Experience, not intelligence, is the key to securing a job according to research by Bibby Financial Services.

The research found that nearly six in 10 (58%) recruitment agencies said that candidates with relevant experience are more sought after by employers than an applicant with a high IQ (30%).

It found that academic qualifications (21%) were deemed less valuable than having good communication skills (30%), the ability to learn (27%) or a dynamic personality (38%). While having the aptitude for language (8%) and good IT skills (13%) failed to excite recruitment owners and managers.

The research found that nearly half (47%) of owners and managers are put off by a candidate that hasn’t taken the time to make themselves presentable for an interview, and 46% are put off by people that fail to arrive on time.  Displaying signs of a poor attitude (45%) or exaggerating experience (32%) will also see you dismissed, as will failing to recognise the importance of good manners by leaving your mobile phone on (25%) or not listening properly to questions asked in an interview (18%).