Decades of Hiring Data Shows Work Ethic Matters Most for Career Success

Snelling, part of the HireQuest network, is celebrating 75 years of connecting Americans with employment opportunities, marking a milestone achieved by only about one percent of U.S. businesses.

Founded in 1951 in Philadelphia, Snelling was originally created to help military veterans transition back into the workforce. Over the decades, the organization expanded from a single office into a nationwide franchise network with more than 100 locally owned locations, placing millions of job seekers in industries such as professional services, hospitality, healthcare, and light industrial work.

To commemorate its anniversary, Snelling surveyed recruiters across its network to gather insights on current hiring trends. The results highlight a growing shift in employer priorities as labor markets evolve in response to technological change and talent shortages.

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One of the most significant findings is the growing importance of soft skills over technical credentials. Recruiters reported that qualities such as adaptability, reliability, emotional intelligence, and strong work ethic are increasingly better predictors of long-term success than formal qualifications alone. Many offices estimated that 50–75% of successful placements in recent years were based primarily on potential, attitude, and coachability rather than an exact skill match.

The survey also revealed that organizations that continue hiring during economic downturns often gain long-term advantages. Recruiters cited examples from recent disruptionsincluding the COVID-era labor market where companies that maintained hiring momentum were better positioned to grow once conditions improved.

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Despite the rise of AI-driven recruitment tools, the research also underscores the enduring value of human judgment in hiring. Many Snelling offices reported that recruiter-led placements consistently outperform algorithm-only candidate sourcing, emphasizing the importance of relationship-building and cultural fit.

According to Rick Hermanns, the staffing industry has experienced multiple cycles of disruption and renewal over the past seven decades. While technology continues to transform hiring processes, he noted that long-term success still depends on trusted relationships, local expertise, and an understanding of what motivates people at work.

 Snelling’s locally driven model is supported by the broader HireQuest Global Talent Network, which spans more than 400 locations worldwide, combining community-level knowledge with global workforce reach.

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