Hiring Managers Reveal the Most Important Hard and Soft Skills for 2026

In November, ResumeTemplates.com surveyed 1,005 hiring managers to determine which hard and soft skills will matter most in 2026.

Hard Skills vs. Soft Skills

Hard skills are the technical, measurable abilities tied directly to the job, like data analysis, project management, cybersecurity awareness, software expertise, and AI tool proficiency. Soft skills are the interpersonal and behavioral strengths that shape how someone works, such as communication, professionalism, time management, accountability, resilience, and collaboration.

When we asked 1,005 business leaders which type of skill will matter more in 2026, most (62%) say both are equally valuable, while 24% report soft skills matter more, and 14% feel hard skills do.

Top 10 Hard Skills for 2026

1. Software tools 

The undisputed heavyweight. If you can’t navigate the tools your team uses every day, nothing else matters.

2. Data analysis

Companies don’t want more dashboards. They want people who can actually interpret them and recommend action.

3. Cybersecurity awareness

Companies expect everyone to understand basic security hygiene, especially as AI makes cyber threats more common.

4. Project management

Managers want employees who can get work across the finish line without constant check-ins or hand-holding.

5. Quality assurance and testing

Automation only works if someone catches the mistakes. QA is becoming a must-have, not a niche.

6. Automation and workflow optimization

If you can make processes faster, cheaper, or smoother, you’re instantly valuable.

7. Product management

Even non-product teams now need people who think cross-functionally and prioritize like product managers.

8. Technical writing and documentation

AI can draft, but humans still need to make information clear, logical, and usable.

9. Data visualization

It’s not enough to collect data; companies need employees who can make sense of data and communicate what decisions should come next.

10. AI tools

Generative AI isn’t a bonus skill anymore. It’s expected, like knowing how to use email.

“Hard skills continue to change and evolve based on industry needs and trends. Even so, certain skills, such as project management and quality assurance, consistently appear year after year. These are foundational skills that every professional should continue to build,” says Julia Toothacre, Chief Career Strategist at ResumeTemplates.com.

“Given how strongly companies have been pushing AI, I’m surprised it landed at the bottom of this list. It shows that while AI matters, it still doesn’t outweigh the technical skills required to actually perform your job.”

Top 10 Soft Skills for 2026

1. Communication

Still the #1 currency in the workforce. Clear communication is what makes teams, projects, and decisions actually work.

2. Professionalism

Companies want adults in the room. That means reliability, maturity, and knowing how to handle yourself.

3. Time management

The ability to prioritize and hit deadlines is a top differentiator, not just a basic expectation.

4. Accountability

Managers overwhelmingly value employees who take ownership of their work, their outcomes, and their mistakes.

5. Resilience

The workplace is shifting fast. Employers want people who can take a hit, recalibrate, and keep moving.

6. Problem solving

Workers who can diagnose issues and select the appropriate solution are highly sought after.

7. Critical thinking

In a world full of AI-written content, the people who can evaluate truth, logic, and tradeoffs will win.

8. Attention to detail

Small mistakes can cause major problems. Detail-oriented individuals are highly sought after.

9. Collaboration

Teams only work when people can coordinate, compromise, and deliver together.

10. Adaptability

New tools, new processes, new expectations — the employees who flex instead of freeze will thrive.

“Soft skills tend to be underrated, but they’re often the most valuable throughout your career. Communication is especially critical. You need it to articulate ideas, show your value to decision-makers, and work effectively with your team,” says Toothacre.

“I was surprised to see professionalism rank second. Critical thinking and collaboration usually land higher. To me, this signals that younger generations are entering the workforce with a more laid-back attitude.”

Methodology: This survey was conducted from November 19, 2025 to November 23, 2025 using organic RDE methodology among 1,005 hiring managers in the United States. Respondents were required to meet strict demographic criteria, including being at least 30 years old, having a college degree or higher, earning at least $75,000 annually, holding a manager-level title or above, and working at a company with 11 or more employees.