Employers want resilient people, not perfect CVs

According to new research by recruitment specialist Robert Walters, one skill tops the list: resilience. A striking 78% of employers say resilience is more important than technical know-how. And 9 in 10 hiring managers want to get better at identifying this quality during interviews – but many don’t know how.

New era, new skills

Beyond resilience, adaptability, efficiency, and emotional intelligence are becoming increasingly essential. With rapid technological change and ongoing economic uncertainty, companies are looking for people who can adapt quickly and make an immediate impact. “We’re seeing more and more employers prioritise candidates who can handle change and deliver value from day one,” says Marie Parmentier, manager at Robert Walters.

How to assess resilience in an interview

To evaluate resilience, ask targeted questions that reveal not just facts, but also a candidate’s mindset and behaviour. For example: ‘Tell me about a time you had to overcome a major challenge. What did you do?’ This gives insight into problem-solving ability and initiative.

Another useful question is: Have you ever worked independently on a project? How did you stay focused?’ This can reveal how a candidate manages autonomy and time. Want to gauge flexibility and stress tolerance? Try: ‘How do you handle unexpected changes at work?’ This helps assess how well someone copes in unpredictable situations.

Self-awareness: the quiet strength that sets candidates apart

Interestingly, 67% of hiring managers actively look for self-aware candidates, but struggle to assess this during interviews. Self-awareness, a key part of emotional intelligence, enables professionals to understand their strengths, working style, and areas for development.

The research also shows that self-aware employees are:

• 43% more likely to actively seek feedback

• 30% better at navigating change

• Stronger team players

“Self-aware professionals take greater ownership of their development and adapt more easily to new situations,” adds Marie Parmentier.

Smart questions to gauge self-awareness

Go beyond the usual ‘strengths and weaknesses’ questions. Try asking: ‘What role do you usually take in a team?’ This prompts reflection on their approach to collaboration. Another insightful question is: ‘How would your previous manager describe your working style?’ This encourages candidates to consider how others perceive them.

You could also ask: Can you share a piece of constructive feedback that stuck with you and how you responded to it?’ This not only reveals their learning mindset but also how open they are to growth.

Time for smarter interview questions

According to Robert Walters’ e-guide ‘New interview questions you should be asking’, it’s time to move beyond outdated interview techniques. With 72% of hiring managers admitting they underestimated resilience - and later regretted it - it’s clear: the focus has shifted beyond the CV.

Want to attract top talent? 

Ask better questions. Recognise the skills that truly matter. Download your free copy of the Robert Walters e-guide today.