer leaves satisfied.

Good customer service skills show you’re empathetic, solution-oriented, and committed to representing your company well.

#15. Negotiation

At times, you’ll need to find a solution that works for everyone.

Negotiation means finding a balance between what you want and what others need. Whether you’re negotiating for your salary, trying to compromise with a coworker, or securing a lead for your company, you’ll have to negotiate the terms.

Naturally, employers love candidates with strong negotiation skills, particularly for sales, real estate, and different management positions.

#16. Cultural Awareness

The world is becoming increasingly globalized, making cultural awareness a necessity.

Sometimes called intercultural communication, this is the ability to respect and adapt to diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and customs. You have to be open to different perspectives, listen actively, and recognize how cultural differences can shape interactions and decisions in a workplace.

Employers need culturally aware team members because they help foster an inclusive environment where everyone feels respected. Being culturally aware allows you to navigate sensitive situations thoughtfully, avoid misunderstandings, and make sure that everyone feels heard.

Cultural awareness helps build strong relationships with clients, partners, or coworkers from various parts of the world, so it’s a great companion skill for any foreign language you might know.

Which Industries Are Most Affected by the Gap in Soft Skills?

No field or industry is truly safe from the growing gap in soft skills, but it might just be more alarming for positions where effective communication, empathy, and adaptability are the keys to success.

Some of the most affected industries include:

• Service. Retail, hospitality, and customer support rely on communication and empathy. Missing crucial soft skills in any of these positions can lead to dissatisfied customers, reduced brand loyalty, and a bad reputation for the business.
• Healthcare. Medical professionals, like nurses, need to be empathetic and communicate clearly with patients and their families. The quality of patient care immediately goes down even among the most qualified doctors if they don’t have these basic interpersonal skills. 
• Information Technology. This industry is pretty much synonymous with technical skills, but the tech sector has been struggling with this gap in soft skills. This industry requires as much teamwork and problem-solving as it does computer skills if companies are going to get results.
• Education. Teachers and administrators depend on empathy, patience, and communication to engage students of different backgrounds. Without these skills, you get disengaged learners and an ineffective classroom environment.
• Sales. Negotiation, persuasion, and networking skills are essential in all aspects of sales. Lacking these skills can lead to missed opportunities, difficulty in building rapport with clients, and lower conversion rates that limit revenue and growth.

How Can Employers Bridge the Gap in Soft Skills?

The gap in soft skills isn’t just for job seekers to solve. Employers can take proactive steps to develop and nurture soft skills in their workforce.

Focusing on career growth and professional development can help create a more effective and well-rounded team.

Some strategies employers can implement include:

• Incorporate Soft Skills Training. Workshops and training programs focusing on communication, conflict resolution, and emotional intelligence can be a fantastic resource for employees. These can be tailored to address the specific needs of your industry, field, or the specific demographic you’re hiring. (E.g.: a corporate communication workshop for younger employees)
• Invest in Mentorship Programs. Pairing up less experienced employees with mentors who they can look up to is a guaranteed way to get results. It’s a hands-on approach that provides real-world examples and feedback, as well as teaches valuable skills.
• Promote a Culture of Feedback. Encourage regular, constructive feedback between all levels of your organization. Managers and employees should be able to give each other feedback without fear of scrutiny. This helps your team understand how their soft skills impact their work and provides opportunities and ideas for improvement.
• Recognize and Reward Soft Skills. When your team members demonstrate strong soft skills, such as leadership or initiative, point it out and reward them for it. This sets a standard and encourages others to prioritize similar skills in their roles.
• Hire for Potential. Instead of completely ruling out candidates with little work experience, look at their potential. If a candidate has great potential to be a cultural fit, you could mold them into the perfect employee and ensure their long-term growth in your company.

How to Develop Your Soft Skills

Developing soft skills is an ongoing process that requires practice and reflection. So, with the right approach, you can improve!

