<h2>In a recent episode on <strong>Eight FM</strong>, Hiredly’s VP of People &amp; Culture, <strong>Joselyn</strong>, offered a candid look into how hiring decisions are made—especially when it comes to choosing between a highly skilled candidate and one with a great attitude.</h2><p>It’s a dilemma many hiring managers face: Do you pick the high-performer who might disrupt your team’s dynamics, or the coachable, positive team player who’s still learning the ropes?</p><p>Let’s break down Joselyn’s insights from the conversation.</p><hr><h2>“I’ll Always Choose Attitude Over Ability”<img src="https://assets.hiredly.com/cms/image_2025_03_27_110210846_f1ed43e8d7.png"></h2><p>Joselyn recalled asking her former boss early in her career: <i>Would you hire someone who’s incredibly capable but has a poor attitude, or someone who’s average in skill but positive and team-oriented?</i></p><p>Both then and now, her answer hasn’t changed—<strong>attitude matters more</strong>.</p><p>“I prefer someone with average experience and ability, but who has a great attitude—because that affects your team’s morale and collaboration,” Joselyn explained.</p><p>In short, soft skills like teamwork, openness to feedback, and humility can carry more weight than a flashy resume.</p><p><strong>👉 Learn more about </strong><a href="https://my.hiredly.com/advice/soft-skills-or-technical-skills?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=career_advice&amp;utm_campaign=attitude_vs._ability:_what_employers_value_more_in_job_candidates&amp;utm_content=freelancing_malaysia,_job_seeker,_job_opportunities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>soft skills vs. technical skills</strong></a><strong> and which matter more in your job search.</strong></p><hr><h2>But Doesn’t Skill Matter?<img src="https://assets.hiredly.com/cms/image_2025_03_27_110249554_34e1671586.png"></h2><p>Yes, of course—<strong>skill and ability still matter</strong>. Joselyn clarified that when faced with a shortage of talent, companies might compromise by hiring someone with a less-than-ideal attitude if they urgently need the technical expertise.</p><p>“It’s hard to find someone who matches 100% of what you’re looking for. Sometimes you’ll settle for 60–70%, especially when time or resources are tight.”</p><p>But given the choice, most companies would rather train a motivated, team-friendly candidate than struggle with a toxic high-performer.</p><p><strong>👉 Related: </strong><a href="https://my.hiredly.com/advice/what-employers-look-at-during-video-interviews?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=career_advice&amp;utm_campaign=attitude_vs._ability:_what_employers_value_more_in_job_candidates&amp;utm_content=freelancing_malaysia,_job_seeker,_job_opportunities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>What Employers Look at During Video Interviews</strong></a></p><hr><h2>How to Show You’re the Right Hire<img src="https://assets.hiredly.com/cms/image_2025_03_27_110315615_5c87c03215.png"></h2><p>If you’re worried about not having enough experience, remember: <strong>your attitude and willingness to grow</strong> can be your biggest strengths.</p><p>Here’s how to make a great impression:</p><ul><li>Show genuine curiosity and interest in the company and role.</li><li>Highlight past experiences where you learned quickly or supported a team.</li><li>Ask smart, thoughtful questions during your interview.</li><li>Demonstrate emotional intelligence—empathy, accountability, and a positive mindset go a long way.</li></ul><p><strong>👉 Prepare better: </strong><a href="https://my.hiredly.com/advice/6-great-questions-you-should-ask-in-a-job-interview?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=career_advice&amp;utm_campaign=attitude_vs._ability:_what_employers_value_more_in_job_candidates&amp;utm_content=freelancing_malaysia,_job_seeker,_job_opportunities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>6 Great Questions You Should Ask in a Job Interview</strong></a></p><hr><h3>If you’re starting your job search, take the <a href="https://hiredly.typeform.com/to/K4idZTDK?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=career_advice&amp;utm_campaign=attitude_vs._ability:_what_employers_value_more_in_job_candidates&amp;utm_content=freelancing_malaysia,_job_seeker,_job_opportunities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Hiredly Work Personality Test</a> to discover the roles that match your strengths. Want to connect with like-minded peers and grow your career network? Join Hiredly’s <a href="https://hub.hiredly.com/young-leaders-community?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=career_advice&amp;utm_campaign=attitude_vs._ability:_what_employers_value_more_in_job_candidates&amp;utm_content=freelancing_malaysia,_job_seeker,_job_opportunities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Young Talent Community</a>. And when you’re ready to apply, head to <a href="https://my.hiredly.com/jobs?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=career_advice&amp;utm_campaign=attitude_vs._ability:_what_employers_value_more_in_job_candidates&amp;utm_content=freelancing_malaysia,_job_seeker,_job_opportunities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Hiredly</a> for the latest job opportunities across Malaysia.</h3><p>&nbsp;</p><h3><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DGhV_YaPSPK/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Listen to the full Instagram Reel here</a></h3>

Is it better to hire someone with great skills or a great attitude? Hiredly’s VP of People & Culture, Joselyn, shares insights on what truly matters when hiring.

Attitude vs. Ability: What Employers Value More in Job Candidates