The skills vs experience debate

Ask any recruitment consultant to tell you what common conflicts exist in the industry, and finding a balance between skills and experience is a likely answer. Google the two words and you’ll find a wealth of articles and blogs asking the same question, which is more valuable to a recruiter?

According to a recent survey by XpertHR, experience wins out in the HR world, with close to 90% of respondents claiming it was experience that helped to advance their career. General business knowledge was also listed as an important factor in securing entry-level positions, over and above that of academic qualifications.

Professional qualifications however were heavily championed, with 75% of polled HR professionals feeling that a Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) qualification was a prerequisite for promotion. Associated membership and fellowship status was equally encouraged, with only 15% saying they were not associated with any professional bodies.

Here at ACR we are firmly committed the continuous professional development of all our team members. We understand the value in equipping staff with the right knowledge and skills to progress within our ever-evolving industry, working closely with clients to promote and implement the same principles within their organisations.