By Wendell Tull, M.Ed., Founder of TullOne Career Interview Coach
In today’s world, technology plays an increasingly significant role in shaping how we communicate, especially in professional settings. From artificial intelligence drafting cover letters to Zoom interviews becoming commonplace, these advancements offer undeniable convenience. However, they also present new challenges, particularly for young adults entering the workforce.
Wendell Tull, founder of TullOne.com and a career interview coach, has worked with individuals at some of the most prestigious organizations, including NVIDIA, Slack Technologies, and NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. As a former staffing manager and admissions lead at UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business, Tull has reviewed thousands of resumes and interviewed countless candidates. Through this experience, he has observed a concerning trend: many young adults struggle to communicate effectively during critical moments, such as interviews and networking events.
Tull’s experience highlights a crucial point: while technical skills and academic achievements open doors, the ability to communicate with confidence and clarity often determines who advances in the competitive job market. He believes that the widespread reliance on technology has unintentionally undermined the essential communication skills needed for real-world interactions.
“Students today often struggle to engage in meaningful conversations,” Tull states. “With AI drafting cover letters, ChatGPT writing resumes, interviews happening on Zoom, and much of our daily communication reduced to DMs and emojis, many young people find themselves at a loss when human interaction matters most. They may freeze, ramble, avoid eye contact, or fail to articulate who they are and why they are valuable candidates.”
The Challenge of Communication Skills Among Young Adults
Tull sees this lack of communication skills playing out regularly. He’s witnessed college applicants, despite having strong academic records and impressive credentials, fail to succeed in interviews simply because they cannot pitch themselves effectively. New graduates may make it to the final round of interviews but fail to secure the position because they cannot confidently answer the question, “Tell me about yourself.” Additionally, students who can excel in technical tasks often struggle with networking—an essential skill for career development.
“While technology brings tremendous benefits, we must recognize that communication is still the number one skill needed to succeed,” Tull explains. “Too much focus is placed on testing and technical proficiency, and not enough on developing interpersonal skills. Young professionals must be equipped to express their ideas with purpose, confidence, and clarity.”
Tull advocates for a more balanced approach to education and career preparation, one that emphasizes both technical expertise and soft skills like effective communication. He believes this is the key to standing out in today’s competitive job market.
TullOne.com: Helping Students Develop Communication Skills
To address the gap in communication skills, Tull founded TullOne.com, a coaching program designed to help students and young professionals navigate interviews, networking events, and other high-stakes professional situations. Through personalized coaching sessions, Tull and his team assist clients in honing their communication abilities, whether they are preparing for job interviews, graduate school admissions, or entrepreneurial pitches.
At TullOne.com, the focus is on helping individuals identify their strengths, develop their personal voice, and confidently present themselves in professional settings. “We guide students to understand their unique value and teach them how to articulate it effectively,” Tull says. “The goal is to help them develop the interpersonal skills that technology cannot replicate—skills that will support their careers and personal growth.”
Tull emphasizes the importance of building authentic connections, whether through eye contact, active listening, or clearly expressing goals. His approach is centered on self-awareness and presenting oneself in an authentic, confident manner, rather than relying on rehearsed or artificial personas.
The Role of Parents and Educators in Preparing Young Adults for Success
Tull believes that parents and educators play a vital role in bridging the communication gap. He encourages them to recognize that while technological advancements are important, they should not overshadow the development of soft skills such as communication.
“Communication is not a ‘nice-to-have’ skill—it is essential,” Tull explains. “By helping students cultivate strong communication abilities, we are preparing them for critical moments in their lives, from applying to college to pitching ideas to potential employers or investors.”
Tull is committed to providing guidance to those who understand the importance of developing these skills. Through a free feedback session at TullOne.com, students, parents, and educators can gain valuable insights into how to improve communication skills that will serve young adults throughout their careers.
The Future of Young Professionals and Communication
Looking ahead, Tull is focused on helping young adults regain their ability to communicate effectively and authentically. As AI and technology continue to advance, it is more important than ever to ensure that young professionals are equipped with the soft skills necessary to succeed in the workforce.
“We need to prioritize communication skills,” Tull urges. “We must help students understand that technical proficiency is important, but it is communication that will open doors and create meaningful career opportunities. Without strong communication skills, we risk raising a generation that can code but struggles to converse.”
For more information about TullOne.com and to schedule a free feedback session, visit TullOne.com or WendellTull.com.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Wendell Tull
Founder, TullOne.com
Email: info@tullone.com