As the job market continues to evolve, entry-level workers are expected to have a diverse set of hard and soft skills so they can hit the ground running, like communication, problem-solving, and collaboration. However, General Assembly’s recent report reveals a serious skills gap: Only 48% of employees and just 12% of mid-level executives believe today’s entry-level workers are well-prepared for the current job market.
The report reveals that entry-level candidates are increasingly falling short when it comes to the skills employers need, showing they’re not ready for the demands of the modern workplace. This gap isn’t just a concern for candidates trying to break into the workforce; it’s also a challenge for employers who struggle to find well-rounded, capable talent.
In this article, we’ll explore the skills employers are looking for in entry-level candidates, why these skills are frequently lacking, and how to bridge the gap.
The current gap in entry-level skills
According to the General Assembly report, the gap in entry-level skills has become more pronounced over the past five years, highlighting a noticeable decline in readiness. While technical skills have long been in high demand, 49% of executives and 37% of employees point to a lack of soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. For many organizations, these interpersonal skills are just as important, if not more, than technical expertise.
So, why are entry-level candidates coming up short in these areas? One major reason is insufficient training from employers. About a third of executives and more than a quarter of employees feel their companies don’t provide enough training to new hires, which leaves workers ill-prepared to handle the challenges of their roles. Time, money, and lack of motivation are other barriers that prevent many employees from pursuing learning opportunities on their own, further widening the entry-level skills gap.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic can’t be overlooked either. Gen Z, in particular, may have struggled to get foundational workplace skills during the disruption caused by the pandemic. With remote learning and fewer in-person opportunities to develop these skills, many of today’s new hires face a steeper learning curve.
Top skills employers want in entry-level candidates
As the gap in entry-level job skills grows, understanding which specific abilities employers are looking for is crucial. We asked two human resources executives, Daniel Langkilde, from Kognic, and Dhanvin Sriram, from PromptVibes, to describe the soft skills employers want in 2024.
1. Communication skills
Knowing how to communicate not only means your messages are conveyed clearly, but it builds team cohesion and prevents misunderstandings. Whether you're writing emails, presenting an idea, or discussing a project with a manager or colleague, communication is central to your success. “Without it, misunderstandings can lead to missed deadlines and reduced productivity,” Sriram says.
In fast-paced work settings, employers rely on employees who can communicate effectively to contribute meaningfully to projects, collaborate seamlessly with others, and resolve challenges efficiently.
Read this next: Your Communication Skills Matter for Every Job—Here’s How to Use, Improve, and Show Off Yours
2. Teamwork and collaboration
Most projects require input from multiple individuals or departments, and being able to collaborate smoothly with others is crucial. Teamwork involves sharing responsibilities, respecting diverse perspectives, and contributing to collective goals.
Today’s diverse and cross-functional teams also require the flexibility to adapt to different working styles and a willingness to support others when needed. “Entry-level candidates often struggle with flexibility, self-awareness, and comfort with ambiguity,” Langkilde says. “These skills are critical because today’s workplace is constantly changing. When candidates lack flexibility, it can slow down projects, and if they aren’t self-aware, they might not realize how their strengths affect their team.”
Whether you’re working on a cross-departmental project with colleagues or collaborating on a tight-turnaround task, being a good team player is a key skill that employers look for in entry-level candidates.
Read this next: 10 Collaboration Skills Examples—and How to Improve Yours
3. Adaptability
Adaptability is the ability to adjust to new circumstances, tools, processes, or roles with ease. It means embracing change and learning quickly in response to evolving business needs. In industries where change is constant—such as technology, marketing, or healthcare—being adaptable is especially important.
As companies frequently implement new tools or adapt their processes, employees who can quickly adjust without getting overwhelmed are seen as assets. Adaptability shows resilience and a growth mindset, both of which are crucial for career development.
Read this next: Adaptability Skills Examples—and 10 Tips on How to Improve Yours
4. Critical thinking and problem-solving
Critical thinking is the ability to analyze information, evaluate different perspectives, and develop logical solutions to complex problems. This skill allows employees to approach tasks systematically, think outside the box, and make informed decisions.
Problem-solving is the application of critical thinking to identify solutions to obstacles or challenges, which is essential for maintaining productivity. “These may seem basic, but without them, even simple tasks can stall,” Sriram says.
Employers value problem-solving skills because they reduce delays, prevent bottlenecks, and ensure employees can independently resolve challenges. Candidates who demonstrate an ability to think critically and act decisively are more likely to thrive in their roles and contribute to the company’s long-term success.
Read this next: What Critical Thinking Is—And 7 Ways to Improve Yours
5. Time management and organization
An employee who can prioritize tasks, allocate their time efficiently, and meet deadlines is a productive employee. Organizational skills are the backbone of time management, making it easy to define and track tasks and responsibilities.
Employers value effective time management because it reflects an employee’s ability to handle multiple tasks and be efficient. It also reduces stress and improves the quality of work. “For most entry-level roles today, companies look for strong data literacy, basic project management skills, and proficiency with common software like Excel or project management tools like Asana or Trello,” Langkilde says.
