Time to prioritise soft skills

Despite advancements in communication, flexibility, and teamwork, employers still place significant emphasis on degrees, diplomas, or similar qualifications when evaluating job seekers. This outdated approach often excludes numerous promising candidates, limiting opportunities to a small pool of individuals who meet rigid credential-based criteria.

Soft skills such as emotional intelligence, conflict resolution, and effective collaboration are more crucial than ever, as they significantly contribute to the positive evolution of workplace culture. Yet, job portal algorithms remain overly focused on formal qualifications and certifications, creating unnecessary barriers for candidates with non-traditional skills and life experiences.

To address this, job portals should enhance their focus on soft skills by incorporating features such as video cover letters, situational tests, and peer evaluations. Additionally, leveraging AI technology to assess candidates' personal characteristics and their alignment with company values could provide a more comprehensive and equitable hiring process.

Tanzum Chowdhury

Student

North South University

[email protected]