The top skill that companies are looking for in new hires is a strong work ethic, according to research from ADP. Employers value soft skills such as problem-solving, time management, and communication, but finding candidates with these qualities can be challenging. Companies believe that employees with a strong work ethic and effective problem-solving skills have limitless potential and opportunities. Upskilling and reskilling have become priorities for businesses in the wake of the ‘great resignation,’ where millions of people quit their jobs, leaving a gap in the workforce.
As artificial intelligence becomes more integrated into the workforce, soft skills are increasingly valuable. Communication has been identified as the most in-demand skill for 2024 by LinkedIn. Highlighting your soft skills in a job interview can give you a competitive edge. Employers can assess communication and interpersonal skills within the first 5-10 minutes of an interview. To demonstrate a strong work ethic, candidates can share stories of challenges they have overcome in previous roles, emphasizing their commitment and determination.
It is important to provide examples of contributions made in previous roles that helped advance the company’s objectives. These examples can illustrate the candidate’s work ethic and demonstrate their understanding of business values. Even if a candidate lacks direct work experience, they can draw on real-world experiences to showcase their problem-solving abilities and strong work ethic. Ultimately, the goal of an interview is to convince the hiring manager of the value the candidate can bring to the business.
Soft skills such as a strong work ethic, problem-solving, and communication are highly sought after by employers. Building a talent bench with employees who possess these qualities can lead to a more effective and scalable workforce. As upskilling and reskilling become the new standard for people throughout their careers, it is crucial for job seekers to focus on developing and highlighting their soft skills. By demonstrating these qualities in an interview, candidates can increase their chances of landing their dream job in 2024. To further prepare for job interviews, individuals can consider taking CNBC’s online course on how to ace job interviews, which covers topics such as body language techniques, effective communication, and discussing salary expectations.
