Prove You're Dependable and You'll Get Hired
Express Survey Reveals Most Important "Soft Skills" For Job Applicants
Dependability, Communication, and Commitment Top the List
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Toronto, Sept. 24, 2014 - Express Employment Professionals, the largest franchised staffing company in North America, today released survey findings that reveal the most important "soft skills" for job applicants.
The findings come from the 2014 edition of the "Canada Employed" survey of 22 Express franchises across Canada. Respondents were asked to name the "top five most important soft skills an applicant should have." Full results are below.
The top five soft skills for applicants are:
1. Dependability/Reliability
2. Communication (verbal)
3. Motivation
4. Enthusiasm
5. Flexibility/Adaptability
"It's easy to think that all that matters in a job interview is what's on your resume, but the truth is employers are equally, if not, more concerned with who you are, as a worker and as a fellow employee. Those are your soft skills," said Bob Funk, CEO of Express, and a former chairman of the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City.
"So not only is it important to be dependable, committed, and motivated, it's essential that you show would-be employers that you have those qualities. While you can always be trained to learn new hard skills, soft skills are much more reflective of your personality and nature."
What are the five most important soft skills an applicant should have? |
Dependability/Reliability |
70% |
Communication (verbal) |
55% |
Motivation |
45% |
Enthusiasm |
40% |
Flexibility/Adaptability |
35% |
Commitment |
35% |
Listening |
35% |
Interpersonal abilities |
30% |
Initiative |
25% |
Team work |
25% |
Confidence |
15% |
Problem solving |
15% |
Dedication |
15% |
Communication (written) |
10% |
Professionalism |
10% |
Time management |
10% |
Personal values |
5% |
Customer service |
5% |
Loyalty |
5% |
***
If you would like to arrange for an interview with Bob Funk to discuss this topic, please contact Kellie Major at (613) 233-1633.
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.