What are skills that potential employers value called?

The term that best describes skills that potential employers value is often referred to as "soft skills." These are the interpersonal skills that include communication, teamwork, problem-solving, adaptability, and emotional intelligence. Employers prioritize these skills because they reflect a candidate's ability to work collaboratively, navigate workplace dynamics, and contribute to a positive organizational culture.

While communication skills can be considered a subset of soft skills, the broader category encompasses a wider range of attributes that are increasingly important in a competitive job market. Hard skills, on the other hand, are specific, teachable abilities or knowledge sets, such as proficiency in a particular software program or technical skill. Transferable skills refer to abilities that can be used in various fields or jobs, but they do not encompass the entire range of interpersonal attributes that employers seek. Therefore, the emphasis on soft skills captures the essential interpersonal dimensions that potential employers highly value.