Almost two-thirds of companies are prioritising experience and technical skills when recruiting, despite admitting cultural fit and a candidate’s overall potential results in more successful hires.
The findings, compiled by Robert Half, found that 87% of business leaders made successful hires when evaluating cultural fit – congruent values, beliefs and outlook between the candidate and company – as well as their potential, while only eight per cent of hires were deemed unsuccessful.
The study proposes that businesses are undervaluing soft skills, such as creative thinking and communication, in favour of applicants who appear to have all the required skills on paper.
According to the data, experience and technical skills were the most important considerations for new hires, with almost two-thirds (62%) citing them as the most influential factors during the decision-making process. By comparison, soft skills (15%), cultural fit (11%), and potential (11%) ranked lowest in business leaders’ hiring considerations.
Matt Weston, Managing Director at Robert Half UK, commented, “There is no doubt that if candidates have the right attitude and aptitude, coupled with the right training, they can be excellent appointments. In fact, what looks good on paper – such as experience or technical skills – does not guarantee a successful recruit. Soft skills must also be taken into account.
“Employers should strike the right balance between experience, skills and personality – only through planning can they evaluate gaps in a team, rank the required characteristics and tailor training accordingly.”
He added, “Leaders are clearly seeking a ‘safe pair of hands’ as they pursue growth and transformation strategies in a time of great change. In doing so they may be losing out on some of the most promising talent. With 81% of business leaders reporting that it is more challenging now than five years ago to find suitable candidates, this is something that must change if they are to combat the intensifying war for talent.”
To find out more about contracting please contact Jaime on 01442 795 100 or email jaime.thorpe@dolanaccountancy.com.
Trusted by over 1,000 contractors |