Industry Expertise Not Enough

Industry Expertise Not Enough A recent study by Accountempsprovides some interesting results on the significance of people skills in your job search. Although most job seekers may believeindustry expertise to betheir key selling point, itmay not be enough to secure your next position according to the results from anational survey of 270 CFOs. CFOs were asked, If two candidates interviewing for an accounting or finance position had similar skills, which one of the following additional qualifications would you find most valuable? Topping the listat 31% was personality or people skills! Perhaps even more significant are theresults of the study in 2004 at only 1% forpersonality and people skills. The trend is clear showing the value of industry specific experience at 20% in 2009 and in 2004it was 44%. Interpersonal skills take center stage in a collaborative workplace, said Max Messmer, chairman of Accountemps and author of Job Hunting For Dummies, 2nd Edition (John Wiley Sons, Inc.). Whether it is the focus on collaboration and teamwork, the fact that we are becoming more educated,the continual expansion of interaction required in todays business world or the vast number of qualified candidates available, it is clear that industry expertise is not enough. Contact Elite Resumes for professional advice on job search strategies, personal branding, resume writing, executive coaching and more.