Survey Finds 91% of U.S. Managers Weigh Personality as Much as Skills in Hiring
Updated
Updated · Journal Record · Aug 27
Survey Finds 91% of U.S. Managers Weigh Personality as Much as Skills in Hiring
3 articles · Updated · Journal Record · Aug 27
Summary
91% of U.S. hiring managers said personality matters as much as professional skills, and 86% said it can outweigh a candidate’s skills gap, according to an Express Employment Professionals-Harris Poll survey.
61% of managers said they judge personality through informal interactions such as pre- or post-interview conversations, emails and exchanges with administrative staff, while 87% said a first conversation can reveal whether a candidate will succeed.
94% of job seekers said employers have evaluated their personality during hiring, using informal interactions, situational questions, behavioral interviews, reference checks and personality assessments.
Reliability and honesty topped the traits both sides value most, and older workers—especially baby boomers and Gen X—were more likely than millennials and Gen Z to say they possess those traits.
99% of hiring managers said a positive or approachable personality can speed career advancement, extending personality’s influence beyond hiring into performance reviews and long-term success.