The skills that actually matter in today’s Swiss job market

We hear you: keeping up with today’s job market can feel like chasing a moving target. One minute, it’s all about mastering AI. The next, soft skills are what everyone’s talking about. So what do Swiss employers actually care about in 2025? And what should you focus on to stand out if you’re actively job hunting (or just keeping an eye open)?

We asked our expert recruiters across Switzerland what really makes candidates shine right now. Their answers? Less buzzwords, more substance.

Here’s what they told us—and what you can take away from it.

1. Adaptability: non-negotiable

Our recruiters across Switzerland echoed this strongly.

According to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025, nearly 40% of skills in the global workforce will need to be updated or replaced by 2030. Among the top five core skills for that transition? Resilience, flexibility, and agility — or, simply put: adaptability.

“The workplace is changing rapidly,” says Lise Navoni. “Candidates who can stay agile and keep learning have a real advantage.”

This isn’t just about being able to change jobs — it’s about how you handle change in your current one. When your company introduces a new system, when a reorganisation happens, when remote work throws your team into chaos — do you adjust quickly? Do you take initiative? That’s what employers are watching for.

2. Curiosity: the quiet power move

The tools you use today will likely change in the next five years. So employers aren’t just looking for what you already know—they’re looking at how fast you can learn.

Curiosity matters. A lot.

“For me, the most important skill is curiosity, and it’s closely tied to taking initiative,” says Thomas Delouere. “It’s about learning continuously—even after you’ve landed the job. Wanting to know how things work, but also why. That’s what helps people become experts in their field.”

Think about it this way: curious people don’t wait to be told what to do. They google things, ask questions, take a course, or test out new approaches on their own. It’s about showing you’re not passive.

The most successful candidates our recruiters meet are the ones who stay hungry. They ask smart questions in interviews. They seek feedback. They keep up with their industry even when unemployed.

3. Communication: still underrated, still critical

Despite all the hype around tech skills, communication is becoming even more crucial. According to the World Economic Forum, leadership and social influence rank alongside tech literacy and AI understanding as key skills of the future. Why? Because even in the most technical roles, being able to explain your ideas clearly, collaborate across cultures, and provide constructive feedback makes all the difference.

Jovan Kostic, who recruits across multiple Swiss industries, puts it bluntly: “Employers want people who take ownership and communicate clearly. It’s non-negotiable — especially in remote or hybrid work setups.”

In Switzerland, where precision and professionalism are part of the workplace culture, clear communication isn’t just nice — it’s expected.

4. Commitment: especially important in Switzerland

Switzerland is known for long-term thinking. Whether you’re applying to a small local firm or a multinational, companies are often looking for signs that you’re not just in it for a quick ride.

“Commitment means taking responsibility, being reliable, and showing you’re not afraid to engage for the long haul,” explains Lukas Steiner.

This also shows up during the job search itself. Are you showing real interest in the role—or just applying blindly to everything that pops up on LinkedIn? Do you follow up after interviews? Do you ask thoughtful questions?

Small things like these often make the difference between a generic application and one that grabs attention.

5. Agility, perseverance, passion: the x-factors

Yes, tech skills still matter. In fact, the experts predicts that AI and big data skills will be among the top three fastest-growing skill areas between now and 2030. But the reports also caution against over-relying on today’s tools — because what’s hot today could be irrelevant tomorrow.

Know that not every skill can be quantified, but that doesn’t make them less important.

• Agility means being able to juggle different priorities, especially when things get messy (which they often do).
• Perseverance is about pushing through challenges, especially when solutions aren’t immediate.
• Passion sounds vague, but when someone genuinely cares about their field, it comes through—and it’s contagious.

As Noemi Käslin puts it: “Passion for what you do really makes a difference. You can feel it in how someone talks about their work, and it’s something employers pick up on fast.”

Industry-specific nuances: one size doesn’t fit all

While the above skills are valued across the board, different sectors in Switzerland definitely prioritize different traits. Here are a few examples from our consultants:

• In life sciences, Yuliya Feliziani says it’s all about “a strong scientific background paired with communication skills.” You might be great at data, but if you can’t explain it to non-specialists, you’ll struggle to grow.
• In tech, Olivier Ouhioun points out that “problem-solving is key. It’s not just about knowing your way around the code—it’s about being able to think like an engineer, diagnose issues, and come up with smart fixes.”
• In startups vs. corporates, Raoul Brugger notes the difference: “Startups need people with an entrepreneurial mindset and independence. In large corporations, adaptability within structured processes matters more.”

So yes, soft skills matter—but context matters too. Make sure you understand what kind of environment you’re stepping into, and adjust your application accordingly.

How to use this in your job search

Here are a few practical ways to bring these skills to life:

• In your CV, include 1–2 bullet points under each job that show adaptability, curiosity, or ownership—not just tasks.
• In interviews, use concrete stories. Don’t say, “I’m a good communicator.” Say, “When our team faced a sudden deadline shift, I coordinated a new plan with stakeholders across three departments.”
• When you’re working with a recruiter or applying through an agency, be responsive and clear about what you’re looking for. It helps them help you.

Final Thought

Skills like adaptability, curiosity, and communication aren’t just trending—they’re foundational. Especially in a country like Switzerland where quality, responsibility, and precision are deeply embedded in the work culture.

So next time you update your CV or prep for an interview, take a step back. Ask yourself: Am I showing that I can grow with the role? Handle change? Engage with others clearly and respectfully?

That’s what will help you stand out—not just in 2025, but beyond.