Soft skills as a distinct set of capabilities employers seek in new hires¶

Theory · All theories
Evidence · 2 claims (2 for) · 1 study (1 review), q2 · 0 of 1 report an effect size · 2 claims rest on one study

Description¶

The publication treats soft skills as a recognizable category of capabilities that employers evaluate when hiring, distinct from technical credentials. It frames these skills as identifiable and describable through multiple evidence sources: "peer-reviewed research, research conducted by regional and national industry representatives, and a convening of regional employers." This framing positions soft skills as a legitimate target for educational and workforce development efforts.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• Multiple evidence sources (research and employer input) to characterize the skills

Constraints¶

• The construct is characterized for new hires in the Mid-Atlantic regional labor market context

Target Learners¶

• New hires and job seekers
• Students preparing for careers

Target Learning Objectives¶

• Developing soft skills that employers value in hiring

Claims¶

• Peer Reviewed And Industry Research Soft Skills Employers Seek [+M]
• A convening of regional employers in western Pennsylvania identified soft skills that employers look for in new hires [+W]

Related Theories¶

Examples¶

• You're Hired! The Skills Employers Seek in New Hires (REL Mid-Atlantic report)
• Use employer convenings to identify the soft skills that local employers seek in new hires

Key Sources¶

• Mid-Atlantic Regional Educational Laboratory. (2018). You're Hired! The Skills Employers Seek in New Hires. Washington, DC: Regional Educational Laboratory Mid-Atlantic. https://www.mathematica.org/publications/youre-hired-the-skills-employers-seek-in-new-hires