Atlanta Journal-Constitution (02/17/12) Laura Raines

Experts say attitude is second to skills for employers seeking information technology professionals. “Now that business is so thoroughly wrapped around IT, attitude matters a lot,” says Jeff Clement, managing director of international IT staffing company Revolutionary Technologies in Atlanta. “Skills may get you an interview, but attitude determines whether you will get an offer and whether you’ll be happy on the job.” Clement says he has to review a two-dimensional job description detailing skills and experience, then fill the position with a three-dimensional person by learning about the role, the company, and the company culture.

A study by Leadership IQ looked at 20,000 new hires over three years and discovered that 46% were fired, received poor performance reviews, or were written up within 18 months. Technical or functional incompetence was responsible for just 11% of failures, while attitudinal reasons, such as lack of coachability, emotional intelligence, or motivation, accounted for 89%. Mark Murphy, chief executive of Leadership IQ, says job seekers should be looking for a company rather than a position, making sure the culture is a good fit for them before applying.