The increasing demand for soft skills in the modern workforce has been underscored by a recent survey, revealing that a significant majority of hiring managers believe a candidate’s personality can be more impactful than their technical skills. The comprehensive study, published on September 1, 2026, by Express Employment Professionals in collaboration with The Harris Poll, surveyed over 1,000 U.S. hiring decision-makers. Findings indicate that 86% of these professionals are of the opinion that the right personality can compensate for a skills gap, a sentiment that could reshape hiring strategies across industries.
This revelation comes at a time when the professional landscape is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by technological advancements and evolving business models. The study highlights that core personality traits such as reliability, honesty, adaptability, flexibility, and self-motivation are deemed highly valuable by both employers and job seekers alike. These qualities are particularly crucial in navigating the dynamic changes occurring in workplaces, many of which are being influenced by recent technological shifts.
The Growing Importance of Soft Skills
The emphasis on personality traits over purely technical proficiencies is not an isolated phenomenon. A report from TestGorilla, released the previous year, echoed similar sentiments. In that survey, a substantial 78% of employers admitted to having hired candidates with strong technical abilities who ultimately failed to integrate well within the company culture due to a deficiency in soft skills. This suggests a growing recognition among businesses that while technical skills are essential for task completion, it is the underlying personality traits that foster effective teamwork, drive innovation, and ensure long-term employee retention.
Bob Funk Jr., CEO, President, and Chairman of Express Employment International, articulated this perspective, stating, "Every employee has an effect on the workplace beyond the responsibilities listed in a job description. The right personality can build trust, make change easier to navigate and raise the standard for how a team works together. That is why employers see personality as more than a hiring advantage. It is representative of the business culture." This statement underscores the profound impact an individual’s disposition can have on the overall dynamics and success of an organization.
Key Traits Valued in the Modern Workforce
The Express Employment Professionals and The Harris Poll survey specifically identified a set of universally valued personality traits. Reliability, the assurance that an employee can be counted on to complete tasks consistently and on time, remains a cornerstone of a productive workforce. Honesty and integrity are equally critical, forming the foundation of trust within teams and with clients.
Adaptability and flexibility are increasingly vital in an era characterized by rapid change. Employees who can readily adjust to new technologies, shifting priorities, and evolving work environments are invaluable assets. Self-motivation, the intrinsic drive to perform and excel without constant supervision, further enhances productivity and reduces the need for micromanagement. These five traits, agreed upon by both hiring managers and job seekers, represent the bedrock of a resilient and effective employee.
Hiring Managers’ Assessment of Personality
The study also delved into the methods hiring managers employ to gauge a candidate’s personality. These assessments are typically conducted through a combination of informal interactions during the interview process, situational questions designed to elicit responses to hypothetical scenarios, behavioral interview questions that probe past actions, and thorough reference checks. These diverse approaches aim to provide a holistic view of a candidate, moving beyond mere resume qualifications to understand their potential cultural fit and interpersonal effectiveness.
Broader Industry Trends and Future Implications
The findings from the Express Employment Professionals survey align with broader trends observed in the labor market. A report released earlier this year by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) highlighted a surging employer demand for workers possessing strong emotional intelligence, grit, and management capabilities. This demand is particularly pronounced in an era where artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming increasingly integrated into various professional roles.
The implication of this shift is significant. As AI automates more routine and technical tasks, the uniquely human qualities of empathy, critical thinking, collaboration, and emotional resilience become even more pronounced. Companies are likely to invest more heavily in recruitment strategies that prioritize the assessment of these soft skills, potentially leading to a reevaluation of traditional interview processes and a greater emphasis on skills-based assessments that go beyond technical proficiency.
The Role of Work Ethic and Continuous Learning
Beyond the core personality traits, the Express Employment poll also emphasized the importance of work ethic and a willingness to learn. These attributes are crucial for employee growth and for an organization’s ability to stay competitive. A strong work ethic ensures that employees are dedicated and committed to their roles, while a genuine desire to learn and develop new skills makes them adaptable to future challenges and opportunities. This suggests that employers are not just looking for individuals who can perform current tasks but also for those who demonstrate potential for future contributions and growth within the company.
Navigating the Future of Work
The insights gleaned from these recent surveys provide a clear roadmap for both employers and job seekers. For businesses, it signals a need to refine recruitment strategies to more effectively identify and assess personality traits that contribute to a positive and productive work environment. This might involve incorporating more behavioral interviewing techniques, utilizing personality assessments, and placing greater weight on cultural fit during the hiring process.
For job seekers, the message is equally clear: while technical skills remain important, cultivating and showcasing strong soft skills is paramount. Highlighting instances of reliability, adaptability, effective communication, and a proactive approach to learning can significantly enhance a candidate’s appeal. Understanding that personality is not just a bonus but a critical component of a successful hire empowers individuals to present themselves more holistically and effectively in the job market.
The collaboration between Express Employment Professionals and The Harris Poll offers a timely and valuable perspective on the evolving demands of the modern workplace. As industries continue to evolve, the emphasis on personality as a key determinant of success is likely to grow, reshaping how organizations build their teams and how individuals navigate their career paths. The data suggests that investing in and prioritizing these intrinsic human qualities will be a defining factor for success in the years to come.
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