Entry-Level Jobs Are Down, But Soft Skills Are Still in Demand
Since ChatGPT’s debut, entry-level job listings have plunged by nearly a third, according to The Times. That’s a sobering stat for anyone fresh out of college.
Wouter Durville, CEO of the talent discovery platform TestGorilla, urges graduates not to panic. He says, “Cutting junior staff is short-sighted… AI may boost efficiency, but it can’t replicate the emotional intelligence, critical thinking, and human judgement that real people bring to entry-level roles.”
While grads may not be able to outcompete AI, they can definitely still make themselves marketable, especially when it comes to skills AI can’t replicate. Now is a better time than ever to sharpen soft skills, and a good 6 in 10 employers now say soft skills like communication, empathy, adaptability, and teamwork are more important than they were five years ago.
SOFT SKILLS MAY BE AS CRITICAL AS TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE
A recent report from Unstop proved that soft skills are now considered just as critical as technical knowledge in today’s workplace. Traits like emotional intelligence, collaboration, and adaptability are what help teams thrive in fast-paced, AI-augmented environments.
What does that mean for those seeking entry level jobs? This may mean that employers could be more focused on how well a candidate works with others. They might ask themselves if that candidate is a strong listener, leader, and if they bring energy to a team. Having these qualities could make a candidate stand out above others, especially in roles where AI might do the task, but only humans can build trust and maintain relationships.
To future candidates, Durville offers this advice. “Hiring managers want more than just technical ability – they’re looking for emotional intelligence, cultural fit, and values. Develop and showcase these, and that’s what will truly set you apart.”
© Copyright 2026 Poets & Quants. All rights reserved. This article may not be republished, rewritten or otherwise distributed without written permission. To reprint or license this article or any content from Poets & Quants, please submit your request HERE.
