From Degrees to EQ: The New Hiring Playbook for 2025

A new report reveals that 3 in 5 employers now say soft skills like communication, adaptability, and collaboration are more critical than ever — even outweighing technical expertise in many roles. As AI reshapes the hiring landscape, 85% of companies are adopting skills-based hiring and increasingly removing degree requirements. Yet despite AI tools streamlining hiring, 63% of employers say finding top talent remains a challenge. With emotional intelligence, critical thinking, and cultural fit rising to the top of recruiters’ wish lists, job seekers who can blend both tech savvy and human-centered skills are set to stand out.