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09/09/2004
Top grades are fine but employers want personality, says survey
Academic achievement plays second fiddle to personality and "cultural fit" when employers come to hire new staff, research published today has revealed.
UK businesses are now more impressed by ‘soft skills’ such as negotiation, problem solving, presentation and interpersonal communication than top grades alone, according to the recruitment specialist Parity.
The research, which analysed close to 7,000 vacancies and placements in the last 12 months, found that interpersonal communication was the most sought after skill by employers. Second to that was relevant experience. Academic grades and educational qualifications, on average, were the third criteria to be mentioned.
Joe Kelly, managing director of Parity’s Resourcing Solutions Division, said: “It is becoming more difficult for employers to differentiate between potential graduates and candidates and they are now focussing on other aspects, such as personality and cultural fit.”
The researchers advise school leavers to ensure they also develop their interpersonal skills as well as achieving top A level grades.
Taking a gap year for example is viewed very favourably by employers as it can provide for a valuable life experience which helps to make individuals more well-rounded, Parity said.
“It is refreshing to know that businesses are realising the value of so many employees that aren’t necessarily evident on paper. A’s and B’s aren’t always the be all and end all when it comes to a career,” Mr Kelly added.
(gmcg)
UK businesses are now more impressed by ‘soft skills’ such as negotiation, problem solving, presentation and interpersonal communication than top grades alone, according to the recruitment specialist Parity.
The research, which analysed close to 7,000 vacancies and placements in the last 12 months, found that interpersonal communication was the most sought after skill by employers. Second to that was relevant experience. Academic grades and educational qualifications, on average, were the third criteria to be mentioned.
Joe Kelly, managing director of Parity’s Resourcing Solutions Division, said: “It is becoming more difficult for employers to differentiate between potential graduates and candidates and they are now focussing on other aspects, such as personality and cultural fit.”
The researchers advise school leavers to ensure they also develop their interpersonal skills as well as achieving top A level grades.
Taking a gap year for example is viewed very favourably by employers as it can provide for a valuable life experience which helps to make individuals more well-rounded, Parity said.
“It is refreshing to know that businesses are realising the value of so many employees that aren’t necessarily evident on paper. A’s and B’s aren’t always the be all and end all when it comes to a career,” Mr Kelly added.
(gmcg)
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