The Qualities Employers Most Desire in Employees (Infographic) A new study indicates personal drive is more important than specific skills.

By Kate Taylor

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

What do you need to succeed in business? According to a new study, it's all about your personality.

Seventy-eight percent of respondents gave "personality" a top rating compared to "skill set," at only 39 percent, according to a survey by digital education provider Hyper Island. "Cultural alignment" was awarded a top rating by 53 percent of the 500 plus professionals polled.

Related: Think You're Too Old to Be An Entrepreneur? Think Again. (Infographic)

"What we found most compelling about this research is how clearly it highlights that personality, not competence, is the determining factor of who's going to get the most attractive jobs among tomorrow's recruits," said Hyper Island CEO Johanna Frelin in a statement. "Also, there is a growing desire for talent with a unique combination of skill and flexibility––people who can collaborate, adapt quickly and are enjoyable company, but also have the drive to get things done."

Check out the infographic below for more on which personal qualities are most important for entrepreneurs to cultivate.

Related: Forget Setting Goals. Focus on This Instead.

Click to Enlarge+
The Qualities That Matter Most to Employers (Infographic)

Kate Taylor

Reporter

Kate Taylor is a reporter at Business Insider. She was previously a reporter at Entrepreneur. Get in touch with tips and feedback on Twitter at @Kate_H_Taylor. 

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Business News

Here's What Companies and Services Are Open and Closed on Juneteenth 2025

Juneteenth was designated as a federal holiday in the U.S. in 2021.

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.

Leadership

How to Make Smarter Decisions Under Pressure, From an ER Doctor Who's Done It for 20 Years

We asked an emergency physician who studies decision-making under pressure about leadership. His insights reveal why the best leaders think like scientists of themselves.

Business News

The U.S. Added Over 1,000 New Millionaires a Day in 2024. Here's How That Compares to the Rest of the World.

UBS revealed its latest report on global wealth on Wednesday, which looks back on wealth trends.

Thought Leaders

I Spent 20 Years Watching Brands Rise or Fade—This Is What Separates Them

Many entrepreneurs turn to PR only when they want immediate results, but strategic visibility is a long game.

Leadership

This Founder Noticed a Stark Change at a Local Pride Parade — and Says It Creates a 'Real Opportunity' for Small Businesses

Tanner Graham, co-founder and CEO of General Idea, reveals how business leaders can step up this month and beyond.