What is more important in hiring: skills or personality?

In the UK, there is a company called Timpsons.

Believe it or not, they hire ex-prisoners and have few rules.

That doesn’t mean they aren't picky. They only hire about 10% of the prisoners who interview with them and don't hire former sexual offenders or those with addictions.

They merely pick personality traits and find prisoners are more loyal as they have fewer options.

Here is the owner explaining more:

I am not saying it is the only way to do business, but it can make sense for many businesses to hire for personality traits rather than skills.

It is easier to upskill somebody rather than change their character!