Employers are increasingly in search of job candidates who possess a variety of soft skills. Soft skills, sometimes referred to as “people skills” or “interpersonal skills” can be described as a set of personal attributes, traits, and behaviors that help people interact effectively with others in a workplace or social setting. Based on the findings of the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) Job Outlook 2024 survey, those hoping to impress future employers should highlight their ability to problem solve, work as a team, and communicate, rather than depend upon a grade point average (GPA) to stand out. In fact, when asked about what skills they were looking for on a candidate’s resume, almost 90% of employers indicated they are seeking evidence of an ability to solve problems, and nearly 80% wanted to hire candidates with strong teamwork skills. More than 70% want to hire individuals with strong written communication skills and an almost equal number are seeking those with adaptability and flexibility. 

While it’s easy to differentiate potential hires by comparing degrees, GPAs, or licenses listed on a resume, it’s a challenge for employers to identify those that possess the soft skills needed in today’s ever-changing workplace. To measure these intangible yet highly sought after skills, employers may administer pre-employment personality tests such as the Enneagram Test, ask a candidate to discuss past experiences, or pose hypothetical “What would you do?” situations that require self reflection. Identifying and verifying soft skills is notoriously difficult, making it a significant challenge for employers to accurately assess and compare candidates. In an effort to unlock the elusive talent code, the substantial body of research that demonstrates a valuable link between soft skills and bilingualism offers a compelling solution.

In the NACE’s Job Outlook 2024 survey, 255 employers responded to questions such as “What attributes are employers looking for on resumes?” and “What is the weight employers place on candidates’ skills and competencies?” At least two-thirds of employers responded that they were seeking candidates with a strong work ethic, written and verbal communication skills, analytical and quantitative skills, flexibility, and adaptability. In contrast, only five percent identified “fluency in a foreign language” as important. Data shows that if the goal is to hire individuals with soft skills, HR managers should prioritize bilingual candidates, as they are significantly more likely to possess these skills. In fact, the research which is vast and overwhelmingly convincing, demonstrates that not only do bilinguals possess desirable soft skills, but they also benefit from a delayed onset of Alzheimers, cognitive decline, and dementia. Knowing two or more languages enhances brain function and structure, particularly in areas like executive control, memory, and cognitive flexibility.

The value of employees who possessed soft skills was first highlighted in Google’s Project Oxygen, a multiyear research initiative to examine employee well-being and productivity. What they discovered were a set of characteristics found in their most productive teams. The top seven skills that contributed to success are now highly valued soft skills, which coincidentally, are by-products of language learning. For the employer, hiring individuals with likely soft skills could be as easy as hiring a bilingual whose language skills can be easily measured, compared, and verified. 

If you look again at the chart above which prioritized the qualities employers surveyed by NACE are seeking in potential hires, fluency in a foreign language comes in last at only five percent. Despite strong evidence linking bilinguals to key soft skills, employers overlook bilingualism as a valuable asset, even while prioritizing soft skills in hiring. Let’s examine the data demonstrating the powerful connection between bilingualism and the skills needed in the 21st century workplace.

Communication. It is not a surprise that employers rank written and verbal communication skills high on the list. Strong communication ensures that ideas, instructions, and feedback are clearly understood, reducing misunderstandings and errors.The cost of inadequate communication at work is high. One survey reports that companies lose $62.4 million per year on average due to poor communication in the workplace. Learning and using multiple languages makes bilinguals more conscious of how language works. This awareness often leads to better precision, clarity, and nuance in both verbal and written communication. Studies have also shown that bilingual individuals adjust communication styles effectively across cultures.Bilinguals have also been found to excel at active listening and are better able to interpret diverse viewpoints.     

1. Problem Solving & Critical Thinking. A study published by the International Journal of Business and Management found that employees who excel in problem-solving are more likely to improve processes, streamline operations, and enhance overall efficiency. These skills are critical in   modern workplaces that can be complex, dynamic, and often unpredictable. A Harvard study emphasizes that problem-solving is essential in environments that demand quick decision-making and adaptation to evolving technology and market conditions.The bilingual’s language learning experience strengthens problem-solving and  critical thinking skills by engaging executive functions like attention control and working memory. Research from the National Institutes of Health shows that bilinguals have higher gray matter volume in the brain and demonstrate superior inhibitory control and task-switching abilities compared to monolinguals.

2. Ability to Work as a Team. A study by McKinsey & Company found that teams with strong collaboration were up to 25% more productive than less cohesive groups.  Being bilingual helps develop more adaptability and social, emotional, and interpersonal skills. Indeed, bilinguals have to be more aware of the needs of the listener and others and have to navigate and express various and multiple perspectives. In a world charged with ambiguity and global challenges, the capacity to understand and appreciate the viewpoints of others is a stepping stone for success. Research shows that multilinguals tend to make more rational and impartial decisions, highlighting their objective decision-making approach, which can be a tremendous asset when teamwork and collaboration are critical to success. Because bilingual employees have better interpersonal skills overall and can better understand the intentions and perspectives of others, creating greater synergy and cooperation.

3. Creative thinking. Creative thinking drives innovation, leading to new products, services, or processes that can differentiate a business from its competitors. This helps companies stand out in crowded markets and meet evolving customer needs.In rapidly changing environments, creative thinking allows businesses to adapt and pivot quickly. It helps companies stay relevant by developing novel strategies to respond to market shifts, technological advancements, and emerging trends. Research suggests that learning a new language increases the four components of divergent thinking (the process used to generate creative ideas), which are fluency, elaboration, originality, and flexibility. Creative thinking enables us to problem-solve, innovate, and come up with fresh ideas. Creativity in the workplace is also thought to promote collaboration and teamwork, to help reduce stress, and to boost motivation and engagement.

4. Empathy. Empathy is especially important in leadership, with one study by Catalyst finding that people who perceive their leaders to be empathetic feel better equipped to innovate, feel more engaged in their work, are more likely to stay with their company, and feel more able to establish a work-life balance. What’s more, 50% of respondents with empathetic leaders reported that their workplace is inclusive, compared with just 17% of those whose leaders are less empathetic. Empathy is another valuable byproduct of learning a new language. In 2015, a team of researchers at the University of Chicago found that multilinguals are better at understanding other people. They attribute this to an advanced capacity for “perspective taking” — that is, when communicating and conversing in another language, we need to consider the speaker’s perspective in order to understand the intention and meaning behind their words.

To sum it up, if you're looking to hire candidates with soft-skills, consider a bilingual that has been certified by the Global Seal of Biliteracy. The internationally awarded Global Seal certification program offers three-tiers of stackable credentials that can be easily verified enabling employers to compare candidates with tested written and verbal communication skills in more than one language.