As thousands of students across the UK eagerly awaited their A-level and BTEC results yesterday, new research from leading hiring platform Indeed offers a refreshing perspective: top grades may not be the golden ticket to career success once believed.
In fact, the study highlights that employers are now prioritising soft skills over educational qualifications when it comes to hiring.
The study, which surveyed over 1,000 UK workers who have taken A-levels or equivalent and 500 employers, found that more than two-thirds of employers (67%) consider soft skills more critical than academic achievements. This aligns with a broader shift in recruitment practices, where less than 1 percent of job postings on Indeed now specify A-level or equivalent qualifications as a requirement.
While educational qualifications are still considered by some employers, with 58 percent stating they look at A-level/BTEC results when screening candidates, only 15 percent of both employers and workers believe that these results significantly influenced their job opportunities. Notably, nearly one-third of workers (29%) reported never having been asked to provide their academic results when applying for jobs.
Good Grades Linked to Career Satisfaction
Despite the diminishing emphasis on grades, those with the highest A-level results appear to be more satisfied with their careers. The research shows that 75 percent of individuals who achieved predominantly A*-A grades are happy with their career paths, compared to an overall average of 68 percent. However, the belief that better grades could have led to better career prospects is held by fewer than 1 in 10 workers.
Skills Matter More Than Subjects
Interestingly, only 12 percent of respondents work in fields related to the subjects they studied at A-level or BTEC. Yet, the skills gained during their studies have proven valuable in the workplace. Writing and problem-solving skills, in particular, were identified as the most helpful outcomes of A-level education, followed by time management, critical thinking, and research abilities.
The study ranks the top five skills developed through A-levels and BTECs as:
- Writing (32%)
- Problem-solving (31%)
- Time management (28%)
- Critical thinking and analytical skills (26%)
- Research (22%)
As Danny Stacy, UK Head of Talent Intelligence at Indeed, explains, “While top grades may contribute to job satisfaction, they are not the sole route to a fulfilling career. Many students worry about how their results will shape their future, but our research shows that employers are looking beyond academic achievements and focusing on the skills and attitude candidates bring to the table.”
Advice for Students Awaiting Results
Stacy encourages students to stay positive, emphasising that their studies have equipped them with essential skills that employers value. “Take a breath, be proud, and know there are many opportunities ahead, regardless of your grades,” he says.
This shift in emphasis from academic results to skills and adaptability underscores the growing recognition that success is not solely determined by exam performance, but by how individuals apply their knowledge and talents in the real world. For the next generation of job seekers, it appears that a well-rounded skill set may be more important than a string of top marks.
Amelia Brand is the Editor for HRreview, and host of the HR in Review podcast series. With a Master’s degree in Legal and Political Theory, her particular interests within HR include employment law, DE&I, and wellbeing within the workplace. Prior to working with HRreview, Amelia was Sub-Editor of a magazine, and Editor of the Environmental Justice Project at University College London, writing and overseeing articles into UCL’s weekly newsletter. Her previous academic work has focused on philosophy, politics and law, with a special focus on how artificial intelligence will feature in the future.
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