What Makes a Star Candidate?

Let’s be honest, job hunting is a daunting task that most of us would much rather skip if there were enough jobs for all of us, right? It takes a toll on us emotionally and psychologically, especially when we get rejected. In my 7 years of recruitment, one recurring question that most candidates ask is how they can stand out in an interview. To answer this, we must first understand what interviewers look for. Employers look for employees strong in communication, teamwork, work ethic, motivation, and adaptability, among others.

We can cover a multitude of many other attributes employers look for, but really, the most important of them all is whether you can do the job.

Now that we have a clearer picture of what employers look for, let’s tackle how we can stand out in interviews and be a winning candidate. Below are some attributes of a winning candidate:

Relevant Skills

Foremost, you need to understand what exactly interviewers are looking for or what skills you should mention in an interview and resume. To do this, always go through the job description that was advertised. The job description is a clear map to understanding what the interviewer will look out for and the likely questions they will ask during the interview.

To win an interviewer’s interest from the get-go, when they ask you to introduce yourself, start by telling them a bit about your educational and professional background. This should not take longer than 2 minutes, maximum. Finalize by highlighting your strengths and skill sets that align with the qualities they mentioned in the job description.

Relevant Experience

Relevant work experience sets candidates apart because candidates with relevant experience typically possess the necessary skills and expertise required for the job. This can include industry-specific knowledge, technical skills, and a deep understanding of the tasks and challenges associated with the role.

Candidates with relevant experience are likely to require less training and onboarding time. They can quickly adapt to the role, understand the nuances of the work, and start contributing effectively from day one. This is important in fast-paced environments where time is of the essence.

Experience equips individuals with the ability to navigate and solve challenges that may arise in the role. Having encountered similar situations in the past, candidates with relevant experience are better equipped to handle unexpected issues and find effective solutions. For example, a customer care manager working at Coca-Cola is more likely to get a job in the FMCG industry than moving to the banking industry.

Therefore, if you want to increase your chance of getting a job and reduce the effort of applying for jobs you will probably not get, look out for positions within the industry you already work in and jobs asking for similar skills that you already possess.

Soft Skills

There are different soft skills, such as communication, teamwork, critical thinking, leadership qualities, adaptability, time management, emotional intelligence, and relationship-building skills.

Soft skills play a crucial role in making a candidate stand out as a star in the eyes of employers. While technical skills and qualifications are important, soft skills are often the differentiators that contribute to an individual’s overall success in the workplace. 

Employers often seek a combination of technical and soft skills to ensure that candidates can contribute not only to the tasks at hand but also to the overall success and culture of the organization.

To improve on your soft skills and harness them in your next job, practice frequent communication with your colleagues, get outside your comfort zone, be open to the feedback you receive from your supervisors, managers, and even colleagues, and work on making changes based on this constructive feedback. One of the strongest ways you can improve your soft skills is by observing others around you and learning from them.

Cultural Fit

Cultural fit is one attribute candidates are least aware of. “Culture fit” in this context of hiring refers to the alignment between a candidate’s values, beliefs, work style, and overall personality with the culture of the organization. Star candidates, who are typically high-performing individuals with exceptional skills and experience, might possess the technical qualifications for a role, but assessing their cultural fit is equally crucial for long-term success and team cohesion.

During the evaluation of culture fit, an interviewer will take into account various factors. These include organizational values and the alignment of the candidate's values with those of the organization. The company's mission is also considered, ensuring that the candidate is genuinely interested in and aligned with it. Additionally, diversity and inclusion play a significant role in the assessment, measuring the candidate's awareness and commitment to these principles. Finally, the candidate's preferred work environment and communication style are taken into consideration as well.

For example, an introvert hired in a company with a culture of office parties every Friday and consistent team engagement may eventually feel strained and out of his or her comfort zone, which may lead to poor work delivery or demoralization.

As a candidate, it is therefore important to ask all the important questions during the conclusion of an interview to know if you will be a great fit for the company and whether the company aligns with your values as well.

Educational Background

A strong educational background can enhance a candidate’s profile. Educational background includes the relevance of degrees, certifications, or additional training.

To showcase how your educational background stands out from other competitive candidates: Mention any honors, awards, or distinctions received during your training. Highlight key courses that are applicable to the position they are applying for. List any certifications relevant to the job. For example, if you are in the IT field, certifications like Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) or Project Management Professional (PMP) would be noteworthy. Include any internships, research assistant positions, or relevant work experience during their academic journey. Highlight specific accomplishments and skills gained during these experiences. If applicable, mention proficiency in languages, especially if it aligns with the job requirements.

Remember to tailor this template to the specific job requirements and industry norms. The goal is to showcase your educational background in a way that aligns with the needs of the potential employer and demonstrates your suitability for the position.

Professionalism

Professionalism is a key attribute that can set a winning candidate apart in any job search or professional endeavor. 

Some aspects of professionalism that contribute to a candidate’s success include active listening during an interview (nodding your head, paying attention, and responding accordingly), punctuality which includes always arriving at least 15 minutes early for any interview whether online or physical, effective planning by carrying any documents that may be required during the interview and a pen and notebook to take notes, honest and transparent answering of questions, and finally professional appearance (dressing for the job in muted colors and being neat).

A winning candidate leaves a lasting first impression on the interviewer and this can help in standing out from the rest.

These are just some of the major ways in which a candidate can stand out in a job interview. Some of the other things to point out that you may want to remember when going for an interview include Confidence and a Positive Attitude, Body language, Asking good questions, Passion, and Work achievements.

Improvement in your interviewing will only come with time as you continue to expose yourself to as many interviews as possible. Practice makes perfect, right? Even when you are called in for an interview and you feel the job may not be right for you, I would encourage you to still interview and build up your confidence. You never know, your dream job may be just around the corner. Happy hunting!