Work ethic, integrity top list of candidates' desirable traits: Survey

Education receives lowest rating

Work ethic and integrity top the list when it comes to the traits considered most important in a job candidate, according to a survey released by Express Employment Professionals which polled 134 franchisees across the country. 

Integrity received the highest score, with an average rating of 4.5 out of five, followed closely by attitude, which topped the list in 2014, with a rating of 4.47. Education received the lowest rating, with an average of 2.44.

"Every year now, integrity and attitude have been the two clear winners in this survey," said Bob Funk, CEO of Express. "While so many traits are important, integrity and attitude just aren't things you can acquire with on-the-job training or the right certification. Not only can they make or break a job applicant, they can fundamentally alter the work environment."

This perception has been fairly consistent since 2013, he noted.

"As the workplace evolves, the demand for certain skills may change, but employers will never stop looking for employees with high integrity and a good attitude."

Latest stories