In the vast and bewildering world of job hunting, certain phrases pop up so frequently that they become part of the furniture of our professional lives.
Like the cheesy motivational posters in the break room that urge us to “hang in there” when we’re two minutes away from a full-blown existential crisis.
And then, there are the job adverts - all of which seem absolutely dead set on one thing: finding candidates with “excellent communication skills.”
Every. Single. One.
Whether you’re applying to be a brain surgeon or a barista, apparently, you need to be the next Shakespeare or risk being rejected outright.
But why is this the case? Why do employers seem obsessed with this nebulous concept?
Let’s dive into the murky waters of corporate jargon and find out.
Communication Is the Swiss Army Knife of Skills
Imagine you’re stranded on a desert island. You have one item to help you survive.
What do you choose? A banana? A compass?
No. You choose a Swiss Army knife. Because you never know what you’ll need to do next - and it’s always good to be prepared.
Well, excellent communication skills are the Swiss Army knife of the professional world.
Need to explain to the tech department that the website is down? Communication skills.
Need to convince your boss that you deserve a raise? Communication skills.
Need to navigate the social minefield that is the office Christmas party? Communication skills.
In essence, this single skill is a versatile tool that can help you survive almost any situation that work life throws your way.
Employers Want Mind-Readers
Let’s be honest - employers want to hire people who can read their minds.
They’re looking for employees who can anticipate problems before they arise, suggest solutions before they're needed, and ultimately, make the workplace a utopia of productivity and harmony.
And what better way to judge someone’s potential in this regard than their ability to communicate?
“Excellent communication skills” is a code for finding someone who can interpret every vague instruction, manage every awkward conversation, and navigate every subtle office nuance without a hitch.
It’s like asking for a mind-reader without actually admitting that’s what you’re doing.
The World Is Built on Miscommunication
Let’s face it - most of the world’s problems come down to one thing: miscommunication.
Whether it’s a political gaffe, a diplomatic row, or an argument over who was meant to bring the milk to the office, miscommunication is the root cause of chaos.
Which is why employers are so obsessed with “excellent communication skills.”
Because if they can hire someone who actually knows how to convey information clearly and concisely, they might just avoid the next catastrophic misunderstanding that costs the company a small fortune.
It’s All About the Soft Skills
In an era where hard skills can be learnt and technology evolves faster than you can say “new software update,” employers are increasingly focused on soft skills.
Things like emotional intelligence, problem-solving, and yes, communication.
Soft skills are what make great leaders, build strong teams, and create positive work environments.
And at the heart of all these soft skills? That’s right - your ability to communicate effectively.
If You’ve Got Something to Say, Say It Well
So if you’re staring at yet another job ad demanding “excellent communication skills,” don’t despair.
Recognise it for what it is: a recognition that in the chaotic world of work, the ability to convey ideas, thoughts, and feelings is absolutely priceless.
Because at the end of the day, it doesn’t matter how brilliant your ideas are if you can’t communicate them in a way that makes people sit up and take notice.
Need to Hire Someone Who Can Actually Communicate?
If you’re looking to fill a role with someone who won’t leave you playing an endless game of charades, we can help.
At Coburg Banks, we match you with candidates who have real communication skills - not just ones they’ve listed on their CV because it sounded good.
So get in touch with us today, and let’s find someone who’s not only a great fit for the role, but who knows how to use that Swiss Army knife of skills we call communication.
