For some bosses, it's less about having the perfect CV and more about the way you think, the questions you ask and whether you're prepared to take a chance.
Six business founders and leaders share the qualities they notice most and the advice they would give to people trying to get ahead.
Charlotte Tilbury says one of the biggest things that has driven her career is refusing to let other people set limits on what she can do.
"Nothing is impossible in life - it's only your own limitations you give yourself."
The beauty mogul says there will always be naysayers, and there were plenty of people who told her she was "mad" or that her ideas would not work but it's important to ignore them.