Let’s look at a few practical tips for developing your soft skills:

1. Seek feedback. Ask your coworkers and supervisors for their honest opinions about how well you're doing at something, whether it's your communication skills or a project you're working on. They might have noticed things you would miss on your own.
2. Practice active listening. Make a conscious effort to fully engage in conversations, both at work and in your personal life. This means focusing on the speaker, asking clarifying questions, and providing thoughtful responses.
3. Take on challenging projects. Volunteer for tasks that push you out of your comfort zone. These experiences will force you to develop new skills and strengthen the ones you already have through practice.
4. Observe and learn from others. Pay attention to coworkers who excel in areas that you want to improve in. Notice how they handle different situations and try to incorporate what they do into your approach.
5. Set specific goals. Things like "improve presentation skills" are too vague to plan or measure. Instead, set specific goals, like "give a presentation to the team this month."
6. Track your progress. Keep yourself motivated by tracking your progress. Try keeping a journal or using a goal-tracking app to monitor how your soft skills are developing. Assess yourself every few weeks to see where you still need to improve and if there’s a tangible difference in your performance at work.

Developing your soft skills is an ongoing journey, not a destination you can teleport to. Be patient with yourself and celebrate the small victories along the way.

If you’re consistent in your effort and practice, you're guaranteed to see improvement in your soft skills and your career prospects over time.

Resources to Develop Your Soft Skills

Now that you know how important it is to develop your soft skills, you might be wondering – where do I even begin?

Luckily, there are plenty of resources available online!

Here are a few of our top recommendations:

• Online courses. Platforms like Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, and Udemy offer a wide range of courses on various soft skills. They tend to include video lectures, interactive exercises, and peer discussions, so you can learn at your own pace and apply new concepts practically.
• Books. Plenty of books focus on specific soft skills like leadership or communication. Reading books by industry experts and thought leaders can provide in-depth insights and strategies you can use to improve your soft skills.
• Workshops and seminars. Look for events, both local and virtual, that are focused on professional development. These are interactive sessions that provide hands-on practice and the opportunity to network with others who are also working on their soft skills.
• Novocareer. This advanced online learning platform by Novorésumé is dedicated to helping you grow the skills you need to succeed in your career. Novocareer offers tailored learning paths, expert-backed courses, and flexible learning options. It's 

How to Highlight Soft Skills in Your Job Application

Showcasing your soft skills can give you a significant edge in every aspect of your job search.

Here are a few ways you can convey them to the hiring manager:

• Throughout your resume, use action verbs that demonstrate your skills, like “collaborated,” “negotiated,” or “led.”
• Provide specific examples of how you've used soft skills by including impressive achievements in your work experience section.
• List soft skills in your resume’s skill section.
• Reiterate some of your soft skills and achievements related to them in your resume summary.
• If you have any leftover space, you could add some appropriate hobbies or interests. These can give insight into your personality and show off some relevant soft skills. 
• Use your cover letter to tell a story that illustrates your soft skills in action.
• Explain how your soft skills will benefit the company and emphasize specific soft skills mentioned in the job ad.
• Make sure your language matches the soft skills you’re trying to highlight. (E.g.: clear and concise writing shows good communication skills.)
• Before the job interview, prepare for the most common interview questions.
• Use the STAR method to prepare specific examples to show you’re the best candidate for the job.
• Dress appropriately for the job and make sure your body language reflects confidence and professionalism.

Weaving your soft skills throughout every part of your job application helps present a well-rounded picture of you as a qualified candidate, a great addition to the team, and a match for the company’s culture.a comprehensive tool for anyone looking to develop their soft skills in a structured, effective way.

BONUS: Gap in Soft Skills Infographic

Key Takeaways

And that’s the end of our article!

By now, we’re confident you know everything you need to know about the gap in soft skills and you’re more than ready to navigate it.

Before we wrap up, let's quickly recap the main points we've covered:

• The gap in soft skills is a growing divide between the interpersonal skills employers need and what job seekers can offer.
• Soft skills like communication, problem-solving, and adaptability are valued because they show employers how you work, not just what you know. They're essential for career growth and professional development.
• Developing soft skills is an ongoing process. It requires practice, self-reflection, and a willingness to step out of your comfort zone.
• Numerous resources are available for improving your soft skills, from online courses and books to well-rounded platforms like Novocareer.
• Highlighting your soft skills effectively in your resume, cover letter, and during your job interview can all give you a significant edge in your job search.
• Bridging the gap in soft skills is crucial for both job seekers and employers. By focusing on these skills, you're not just improving your job prospects - you're preparing yourself for long-term career success.