In an increasingly competitive job market, getting noticed by prospective employers feels harder than ever. Nearly two-thirds of UK workers will be looking for a new job in 2025, according to new research by LinkedIn, which means the job market is highly saturated – and hiring managers are sifting through a lot of CVs.

Standing out from the crowd can feel like an impossible task, and according to the same research, 64% of professionals feel overwhelmed by the pace of change in the workplace, leaving them unsure where to focus their upskilling efforts. Knowing what employers are looking for can help you make your applications more targeted and therefore more likely to get you to the next round.

According to LinkedIn’s report, one area of expertise is particularly attractive to UK businesses right now: soft skills.

Soft skills include things like relationship building, communication and adaptability – essentially, the things that set a human apart from a computer. In an era increasingly dominated by chat about AI replacing humans in the workplace, it’s refreshing to learn that humanity is what’s currently in demand.

“The good news is many professionals may already have these skills without even realising it,” says LinkedIn career expert Zara Easton. “Skills like adaptability, communication and relationship building are often developed in everyday life – whether in previous jobs, personal projects or day-to-day interactions – and they can be a game-changer when it comes to career progression.”

While AI tools are becoming more embedded in all kinds of workplaces, it would seem they’re not replacing human interaction, but rather enabling it. Almost a third of executives believe that AI will free up more time for relationship-building, giving professionals an opportunity to be more productive and sharpen the skills that employers are prioritising.

In fact, the ability to build good, solid working relationships is so desired in 2025 that relationship building is the number one skill employers are looking for right now. Strategic thinking took the second spot, followed by AI literacy and then communication. This shows us that an understanding of AI is highly desired, but combining that technical know-how with super impressive soft skills is what will really set you apart from the crowd.

Taking the time to hone these ‘uniquely human’ soft skills – and, crucially, remembering to include them on your job applications – could be your key to staying competitive and unlocking new opportunities in your career progression.

Images: Getty