Research reveals desirable qualities employers look for when recruiting

Research from Arch Apprentices has revealed the top qualities that employers look for when recruiting young candidates.

The research surveyed 500 business decision-makers and found that the majority of employers value enthusiasm when it comes to recruiting young people for their business, with this being cited by 74 per cent of respondents.

Understanding

Employers also look for candidates that have a good understanding of the job role, with this being valued by 61 per cent, whilst 54 per cent look for candidates that have work experience that is relevant to the job role and 34 per cent want candidates that have any type of work experience.

The study found that more than 90 per cent of business decision-makers believe that work experience and careers advice should be made compulsory in schools.

More than 65 per cent also believe that work experience can help to prepare young people for business, whilst 64 per cent said that it can help to prepare candidates for job roles that are desirable to business and enhance their skills.

Struggling

Whilst enthusiasm was found to be the quality that employers value the most, more than 40 per cent of respondents said that they are struggling to find young people with this particular trait.

The study also showed a demand for candidates with the right work experience and qualifications. More than 35 per cent of respondents admitted that the majority of young people that apply for job roles have no experience or very little experience of the workplace, and 28 per cent said that the majority of applicants have qualifications that are not relevant to the job role.

Arch Apprentices is now calling for the government to bring back meaningful work experience for children and for them to be provided with up-to-date career advice and guidance.