Brazilian labor market shifts focus to soft skills and career growth

The Brazilian labor market is undergoing a shift where technical qualifications alone are no longer sufficient for career success. While university degrees remain important, companies are increasingly prioritizing soft skills, such as adaptability, communication, leadership, and emotional intelligence. Behavioral specialist Saulo Coelho notes that while technical processes can be taught, developing maturity and responsibility requires deeper work, observing that professionals are often hired for their resumes but dismissed for their behavior.

Simultaneously, the responsibility for employability is becoming a mutual endeavor between young workers and organizations. Data from the Ministry of Labor and Employment shows that of Brazil's 32.9 million youth aged 14 to 24, a significant portion is engaged in education. A survey by the Center for Corporate-School Integration (CIEE) involving nearly 9,000 young Brazilians revealed that 54% prioritize professional growth opportunities when choosing an employer, followed by remuneration (43%) and work environment (31%). This suggests that the new generation seeks long-term development and clear perspectives for evolution rather than just high salaries.