Recruitment consultants favour experience over intelligence

Experience, not intelligence, is the secret to securing the job of your dreams according to new research published today by Bibby Financial Services. Nearly six in 10 (58%) recruitment agencies said that candidates with relevant experience are more sought after by employers than an applicant with a high IQ (30%).

Interestingly, academic qualifications (21%) were deemed less valuable than having good communication skills (30%), the ability to learn (27%) or a dynamic personality (38%). While having the aptitude for language (8%) and good IT skills (13%) failed to excite recruitment owners and managers.

Whilst experience may be the deal clincher in terms of the qualities employers look for, how candidates prepare and behave in an interview is just as important and can make one candidate more attractive than another.

Nearly half (47%) of owners and managers are put off by a candidate that hasnít taken the time to make themselves presentable for an interview, and 46% are put off by people that fail to arrive on time. Displaying signs of a poor attitude (45%) or exaggerating experience (32%) will also see you dismissed, as will failing to recognise the importance of good manners by leaving your mobile phone on (25%) or not listening properly to questions asked in an interview (18%).

Steve Hollings, director of services at Bibby Financial Services said: ìWhat is really surprising about these findings is that candidates are not even getting the basics right, such as turning up on time or switching their mobile phones off before they go into an interview. It appears recruitment agencies are going to have to spend more time briefing candidates on the doís and doníts of interview etiquette, rather than just focusing on the specific role theyíre being put forward for.

ìWhen it comes to the burgeoning argument over what is more important to an employer; experience or intelligence, there is no clear cut answer. In reality, the majority of employers seek well rounded individuals who are experienced and capable of thinking on their feet to deliver results.î

For further information please see www.bibbyfinancialservices.com