In Job Searching, Work Ethic, Attitude Trump Education
New Study Reveals the Qualities Employers Look for in Candidates
Integrity and Attitude are Most Important in Hiring
TORONTO, July 23, 2014 — Today Express Employment Professionals, the largest franchised staffing firm in North America, released findings that reveal what traits are most important when hiring a candidate for a job.
The findings come from the 2014 edition of the “Canada Employed” survey of 22 Express franchises across Canada. Respondents were asked to rate various traits on a scale of one to five based on how important they are when evaluating applicants.
“Work ethic/integrity” topped the list with an average rating of 4.45, followed closely by “attitude.” “Education” received the lowest average rating at 3.95. Full results of the 2014 survey are below.
“I’m not surprised that integrity and attitude top the list,” said Bob Funk, CEO of Express Employment Professionals and a former chairman of the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City. “Even the best education is no substitute for a good attitude. Of course, education is important, but while employers can teach their employees new skills, it’s much more difficult to teach things like integrity, work ethic or attitude.
“Job seekers should keep that in mind. In this climate of rising unemployment and competitive job markets in many parts of Canada, sometimes an education isn’t enough. You’re much more than your resume. Employers don’t just want someone who has the skills and knowledge to succeed. They are also looking for people they can work with on a daily basis and trust to represent their companies well.”
| Please rate the following traits in order of importance when hiring a candidate, with one being least important and being most important. |
| Work ethic/Integrity |
4.52 |
| Attitude |
4.42 |
| Credible work history |
4.11 |
| Culture fit |
4.05 |
| Job experience |
3.95 |
| References |
3.84 |
| Specific skills |
3.65 |
| Education |
3.10 |
–30–
If you would like to arrange for an interview with Bob Funk to discuss this topic, please contact Rita Mezzanotte at (416) 271-0667.
About Robert A. “Bob” Funk
Robert A. “Bob” Funk is chairman and chief executive officer of Express Employment Professionals. Headquartered in Oklahoma City, the international staffing company has nearly 700 franchises in the U.S., Canada and South Africa. Under his leadership, Express has put more than five million people to work worldwide. Funk served as the Chairman of the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City and was also the Chairman of the Conference of Chairmen of the Federal Reserve.
About Express Employment Professionals and Express in Canada
Express Employment Professionals puts people to work. It generated more than $2.5 billion in sales and employed nearly 400,000 people in 2013.Express ranks as the largest franchised staffing company in the United States and the second largest privately held staffing company in North America. Its long-term goal is to put a million people to work annually.
Express launched in Canada in July, 1996, with a franchise in London, Ontario, and since then, has expanded and grown in Canada significantly. There are currently 36 Express franchises in Canada – seven in British Columbia, six in Alberta, and 23 Ontario.