While the desire to change jobs is tempting with the new year, here are the qualities most sought after by bosses.
The job market is undergoing a major transformation: the balance of power between employers and employees is changing. Companies, long in a dominant position, must now adapt to the new demands of workers. Working comfort, work-life balance and remuneration have become key points of negotiations. Faced with candidates whose technical skills match the needs, recruiters are often inclined to make concessions.
However, the CV alone is not always enough to hire or be hired. Bosses are increasingly ensuring that their employees possess certain qualities, beyond their professional abilities. Companies do not hesitate to make choices that could surprise you.
According to several recruitment specialists interviewed by Linternaute.com, a new criterion is required: that of human qualities. Soft skills and good manners take a preponderant place in employers’ decisions. A Dares survey even reveals that relationships are now more decisive than the salary issue.
“There are people who are not the most efficient but who bring the company together,” explains Pierre-Gilles Bouquet, of the recruitment firm Voluntae. For him, these skills which contribute to a good atmosphere at work are “essential”, although very diverse.
But that’s not all. Involvement is also part of the selection criteria. Being proactive is one of the expectations of bosses. “I like it when people are proactive in improving the company’s difficulties,” adds Pierre-Gilles Bouquet. However, this is becoming rare: a study of Ifop reveals 61% of working people prefer to earn less to benefit from more free time.
In a context where professional mobility is accelerating, employee loyalty is also becoming a rare commodity. Changing companies to get a raise has become a common practice, forcing recruiters to rethink their strategy.
Thibault Vilon, CEO of Elevo, emphasizes: “What is positive (in a recruitment process, editor’s note) is an employee who projects into the future”, recognizes Thibault Vilon, CEO of Elevo, a set of HR software. More than just a position, employers are looking for employees capable of investing sustainably and contributing to building a corporate culture.
Recruiters’ expectations therefore evolve over time. While technical skills remain important, the emphasis is now placed on people: the ability to bring people together, commitment and loyalty. Pierre-Gilles Bouquet summarizes by saying he favors candidates who seek to “improve their development with that of the company.” For businesses, this is now a rare gem.