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Half of Hiring Managers Say AI is the Most Important Skill in 2025

In 2025, hiring managers say the top five desired hard skills for candidates include AI (47%), such as machine learning and generative AI tools, followed by sales and customer relationship management skills (40%) using platforms like Salesforce and Hubspot, according to research from Resume Builder 

Skills in data analysis and visualization (39%), leveraging tools like SQL, Tableau, and Power BI, and cloud computing and storage (37%), including AWS and Azure, also rank highly. Additionally, project management expertise (37%) is expected to be critical for job seekers aiming to stand out.  

“It’s no surprise that AI skills are among the most sought-after by employers today,” says Stacie Haller, chief career advisor at Resume Builder. “Organizations that aim to boost productivity and stay competitive recognize that AI expertise is a key driver in achieving these goals.”  

The most essential soft skills for candidates in 2025 include problem-solving (68%), communication (65%), and time management (64%). Employers also value team collaboration (60%) and attention to detail (58%) as vital competencies. For Gen Z candidates, hiring managers say problem-solving and communication skills are particularly important. 

“Since the rise of remote work, soft skills have become increasingly critical in the hiring process,” Haller says. “For many, especially Gen Zers who entered the workforce during the pandemic, the lack of in-person experiences has made it harder to develop these skills. Higher education has also fallen short in preparing students in this area, leaving many Gen Z professionals entering the workforce unprepared.”  

Hiring managers emphasize that candidates should strategically incorporate skills into their resumes to stand out. The most recommended method, endorsed by 61% of hiring managers, is embedding skills within experience bullet points. Additionally, 48% suggest creating a dedicated “skills” section, while 51% advocate for highlighting skills in a professional summary or cover letter.  

Skill presentation remains a common issue on resumes. Over half of employers (59%) report frequently encountering resumes where skills are not properly showcased, while 37% say they sometimes do. When candidates effectively highlight their skills, it has a significant impact on hiring decisions—74% of employers say they are much more likely to consider candidates, and 25% say they are a little more likely.  

Tags: AI, Skills

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