When we think about hiring in the regulatory sector, technical qualifications and credentials may come to mind first. But soft skills are just as important as technical know-how.
Unlike hard skills, which can be taught and measured through certifications or tests, soft skills are often developed through experience and practice. These include communication, empathy, adaptability, critical thinking, and teamwork.
Why do soft skills matter? How can they shape stronger teams, better decision making, and improve public trust?
Regulators work with people, not just policies
At the heart of every regulatory role is the responsibility to serve the public interest. This means working with applicants, registrants, members of the public, and other stakeholders. Whether it’s explaining licensing requirements, responding to complaints, or leading a disciplinary process, clear and respectful communication is key.
Therefore, any job candidate in professional licensing and regulation must be able to listen actively, remain calm under pressure, and explain complex issues in plain language.
Good judgment comes from critical thinking and empathy
Regulatory staff are regularly faced with grey areas: applications that don’t quite fit the mold, complaints that require careful review, or policies that must balance fairness with public safety. In these situations, critical thinking, sound judgment, and emotional intelligence are essential.
Hiring individuals who can assess a situation from multiple angles, consider context, and make reasoned decisions while being empathetic to those affected results in better outcomes and fewer complaints.
Soft skills foster internal collaboration
Regulatory work is rarely done in isolation. Staff often work in cross-functional teams, combining legal, operational, and technical knowledge to develop policies, conduct investigations, or handle accreditation reviews. This requires collaboration, flexibility, and the ability to navigate different perspectives.
These qualities contribute to a healthy workplace culture, something that directly affects employee retention and organizational effectiveness.
There is need for adaptability in regulatory environment
The regulatory environment is changing. Many organizations are adopting new technologies, rethinking their governance models, and exploring more responsive approaches to public
protection. With this comes change and a need for employees who can adapt, learn new systems, and think creatively. Soft skills like adaptability and problem-solving will help employees move through transitions more effectively.
Soft skills support equity and inclusion
Equity, diversity, and inclusion are becoming central values in not just the regulatory sector, but every sector. It’s not enough to have policies in place, regulators also need staff who can build trust with diverse communities. Soft skills are foundational to this effort. Empathy, cultural humility, and respectful dialogue help regulators create a more inclusive environment both within their organizations and in how they interact with the public.
While soft skills can be difficult to measure on paper, their impact is clear in practice. You see them when a licensing coordinator puts an anxious applicant at ease, or when a complaints officer handles a sensitive issue with care and respect. They play a critical role in how policy advisors engage with stakeholders to shape fair and effective regulations.
Are you a hiring manager looking for the right hire? RegulatoryJobs.org connects employers with top talent in licensing and professional regulation.