Personality trumps skill in search for talent

Hyper Island CEO Johanna Frelin states that the report “clearly it highlights that personality, not competence, is the determining factor of who’s going to get the most attractive jobs among tomorrow’s recruits. 

Also, there is a growing desire for talent with a unique combination of skill and flexibility – people who can collaborate, adapt quickly and are enjoyable company, but also have the drive to get things done.”

Overwhelmingly, “personality” rose as the most desirable quality in a worker, with 78 per cent of respondents giving it a top rating as opposed to “skill-set” at only 39 per cent. “Cultural alignment,” sat at 53 per cent. 

Specifically, a majority of those surveyed indicated that a unique combination of creativity and drive will be the hallmarks of success for tomorrow’s best talent. Important skills included creative technology and UX/UI design.

The research also clarifies that the biggest challenge the industry will face is finding, keeping and developing the right talent, which 20 per cent cited as their chief concern. Additionally, ten per cent of respondents noted technical and digital development as their primary challenge, followed by nine per cent indicating that product and service development were of central importance.

Further interesting findings include that 14 per cent considered “drive” the most essential personality trait; 12 per cent considered “creativity” most important, and 11 per cent found an Open Mind most desirable. The competencies most in demand include problem solving at seven per cent, followed by idea generation at six per cent, and creative technology at six per cent.

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By Shané Schutte

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