Aptitude is more important that a polished CV for employers looking to take on first-time jobseekers, according to a new survey.

Nearly half (48%) of respondents said aptitude was the most important factor for new, young colleagues, with a polished CV coming second, taking 30% of the vote.

Educational achievements came third, with 12%, while 10% of businesses said they looked for something else as a priority when considering first-time hires.

The survey was conducted by recruitment specialists Pertemps Network Group to mark National Apprenticeship Week last week (February 5-11) - run annually to celebrate the achievements of apprentices and the positive impact they make on organisations.

Carey Munn, director of Pertemps Managed Solutions, said: "The prominence of aptitude in the survey results suggests that employers are placing greater emphasis on candidates' inherent capabilities to perform the tasks required of the job, rather than solely relying on their academic background or previous work experience.

"This shows that those hiring now are recognising that a candidate's true potential doesn't always sit on their CV.

"This shift reflects a growing acknowledgment of the importance of soft skills, problem-solving abilities, critical thinking and adaptability in navigating today's dynamic and evolving workplace environments."