Appearances matter say bosses

Employers rate good appearance and performance at interview and good technical skills as the most important elements when they recruit a new employee, according to a recent survey carried out by nationwide recruitment consultancy, Angel Human Resources plc. The survey aimed to find out what the most decisive parts of the recruitment process are for UK employers, and 42% of those questioned still believed in the notion that first impressions at interview, backed up by the way a candidate handles interview questions were most important. Good technical skills came a close second at 36%, reflecting the growing need amongst employers for staff with good IT and office skills.

Janet Crawford, Executive Chair of Angel Human Resources plc, commented on the findings of the survey, ëAlthough there is a huge range of psychometric and assessment tests available to employers, the vast majority feel most comfortable basing their recruitment decisions on meeting candidates.í

20% of the employers questioned rated good social skills as most important, especially for sales and other staff who deal directly with clients. Although team spirit is seen as a significant part of working life, only 2% of employers believed that it was most important that new employees had outside interests similar to the rest of the team.

Janet Crawford added, ëOverall, the survey shows that most employers adopt a traditional approach to making recruitment decisions. They demand from candidates good appearance, good performance at interview and competence in technical skills.í