In recent years, skills-based hiring has emerged as a prominent trend in recruitment, shifting the focus from degrees to practical abilities. As education costs rise and the competition for talent increases, employers are widening their search criteria, prioritizing skills that indicate an employee’s potential over formal qualifications. This shift is a step forward for individuals from underrepresented communities, offering greater opportunities based on their capabilities rather than their educational background.

However, it’s crucial for employers to recognize that skills-based hiring is just one part of the broader journey to developing early career professionals. Many candidates enter the job market with great potential but need time and experience to refine their abilities. To understand how to upskill employees in this new hiring landscape, it’s essential to explore key skills—often referred to as soft skills—that can set candidates up for long-term success.

Characteristics That Make a Strong Employee

Every hiring manager values motivated, enthusiastic individuals who are eager to learn on the job. However, many gig workers, retail employees, and those in minimum wage jobs possess these traits but are overlooked due to the lack of a college degree or formal experience. For these individuals, upskilling can make a significant difference, not just in mastering specific job-related skills but also in understanding workplace culture and building social capital.

The Importance of Upskilling in the Skills-Based Hiring Era

Breaking into a professional role often requires introductions and network access that many early career employees lack, especially if they don’t have family or alumni connections. For those starting without these privileges, developing soft skills can make all the difference in advancing their careers.

Here are five critical soft skills that will help entry-level employees establish themselves and thrive:

1. Building Social Capital
Employees without a university background or professional network may find it more challenging to build career connections. One of the best ways to begin is by investing in relationships with peers, often through shared experiences in training programs, community colleges, or boot camps. These experiences can create lasting bonds that lead to future opportunities across various industries.

2. Leveraging Weak Ties
Research shows that “weak ties”—acquaintances rather than close connections—are often the most valuable for career advancement. These individuals can open doors to new opportunities. Early career professionals should focus on making connections through networking platforms like LinkedIn, seeking informational interviews to learn from others, rather than asking for immediate job opportunities. Building and nurturing weak ties over time can have a profound impact on career growth.

3. Marketing Yourself
Learning to effectively tell your story is an essential skill. This involves highlighting key strengths, accomplishments, and experiences that demonstrate your value to employers. Crafting a 90-second elevator pitch or a one-page resume that communicates challenges overcome, goals, values, and transferable skills can help you stand out. Think about how your previous roles, even if they seem unrelated, have equipped you with skills applicable to other industries.

4. Developing a Growth Mindset
A growth mindset—believing that effort leads to improvement—can significantly impact an early career professional’s success. With the right guidance, such as mentoring or access to learning resources, individuals can develop the belief that they have the capacity to learn and grow, regardless of their current skill level. Embracing challenges and continuously learning from experiences are key components of long-term career success.

5. Mastering the Follow-Up
Networking isn’t just about making connections; it’s about maintaining them. Many early career employees may find that initial interactions don’t immediately lead to job offers. Staying in touch with connections, providing updates on your progress, and asking insightful questions can keep you on their radar. Additionally, reapplying to companies after gaining new skills or experiences can turn previous rejections into future opportunities.

Why Soft Skills Are the New Must-Haves for Career Success

While technical expertise remains crucial, soft skills often play a more significant role in long-term career advancement. These skills are transferable across industries, and they require ongoing development and effort. In the era of skills-based hiring, it’s essential for companies to support their employees with not only technical training but also opportunities for personal and professional growth. Investing in soft skills can help employees thrive, adapt to new roles, and create successful, sustainable careers.