Soft skills favoured over technical knowledge in graduates

The survey of 198 UK employers found that employers ranked ‘soft skills’, including confidence and an ability to be analytical, high at the recruitment stage. Technical knowledge took the 24th position out of 30 when employers ranked a list of their required or desired competencies. Managing Director of specialist recruitment company, Cast UK, Wayne Brophy comments on the findings: “At Cast UK, we place equal emphasis on soft skills and technical ability as we recognise that, ultimately, people buy from people. Technical skills are critical in a specialist company so we take the time to develop these through our bespoke graduate training academy. “While having in-depth knowledge in the sectors we recruit for is of upmost importance, relationships and rapport with our clients is one of the reasons that over 70% of our business is repeat business.”