In today’s ever-evolving workplace, the hiring spotlight is shifting. Employers are discovering that it’s not just technical expertise that drives success—it’s the people skills that really make teams thrive. These soft skills—like communication, adaptability, and emotional intelligence—often separate a good hire from a truly great one.
But what are soft skills, exactly? Why are they so valuable? And how is the hiring process changing to prioritize them? Let’s take a closer look.
Soft skills are personal attributes and social abilities that help people work well with others and navigate challenges in the workplace. Think of things like:
Communication
Teamwork
Adaptability
Emotional intelligence
Time management
Problem-solving
Unlike technical skills, which are often job-specific and easier to measure, soft skills are transferable across industries and roles. They're harder to quantify, but they’re essential in nearly every work environment.
For example, someone may be a highly skilled software developer, but if they struggle to collaborate with others or adapt to changing project goals, their impact will be limited. On the flip side, an employee with strong communication and problem-solving skills can often thrive, even in roles that require ongoing learning and development.
Soft skills are no longer just a “nice to have”—they’re essential for today’s fast-paced, collaborative workplaces. From boosting team performance to improving customer interactions, these human-centric abilities are key to success. In fact, 69% of U.S. executives say they’re prioritizing candidates with strong soft skills, according to LinkedIn's Global Talent Trends report. Employers are increasingly looking for people who can adapt, communicate clearly, and work well across teams—often valuing those traits as much as, if not more than, technical expertise.
Alongside the growing value of soft skills is another key trend: skills-based hiring.
Traditionally, hiring managers looked first at a candidate’s education, job title, or years of experience. But those credentials don’t always tell the full story of what someone brings to the table.
Skills-based hiring flips the script. Instead of focusing on resumes and degrees, employers are evaluating the actual skills someone has—both technical and soft. This more inclusive approach helps companies find the right talent based on ability, not just background.
A growing body of research supports the shift to skills-based hiring, which helps organizations stay agile, fill roles faster, and close skill gaps. As noted in a recent report from Harvard Business School, skills-based hiring can “expand the talent pool, increase retention, and improve diversity” by focusing on what candidates can do—not just their credentials or degrees. This approach opens doors for individuals with the right competencies, even if they don’t follow a traditional career path. Read the full report here.
If you're on the job hunt, this shift is good news. It means your soft skills—like being a great team player or a thoughtful communicator—can carry just as much weight as your job history or formal education.
To stand out in a skills-first hiring environment:
Highlight your soft skills in your resume and interviews. Use specific examples that show how you've used these skills to solve problems or support your team.
Be open to upskilling. Learning new technical or digital skills can boost your marketability when combined with strong soft skills.
Focus on adaptability. Employers love candidates who show they can grow and thrive in changing environments.
For companies, especially those facing hiring challenges or trying to build stronger teams, soft skills and skills-based hiring should be top of mind.
Here’s why:
You’ll widen your talent pool by focusing on what candidates can do, not just what’s on their resume.
Your workplace culture will benefit from employees who communicate well, collaborate effectively, and adapt to change.
You’ll build a more resilient workforce—one that’s equipped to handle whatever comes next.
And the best part? You don’t have to do it alone.
At PRT Staffing, we specialize in connecting employers with candidates who bring the right blend of technical know-how and soft skills to the table. Whether you’re starting from scratch or need to quickly fill a key role, our team is here to make hiring simpler, smarter, and more human.
Ready to find your next great hire? Contact PRT Staffing and let us help you build a team that’s ready to thrive.