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If you’re looking for a new gig in 2026, you might want to work on those communication skills.
A poll of 1,000 hiring managers found “soft skills” can be even more important than “hard” ones now. “Hard skills” are things tied directly to your job. “Soft skills” are more general, like critical thinking and collaboration.
62% said hard and soft skills are equally important . . . and 24% think soft skills are MORE important now.
According to the poll, here are the Top 10 soft skills that can help land you a job:
1. Good communication skills. That includes things like concise emails, active listening, and overall clarity of what you’re saying.
2. Professionalism. One expert was surprised it ranked so high and thinks it’s because YOUNG people suck at it. Quote, “This signals that younger generations are entering the workforce with a more laid-back attitude.”
3. Time management. Can you get stuff done and hit your deadlines?
4. Accountability. Do you take ownership of your work, and your mistakes?
5. Resilience. When you hit roadblocks, can you pivot and keep going?
6. Problem-solving skills. Can you diagnose an issue and come up with a good solution?
7. Critical thinking. Can you think outside the box when the solution isn’t obvious? And can you tell a good idea from a bad one?
8. Attention to detail. If your work always has to be double-checked, you’re a lot less valuable.
9. Collaboration skills. Do you work well with others?
10. Adaptability. Are you flexible, and how well do you deal with change? Being able to incorporate A.I. into your job will be a big one for a lot of people.
