According to some hiring managers, the most sought-after skills are in short supply in today’s labor pool. Companies across the United States say that it is becoming increasingly difficult to find potential employees who can communicate clearly, solve problems autonomously, take initiative, and work well with others. These soft skills often mean the difference between an average employee and an exemplary one, and while these skills have always been important, shifts in the economy have made them critical now. Because of this, companies are investing far more time and resources in vetting an applicant’s personality through tests and screening methods. In fact, in a survey conducted by the Wall Street Journal last year, 92 percent of the 900 executives polled said that soft skills were equally important or even more important than technical skills when considering a potential employee. Slightly fewer—89 percent—said they’ve had a very difficult or somewhat difficult time locating qualified applicants with the requisite skills and personality attributes. Many said the problem remains, regardless of age group and experience level.