Let’s be clear: AI isn’t coming, it’s already here. It’s rewriting job descriptions, reshaping industries, and redefining what it means to be employable. For jobseekers, especially those early in their careers, the question isn’t whether AI will affect your future, it’s how will you stand out in the age of AI?

Here’s the truth: AI can do a lot. But it can’t do you.  

Human skills: your competitive superpower 

AI can automate tasks, analyse data, and even write code. But it can’t lead a team, build trust, or think creatively under pressure. These aren’t “soft” skills. They’re power skills, and they’re becoming the most in-demand assets in the global workforce. 

As Shane Little of Hays APAC puts it: “We should stop dubbing these skills soft, they’re anything but soft. They’re essential.” 

In this edition of our LinkedIn newsletter, James Walsh from Hays UK&I calls them “diamond skills”, the kind that shine brightest when everything else is automated. 

Human skills to prioritise

AI is brilliant at processing data, but it’s still clumsy at being human. That’s why your human skills aren’t just relevant, they’re irreplaceable. These are the capabilities that will set you apart in interviews, on teams, and in leadership roles. 

• Communication: Clear communication is no longer a “nice to have,” it’s a business-critical skill. Whether you're pitching an idea, writing a report, or leading a meeting, your ability to make complex ideas simple and compelling is what drives decisions. In a world flooded with information, clarity is currency. Learn to tell stories that stick, tailor your message to different audiences, and use data to support your narrative.
• Adaptability: Technology evolves at breakneck speed. The tools you mastered last year might be obsolete tomorrow. Employers aren’t just hiring for what you know, they’re hiring for how fast you can learn. Adaptability means being open to change, curious about new tools, and resilient when things shift. It’s not just about surviving disruption; it’s about thriving in it.
• Collaboration: AI can process tasks, but it can’t build relationships. The most impactful work happens in teams, across departments, cultures, and time zones. Collaboration means listening actively, resolving conflict constructively, and co-creating solutions. In hybrid and remote environments, your ability to connect and contribute meaningfully is a strategic advantage.
• Critical thinking: AI gives you data. You give it meaning. Critical thinking is about asking the right questions, spotting patterns and challenging assumptions. It’s what turns information into insight. Employers want thinkers, not just doers. Show that you can evaluate, interpret and make decisions that move the needle.  

AI skills: don’t just list them - live them 

Saying you “know AI” isn’t enough. Employers want proof. They want to see how you’ve used AI to solve problems, drive results, or innovate. 

Nadine Wirkuttis from Hays Germany is clear: “To stand out, candidates need to demonstrate they’re comfortable working with AI. Showcase real projects or contributions, not just bullet points.” 

How to prove your AI fluency

• Build a portfolio: Include tangible examples such as AI-assisted research, automation scripts, chatbot prototypes or data visualisations. If you’ve used tools like ChatGPT, Copilot or Midjourney in meaningful ways, show it.
• Mentor others: Teaching is proof of mastery. Whether it’s helping a colleague automate a task or running a workshop, mentoring shows leadership and confidence.
• Inspire management: Use AI to solve real business problems. Present your results. Show how you saved time, improved accuracy, or unlocked new insights. Be the person who brings innovation to the table—not just the one who follows instructions.