According to the recently published 2024 Hiring Trends Survey, there are several things that recruiters will be looking for and you should be aware of if you are on the hunt for a job or internship.
Seven key aspects of finding a job:
- Relevant skills: 65% of hiring managers would consider candidates with relevant skills over those with extensive work history or academic credentials, even if they lack work experience.
- Changing jobs: 50% are reluctant to move forward with a candidate who has changed jobs frequently, and 17% see this as a major red flag.
- Interpersonal skills: 54% believe that interpersonal skills are very important, 66% believe that interpersonal skills can be taught, and 48% have decided not to hire a candidate because of a lack of interpersonal skills.
- Educational qualifications: 47% consider educational qualifications important (and 25% consider them absolutely essential), although 43% do not require a degree from a prestigious institution.
- Enthusiasm: 43% are much more likely to hire a candidate who is enthusiastic.
- Analytical and customer service skills: 35% look for candidates with analytical thinking and customer service skills, the most sought-after skills on a CV in 2024.
- Generative AI skills: 12% of employers are looking for candidates with skills in the use of generative AI tools. However, 53% have reservations about CVs that include content that is clearly AI-generated, and 20% see this as a critical issue that could prevent them from hiring a candidate.
Hobbies and interests was ranked as the most important section of the CV by recruiters (57%), followed by the introduction to the CV (42%). However, more than any other positive interview behaviour, the enthusiasm of the candidate is the most influential factor for recruiters. Conversely, they identified the top five factors most likely to disqualify candidates.
5 things you should never do as a candidate when looking for a job/internship
- Lying: 82% say they are unlikely to hire a candidate they believe to be lying and 63% consider it a deciding factor.
- Foul language or behaviour: 73% are unlikely to hire a candidate who uses foul language or behaviour, and 54% consider these actions a deciding factor.
- Critical nature: 30% consider criticism of previous employers to be a deciding factor.
- Lateness: 30% cited being late for an interview as a deciding factor.
- Poor choice of sources: 11% cited poor choice of sources as a deciding factor.
Have you ever tested these aspects personally?