The Top Six HR Soft Skills for 2025
I’ve been recruiting for HR roles for the best part of two decades, and I know a lot of HR professionals. I’ve watched a lot of HR hiring processes fall flat when hiring managers get caught up in who’s got what qualifications, so-and-so doesn’t have systems experience, and Candidate 2 has 4 years of employment law experience, but candidate 3 has 5. These technical, hard skills are great on paper, but in my experience, the real difference between a good HR hire and a great one? Soft skills.
Today’s workplace moves at an ever-increasing pace, and while technical know-how will get you so far, strong HR professional interpersonal skills are the things that build trust, encourage change, and make businesses better places to work for everyone.
So what are the most important things to look for in an HR hire? Here’s my top picks.
- Emotional intelligence
At the core of any great HR function is emotional intelligence; that is, the ability to read a room, handle sensitive conversations, empathise without losing objectivity. This comes up so often in HR. Someone might be resolving a grievance, delivering tough feedback, or supporting someone through a personal crisis. The strongest HR professionals don’t just understand policies, they have a grasp and a care for the people behind them.
- Communication skills
We’re going back to basics here, but communication is still (somehow!) one of the most overlooked HR job skill requirements. You want someone who can tailor their message to the audience, and this comes up a lot in HR. They’re presenting data to leadership, training new starters, handling a disciplinary – all of these things hinge on not just what they say, but how they say it, and how well you listen in return.
- Discretion and trustworthiness
HR teams handle some of the most sensitive information in a business. That means you need professionals who instinctively understand confidentiality and who have the personal integrity to do the right thing, even when it’s not the easiest path. Trust is non-negotiable, and the best HR professionals know how to earn it quickly, and keep it in difficult situations.
- Adaptability
The old chestnut: no two days in HR are the same. People are unpredictable, and HR is all about people management. Someone’s resigned and it’s come as a complete surprise; the strategy has shifted and taken your goalposts with it; there’s a tricky absence case sprung up out of nowhere: adaptability is a must-have. Look for people who stay calm under pressure, can pivot quickly when priorities change, and aren’t fazed by the unknown. In fast-moving businesses, flexibility is one of the most valuable soft skills for HR roles.
- Conflict resolution
Disputes happen, but what truly matters is how they’re managed. Great HR professionals don’t just mediate, they’re the people who can de-escalate and help people find common ground. They’ll help you make your conversations constructive, even if things get tense.
- Relationship building
An HR professional doesn’t work in a vacuum. Their role relies on their ability to build genuine relationships across all levels of the business, from shop floor to C-suite. This isn’t about being everyone’s best mate, but about being visible, approachable, and able to build credibility fast. Strong internal networks help HR get things done, drive change in culture and employee satisfaction, and help influence where it matters.
Soft skills matter more than ever
The world of work is shifting. Remote teams, wellbeing challenges, inclusion priorities, and talent shortages all mean HR professionals are more central to business success than ever. And while qualifications and experience still matter, the real value lies in the human side of HR.
When you’re hiring for your HR team, don’t just tick off a checklist of experience and systems knowledge. Dig into how candidates handle pressure, build rapport, and influence others. Ask for examples. Look for signs of empathy, resilience, and clear communication.
At Sewell Wallis, we know what good HR looks like - not just on paper, but in practice. Whether you're scaling a people team or looking for that standout HR business partner, we’ll help you find someone who brings the right mix of expertise and emotional intelligence.
