Global learning institute Hyper Island released the findings from their “Tomorrow’s Most Wanted” international survey of hundreds of industry professionals, conducted in conjunction with Edelman in Stockholm, Sweden, and some may be surprised by the results.
The survey of over 500 CEOs, managing directors, creative directors and employees across agencies and companies in the communication, tech and business sphere found that “personality, not competence, is the determining factor of who’s going to get the most attractive jobs among tomorrow’s recruits,” said Hyper Island CEO Johanna Frelin. “Also, there is a growing desire for talent with a unique combination of skill and flexibility –– people who can collaborate, adapt quickly and are enjoyable company, but also have the drive to get things done. All those traits boil down to a personality that is essential for businesses operating in an ever changing digital landscape. Thus, specific competence is less important.”
“Personality” was voted the number one quality in a worker by an overwhelming 78% of respondents, compared with just 39% voting for “Skill-set” and 53% for “Cultural Alignment.” The majority of respondents identified “a unique combination of creativity and drive” as the “hallmarks of success for tomorrow’s best talent” with creative technology and UX/UI design identified as key skills. “Drive” was identified as the most important personality trait by 14% of respondents, with creativity and open-mindedness following at 12% and 11%, respectively. You can read more about Hyper Island’s “Tomorrow’s Most Wanted” study here.