7 surprising skills global employers are looking for in 2025
In 2025, companies across the world are shifting from what’s on your resume to what you bring to the table. This article explains the lesser known but increasingly critical skills that employers look for in a candidate specially in a fast paced, hybrid, and AI driven job market.
The New Hiring Mindset
In 2025 hirers are looking for a well rounded, qualified individual with traditional skills and a whole set of modern skills. The global hiring trends show that they expect employees to possess a combination of technical skills, hard skills and soft skills.
Technical skills
1. Digital skills
Deloitte Access Economics mentions that 87% of jobs need digital literacy skills while another 156 000 employees with these skills are necessary to work in companies by 2025. As businesses adopt new and advanced technologies digital tools and services become more important for the success of the company. From interpreting customer satisfaction and behaviour to optimising supply chains, employees who are fluent in digital tools and products are invaluable to the company.
2. Sustainability
International companies are being held increasingly accountable for their environmental footprint, increasing the demand for professionals who can design and implement sustainable solutions. The Deloitte Global 2024 Gen Z and Millennial Survey found that protection of the environment remains top priority for them. 81% of people believe that businesses should influence customers to purchase ecofriendly products and 54% of employees are pushing their employers to take action on climate change. This trend has been steadily increasing since 2022.
3. Ability to use AI
The ability to use AI to make business decisions, conducting processes efficiently is another most wanted technical skill expected in employees. AI should be used by employees as a tool which helps them do things easier and faster. Rather than looking at it as a threat it should be looked at as a collaborative tool.
Soft skills
4. Communication and collaboration
A team’s success depends on strong communication and collaboration skills. The ability to express thoughts clearly, listening to the ideas of others in a respectful manner, working together with unity and harmony are some of the skills included in this. When working together as a team it makes work more effective and productive. When employees are doing remote work or hybrid work professionals who excel at these skills will be instrumental in keeping teams connected and aligned, regardless of their work arrangement.
5. Emotional intelligence
Employees who have the capacity to understand the emotions of others value their colleagues more and engage with them politely. They can approach challenges with empathy and tact. Leaders with a high emotional intelligence are better at building meaningful relationships, motivating teams, managing stress and resolving conflicts. Forbes listed this skill as the number 1 soft skill for 2025.
6. Cultural awareness
Embracing and respecting cultural diversity in the workplace is immensely important in diverse workplaces and global industries. For instance, in multinational corporations when businesses are working across borders, professionals who understand diverse values, traditions and communication styles can integrate them to build a team to better navigate international markets and communicate with colleagues and clients from various backgrounds.
Future-focused skills
7. Critical thinking and problem solving
These skills help teams make better decisions, streamline processes and adapt to new things. Teams have to combine logical analysis with creative thinking to solve problems confidentially and turn obstacles into opportunities. In an uncertain world these skills can bring clarity to the issue at hand and guide you toward the right direction, making them crucial for any organisation.
8. Change management
Change is inevitable and necessary in any organisation. With a changing world, workplaces are also changing. How change is handled can have a significant impact on success. When adapting to change it is important to guide teams through transitions. It can be adapting to new technologies or restructuring processes. Leaders who can understand both the emotional and practical aspects of change help minimise resistance, maintain productivity and ensure a problem free implementation.
9. Resilience
Employees must have the energy, courage, and a mindset to rise from setbacks and follow through with tasks despite challenges. Professionals who are resilient can adapt quickly to change and keep moving forward. They have the ability to achieve long-term goals with determination. They do not view failures as detrimental but as learning opportunities. They also inspire others around them to wade through challenges and contribute to personal and organisational growth.
Skills of relevance
10. Embrace continuous learning
Continuous learning is not only about gaining new knowledge. It is having a mindset that welcomes growth, seeks challenges, and adapts to change. How do employees know that they have something new to learn? By addressing the gaps in their skills and knowledge. They should research the latest trends in your industry and understand what tools or practices are crucial at present.
11. Develop self-awareness
Self-awareness is an often overlooked but critical skill for staying relevant. Employees should be able to understand their strengths and weaknesses. They should seek assistance to grow their strengths and minimise their weaknesses to build confidence. Maintain a log to keep track of the feedback and the measures taken to improve shortcomings. Employees can take personality tests to find out how they approach problems, how they solve them and how they communicate. This will help them tackle the blind spots in their skill set.
Ready to stand out in the global job market? Don’t just update your resume. Upgrade your skill set. Start building these in-demand skills today and position yourself as the candidate every employer is looking for. Explore top online courses, tips related to career and networking ideas on CareerFirst.lk Your next opportunity is just a click away.
"In a world that's changing really quickly, the only strategy that is guaranteed to fail is not taking risks" - Mark Zuckerberg.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the biggest change in hiring trends for 2025?
In 2025, employers are focusing less on what’s written on your resume and more on the unique skills you bring to the table, especially those suited to a hybrid, fast-paced, AI-driven job market.
2. What types of skills are global employers prioritising now?
Employers are looking for a balanced mix of technical skills (like digital literacy and AI fluency), soft skills (like communication and emotional intelligence), future-focused abilities (like critical thinking and resilience), and self-development skills (like continuous learning and self-awareness).
3. Why are digital skills more important than ever?
As businesses increasingly rely on digital tools and services, employees who are fluent in tech can contribute to everything from understanding customer behaviour to streamlining operations, making them highly valuable.
4. How does sustainability factor into hiring decisions?
Many companies are under pressure to reduce their environmental footprint. Employers are actively looking for candidates who can design or support sustainable practices in business operations.
5. Should I be worried about AI replacing my job?
No. Instead of fearing AI, companies are seeking candidates who can use AI as a tool to improve productivity, automate tasks, and make informed decisions.
6. Which soft skills make a real difference in 2025?
Strong communication, emotional intelligence, and cultural awareness are essential, especially in hybrid teams working across borders.