Strong communication skills are noticeable as early as recruitment

Published date: July 29, 2025

Clear communication may seem like common sense, but in practice, it remains one of the most underestimated factors in effective collaboration, customer relationships, and decision-making. According to a study by McKinsey & Company, strong communication can increase productivity by as much as 20 to 25%, especially in organizations where employees feel well-connected through transparent information-sharing. Yet, communication skills are rarely a central criterion in recruitment.

“A missed opportunity,” says Jens Spittael-Speeckaert, Director at recruitment specialist Robert Walters. “Despite the immense value of clear communication within teams, it still receives far too little attention – both during the hiring process and in day-to-day operations. And yet, communication is what keeps the engine running – or causes it to stall.”

The tangible benefits of strong communication

Companies with strong communication cultures deliver significantly better results. A study by Towers Watson found that businesses with effective internal communication report 47% higher total returns to shareholders.

Jens sees this impact play out in the workplace daily: “Teams where people express themselves clearly and listen actively make better decisions, make fewer mistakes, and adapt more quickly. You can see it in everything: shorter meetings, more focused updates, and improved client conversations.”

An open communication culture also helps identify and resolve issues sooner. Employees feel safer asking questions or pointing out confusion, leading to fewer assumptions, greater mutual understanding, and – crucially – higher trust.

Developing communication skills: where to start?

Communication doesn’t improve on its own. It requires practice, feedback, and support. That’s why it’s important to start with targeted evaluations during performance reviews, and to invest in practical training opportunities.

“Let employees lead internal meetings or deliver presentations,” suggests Jens. “Once they have to organize their thoughts and communicate clearly, both their skills and confidence grow.”

Feedback moments are essential here. Making communication an open topic increases awareness and motivation to improve.

Smart tools – if used smartly

Digital platforms like Slack or Microsoft Teams lower the threshold for clear, real-time communication – if used well. Combine these tools with accessible e-learning modules on giving feedback, customer-focused writing, or presentation skills, and you lay a solid foundation.

“The tools are out there, but organizations need to actively promote and integrate them,” Jens emphasizes. “A learning platform only has real impact when it’s embedded in daily work.”

Recruitment: how to spot communicative talent?

The job interview is the perfect moment to observe communication skills in action. Pay attention to how candidates interpret questions, structure their responses, and whether they ask clarifying questions or summarize key points.

Jens recommends including a short explanation task, where the candidate talks about a relevant topic. “It reveals how someone organizes their thoughts and conveys information. No PowerPoint needed – just a meaningful conversation where the candidate takes the lead for a moment.”

Targeted interview questions are also helpful, such as: “Can you give an example of a time when your way of communicating had a positive impact on a project?”

For roles where communication is critical – such as leadership, sales, or customer-facing positions – an assessment can offer valuable, deeper insights. These might include simulated conversations, roleplays, or personality questionnaires that reveal communication style, listening behavior, and feedback skills.

“An assessment can uncover what often stays beneath the surface in an interview,” says Jens. “That makes it especially valuable for strategic positions where communication has a direct impact on team dynamics or client relationships.”

Be clear from the job description

The focus on communication starts even before the first interview, with the job posting. Make it explicit why communication is essential to the role – whether it's customer interaction, reporting, or cross-department collaboration.

During CV screening, look for indicators such as experience in roles involving presentations, coaching, or team coordination – all of which often suggest well-developed communication skills.

More than just a ‘nice-to-have’

Communication skills deserve consistent attention – both in recruitment and in daily practice.

“They’re far more than a ‘nice-to-have’. Organizations that actively develop these skills among their employees build efficient, human-centered, and results-driven teams,” concludes Jens.