Read this next: These Time Management Skills Can Make You a Better Employee—and Improve Your Work-Life Balance
6. Emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills
Emotional intelligence (EQ) is the ability to understand and manage one’s own emotions, as well as recognize and influence the emotions of others. High EQ contributes to positive workplace relationships, conflict resolution, and effective leadership.
Interpersonal skills, which are related to EQ, involve the ability to interact with colleagues, clients, and stakeholders. Employers highly value these qualities because they contribute to a positive work culture and help resolve interpersonal conflicts before they escalate.
7. Learning agility
Learning agility is the ability to quickly absorb new information, adapt to new situations, and apply knowledge in practical ways, reflecting a person’s capacity to grow and evolve in response to changing job demands. Employees who are agile learners can handle diverse tasks, take on new challenges, and stay relevant in their roles over time.
In industries where technology, processes, and market demands are constantly changing, the ability to learn entry-level skills quickly is invaluable. Companies value candidates who can grow with the company and easily adapt to new tools, roles, and challenges.
Bonus: Technical skills
Aside from the soft skills employers want to see in entry-level candidates, they’re also still very interested in seeing technical skills.
“Companies look for strong data literacy, basic project management skills, and proficiency with common software like Excel or project management tools like Asana or Trello,” Langkilde says. Specific knowledge and expertise are often required to carry out day-to-day tasks, allowing employees to work more efficiently and contribute to team productivity.
How to bridge the skill gap
While entry-level candidates may face skill gaps when entering the job market, there are many ways to bridge that gap and position themselves for success.
Identify your strengths and weaknesses
Do some self-reflection to identify your strengths and weaknesses. Langkilde recommends using “strength-based quizzes or personality tests” as a great starting point for self-awareness. (Here are 20 free personality tests to help you figure yourself out.)
Sriram suggests an easy self-evaluation exercise. “Ask yourself: ‘What do I struggle with, and when do I feel most comfortable?’ These questions can reveal blind spots,” he says.
Seeking feedback regularly is another effective approach. Even constructive feedback is valuable, as it can pinpoint areas that need improvement and give a clear direction for growth, especially when you ask for specific examples of areas to work on.
To further enhance your self-awareness, consider taking on projects where you’re not given all the answers upfront. This not only improves decision-making but also builds resilience, allowing you to get comfortable with ambiguity.
Seek mentorship and network
Mentorship plays a crucial role in accelerating professional growth. Building relationships with more experienced professionals allows you to observe how they approach challenges, make decisions, and communicate in various work scenarios.
“Networking is one of the best ways to develop critical skills,” Langkilde says. “By connecting with others and observing how they handle different situations, you pick up a lot of practical knowledge.”
Additionally, Langkilde emphasizes the importance of volunteering for new projects, “even if they’re a bit out of your comfort zone,” as this provides opportunities to gain hands-on experience and learn quickly. Even if your company doesn’t offer a formal mentoring program, finding someone within your organization who can provide guidance can be just as effective.
Read this next: 10 Tips for Finding a Mentor—and Making the Relationship Count
Develop problem-solving and technical skills
Once you’ve identified areas for improvement, the next step is to take action. Consider the structured thinking approach to improve problem-solving first. Sriram suggests breaking down challenges into manageable parts by asking, “What’s the root issue?” and “What’s within my control?” Practicing critical thinking daily can help you develop problem-solving skills over time.
For technical skills, leverage online courses, such as those on platforms like Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, and Udemy. “There are plenty of online courses that are perfect for building up these technical skills from scratch,” he says. This way you can stay up-to-date with industry-specific tools and trends without formal in-person training.
This might help you get there: 47 Online Classes That’ll Help Your Career (and They’re Free!)
Set achievable goals and track progress
Once you've gathered feedback and identified areas of improvement, set small, manageable goals and check in regularly with someone you trust to keep your progress on track. For example, if public speaking is a challenge, aim to lead a small meeting and gradually increase the size of your audience as you improve. Tracking progress through self-reflection, journaling, or even tools like 360 feedback surveys can be extremely valuable in assessing improvement over time.
Learn by doing
The best way to develop many workplace skills is through practice. “Self-initiated projects are powerful,” Sriram says. “Taking ownership of a project from start to finish helps you learn by doing and shows initiative.” When you’re responsible for a project, you’ll gain practical experience that sharpens both your technical and soft skills, including problem-solving, communication, and time management.
Ready to put your skills to the test? Explore entry-level jobs on The Muse and find the perfect fit for you »
Level-up those skills
Succeeding in today’s workforce requires a well-rounded skill set that balances both technical proficiency and the top soft skills employers want. While technical skills like digital literacy and familiarity with industry tools are often considered the foundation, soft skills—such as adaptability, communication, and problem-solving—are what truly set candidates apart.
Bridging the skill gap may seem daunting, but the good news is that it’s achievable with consistent effort and the right mindset. By taking the time to assess your strengths and weaknesses, seeking feedback, leveraging mentorship, and investing in continuous learning, you can take meaningful steps toward excelling in your role.
Start today. Whether it’s enrolling in an online course, initiating a self-assessment, or volunteering for a challenging project, every step you take moves you closer to becoming the well-rounded professional that employers value. With determination and a proactive approach, you’ll not only bridge the gap but thrive in your career.