Jobseekers' skills perception 'affecting recruitment chances'

The skills that jobseekers deem important do not correlate with the traits that recruiters are looking for in many cases, according to a new report.

Research carried out by LearnDirect found that many people in search of recruitment opportunities are out of touch with what modern employers are looking for and as such could be harming their chances of landing a job.

According to the poll, just one in ten jobseekers believe that workplace skills are an important attribute, while 88 per cent of employers say they are a major priority when looking for potential staff.

There also seems to be agreement about the pitfalls of taking the final steps into recruitment, with a quarter of jobseekers saying they do not know how to create a good impression in interviews and 42 per cent of employers saying the majority of interviewees fail to impress them at this particular stage in the process.

The survey also suggested that jobseekers need to improve their basic skills, with 40 per cent saying that poor spelling is the area where previous employers have criticised them the most, while 56 per cent of employers view proficiency in English as a key trait in recruits.

LearnDirect head of skills Peter Shufflebotham said the research reveals that some jobseekers remain confused about what employers are looking for, and therefore should seek help in progressing though the recruitment process, with specialist recruitment agencies able to assist them with this.

"For years employers have been very vocal about the importance of basic skills, such as maths and English, as well as the ability to demonstrate skills for the workplace, such as good communication and teamwork," he explained.

The expert added that the results of the study will hopefully help people to understand what they need to do to improve their job prospects.

Aaron Wallis are a Milton Keynes Sales Recruitment agency with a unique service offering that includes 12 months rebate. Psychometric profiling and online skills testing are also included within a fixed recruitment price.

Posted Wayne Bly

Filed: 21-02-2012