Personality wins over technical knowledge in job hunting

Posted by AccountingWEB on Tue, 10/11/2009 - 08:00 in Blogs 1193 2 comments | report

Having a winning personality has always helped in making friends or getting a date, but a recent survey confirms it also opens doors in when searching for jobs.

When presented with accounting or finance candidates who possess similar qualifications, 31% of chief financial officers (CFOs) interviewed said applicants’ people skills would tip the balance over attributes such as software proficiency and advanced certifications. This is up significantly from five years ago when interpersonal skills were cited by only 1% of respondents.

In the survey, conducted by US based specialist temporary accounting staff service Accountemps, CFOs were asked, “If two candidates interviewing for an accounting or finance position had similar skills, which one of the following additional qualifications would you find most valuable?” A summary of their responses can be found below.

	2009	2004
Personality or people skills	31%	1%
Industry specific experience	27%	33%
Certification or advanced degree	11%	15%
Multi-ligual skills	4%	7%
International experience	4%	3%

“Interpersonal skills take centre stage in a collaborative workplace,” said Max Messmer, chairman of Accountemps and author of Job Hunting For Dummies. “Accountants must be able to present financial information to non-financial audiences, make strategic recommendations, and work with colleagues from diverse departments”.

Messmer pointed out that job seekers should use the employment interview as an opportunity to establish a rapport with hiring managers. “The conversation should be natural, and applicants should try to find common ground with the employer. It’s also valuable for job seekers to describe business situations where they were recognised for their teamwork or for inspiring others to perform at a high level”.

Do UK employers share similar views? How important are interpersonal skills to financial recruiters in the UK? Share your views below.

Comments

Rather a misleading title

hazeljohnson | Wed, 11/11/2009 - 10:58 | Permalink

as the question was how employers would select between two equally qualified applicants, not whether they wanted someone who was nice rather than skilled.

people employ people

chrischapman5 | Wed, 30/06/2010 - 09:15 | Permalink

I've always believed that people employ people, not the technical ability or competence that can be read on a CV or recited parrot fashion at an interview.

Being relaxed, being yourself, being confident but not cocky, making a joke, smiling, talking about them not just you... all this stuff gives you an edge over so many people that dont.

I run my own business www.mybusinessfd.com and whilst I'm not 'interviewing', when I'm out talking to a prospective client I might as well be in an interview. Its the same process; you want that person to warm to you, to feel that they can develop a relationship of trust and work closely with you, albeit underpinned by their belief that your credible and have the necessary experience and skillset that you say.

The latter can be evidenced by testimonials, case studies and references. use your previous clients in your marketing, get a video testimonial on your website, etc so that people realise who you are before they meet you.

I'm fortunate having worked with Doug Richard (ex-Dragon from Dragons Den first 2 series) who happily provided me with a video testimonial that I put on my homepage. I still work with Doug on several projects. Thats really powerful, whether its Doug or not, because a prospective client can immediately see someone else actually saying good things about you.

Hope that helps

Chris

www.mybusinessfd.com

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