Brazil labor market shifts toward employability and skill adaptability

The Brazilian labor market is experiencing a shift in hiring requirements, moving beyond formal degrees to prioritize soft skills and adaptability. According to Silvana Cesso, coordinator of the Business course at Universidade Guarulhos (UNG), employers are increasingly seeking candidates who demonstrate effective communication, problem-solving abilities, tool proficiency, and a commitment to continuous learning.

Recent data from the IBGE Continuous National Household Sample Survey (PNAD Contínua) indicates a 5.3% unemployment rate in Brazil for the quarter ending in July 2026. This economic context has popularized the concept of 'workability' (trabalhabilidade) over traditional 'employability.' While employability focuses on securing and maintaining a specific job, workability refers to the broader capacity to generate income and work across various contexts, including entrepreneurship and freelance roles.

For those entering the market without formal experience, such as students seeking their first job, experts suggest focusing on educational projects, extracurricular activities, and behavioral competencies. Highlighting school projects, science fairs, or student government participation can demonstrate initiative and practical learning potential to recruiters.