Teamwork and interpersonal skills are the most valued abilities for today's employers, surpassing a range of more traditional recruitment requirements.

A new poll from Jobcentre Plus, which quizzed more than 4,500 employers, shows more than 43 per cent of all vacancies filled each year are now in the growing service sector - where 'soft skills' are far more important.

As the service sector becomes increasingly dominant, employers are desperate for team players in almost every role. Recruiters must find sound ways of highlighting these key skills in candidates.

Tom Hadley (pictured), director of external relations at the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC), says traits that are traditionally regarded as 'soft skills' are becoming ever more important in a very tight labour market.

“Employers want recruiters to look beyond the CV and tease out information that will help identify skills such as teamwork and communication skills in candidates,” he said. “Almost every role requires some element of teamwork, and recruiters need to be aware of this.”

Techniques such as psychometric testing and the measurement of emotional intelligence are increasingly being used to establish an overall picture of candidates' abilities.

Cay Stratton, director of the National Employment Panel, says these types of skills are now considered essential for almost every occupation, regardless of the profession or industry.

The poll also found that only

86 per cent of vacancies were successfully filled in 2004, presenting recruitment agencies with some great opportunities.

“There's a shortage of soft skills as well as hard skills and this means recruiters need to provide a positive and proactive service,” said Hadley. “Agencies must increasingly play a strategic role to meet employers' needs.”

The research identified motivation, flexibility and verbal communication as essential attributes.