Let’s be honest, there’s no shortage of job openings these days. Companies are hiring alot, especially in areas like social media, marketing, and digital communication. But here’s the part that doesn’t make sense: so many of those roles are still going unfilled.
Why? Because while there’s a high demand for communication talent, a lot of people just don’t have the specific skills employers are looking for.
This mismatch is what people are now calling the “communication skills gap.” And if you’re a fresh graduate, school leaver, or emerging professional, this gap might be the very thing standing between you and your next big opportunity.
What Is the Communication Skills Gap in 2025?
The communication skills gap is the growing space between what brands need and what most job seekers are offering.
It’s not just about writing well (though that matters too). In 2025, companies are looking for people who can:
- Write content that connects with a real audience
- Manage social media platforms with strategy and creativity
- Tell a brand story that feels authentic
- Understand and use data from online content
But the truth is, many people simply haven’t been taught how to do these things.
They might use Instagram or TikTok personally, but that’s a far cry from managing a brand or running a campaign that drives results.
Why Does the Gap Exist?
There are a few reasons this gap keeps growing:
- Outdated curriculum
Many universities still focus on traditional communication theory instead of real-world, platform-based training. It’s helpful, but not enough on its own.
- Mixing up personal use with professional skills
Just because you can post a funny meme doesn’t mean you know how to speak for a brand or build a loyal community online.
- Lack of hands-on experience
Too many people graduate without ever creating content for a real audience, writing press copy, or analyzing social media numbers.
According to McKinsey’s 2023 Future of Work Report, communication is still one of the top three soft skills employers can’t find enough of, along with critical thinking and emotional intelligence. That’s a big deal.
What Are Employers Looking For?
Here are a few of the communication-related skills brands and businesses actually want in 2025:
- Strategic Social Media Management
Knowing what to post, when to post, and how to engage an audience authentically. - Brand Voice Development
Writing in a tone that fits the company across platforms like Instagram, LinkedIn, X, and TikTok. - Digital Storytelling
Creating content that captures attention, builds trust, and sparks emotion. - Performance Reporting & Analytics
Understanding metrics like engagement rate, impressions, or click-through rates, and making data-driven decisions. - PR Writing & Copywriting
Writing press releases, captions, emails, and articles that are clear, persuasive, and brand-aligned.
These aren’t “nice-to-have” skills anymore. In many industries, they’re the minimum requirement.
So, How Do You Bridge the Gap?
Many people think communication is something you either have or you don’t—but that’s not true. Like any skill, it can be learned, practiced, and mastered. At The Push School, we created The Comms Accelerator to help young professionals gain the skills employers want.
You’ll get:
- Hands-on practice with real communication tasks
- Expert-led training from industry professionals
- A professional portfolio to showcase your skills
- A certificate you can proudly add to your resume
Most importantly, you’ll build the confidence to walk into any interview or freelance gig knowing you can create content, tell stories, and drive results like a professional.
Are you ready to close the gap and take that next step in your career? Apply Here.
