Soft skills top employer wish lists, despite automation's rise

Technological know-how is crucial in today's workplace, but employers want soft skills above all, according to a new poll conducted by Morning Consult for the U.S.-based education and technology firm Cengage. The survey of more than 650 employers and 1,500 current and former college students found that 73% of employers are having difficulty finding qualified candidates, while 65% of employers chose soft skills as the most in-demand skills. The employers polled said the most in-demand soft skills are: listening skills (74%); attention to detail and attentiveness (70%); effective communication (69%); critical thinking (67%); interpersonal skills (65%); and active learning/learning new skills (65%). One-third of employers said that schools haven't adequately prepared students for jobs, and one in three students agreed. Also, 65% of students said they're having a harder time finding a job than their parents' generation did, a quarter of students said they're worried that technology will replace jobs, and 77% said they're worried about having the skills needed to do a job.