Four in five employers look for interpersonal skills, confidence and enthusiasm over an academic degree or business acumen, according to research from global accounting network RSM International and the European Business Awards.

The survey also shows when hiring entry-level graduates, 81% say the most important characteristics were confidence, enthusiasm and an entrepreneurial spirit. In contrast, just 20% cited a good academic degree and business acumen as most important.

The survey was completed by more than 500 European business leaders from 32 European countries.