5 Traits of a Sought-After Job Candidate

John Krautzel
Posted by in Career Advice


The hiring process often seems arbitrary from an applicant's perspective. You may feel frustrated when employers choose job candidates who don't meet all the requirements. Because resumes offer little evidence of real-world value, hiring managers are drawn to professionals who demonstrate their leadership qualities through efficient job searching, personal branding and problem solving. Transform yourself into a sought-after job candidate by projecting these five crucial traits throughout your job hunt.

1. Efficiency

Efficient workers continually find new ways to improve operations and increase profit. They get high-quality work done in less time using fewer resources, and their productive mindsets spread to other teammates. Show efficiency in your job search by focusing on fewer companies and tailoring your profiles and branding to address their current needs. Bypass the typical hiring pipeline, and send a customized letter and portfolio to the hiring manager, demonstrating exactly how you previously solved problems that are relevant to your target employer.

2. Confidence

Knowing your worth gives you the confidence to promote your skills and ask for what you want, and in turn, employers feel confident trusting you to get the job done. Avoid apologizing for skill limitations in applications and interviews, and focus on the reasons why your experience creates value for employers. Hiring managers want job candidates who are both self-assured and enthusiastic about learning the company's methods, giving you the opportunity to shine even if you don't meet every requirement.

3. Discernment

Insightful job candidates use every interaction to show they understand an employer's goals and know how to deliver good results. From the cover letter to the interview, your brand should convey the distinct ways you use good judgement to make a difference at work, whether it's calming angry customers or tightening up the budget. Anyone can list skills, but the most sought-after job candidates use compelling stories to illustrate their leadership qualities.

4. Connected

Working strategically with other people is essential for a successful career, and hiring managers prioritize job candidates with strong ties in the industry. Positive recommendations from knowledgeable professionals are more valuable than any information in an application, making it beneficial to nurture give-and-take relationships with people you respect. A 2016 CareerBuilder survey reported that 54 percent of employers continue to engage with candidates who didn't receive job offers, so simplify future job searches by staying in touch with hiring managers.

5. Resourceful

Being a go-getter doesn't mean you never hit roadblocks, but successful people create opportunities instead of waiting for something good to materialize. In an economy ripe with freelancing and consulting opportunities, employers are skeptical of job candidates with long employment gaps. Whether you're formally employed or not, show recruiters you're always making progress with an online portfolio of personal skill-building projects and recent client work.

Employers care most about reducing the time, cost and manpower required to track down the right job candidates. Believe in your ability to perform in new roles, and make yourself visible to hiring managers by the most efficient means, increasing your chances of standing out from the competition.


Photo courtesy of 89studio at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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  • Nancy Anderson
    Nancy Anderson

    @Diane thanks for your comment. So awesome that you go the interview. Have you followed up? Did you send a thank you note right after the interview? Call them and find out what happened. If the position went to someone else, ask what, if anything , you could have done to make you the candidate of choice. The only way that you are going to know is to ask. They won't tell you that it's your age because they can't - it's not legal. But if it was for any other reason, hopefully, they will tell you. It could be that they haven't made a decision yet. Is the job still posted? Check on LinkedIn and see if you can find out anything. Many times companies will "introduce" new members on their LinkedIn page. I am hoping that you haven't sat and waited for 3 weeks and not continued applying! Always keep applying up until you get an offer and/or accept a new position. All the best.

  • Diane C.
    Diane C.

    I'm 65, look young, fit, tennis player, run, have diverse interests and more than 35 years in my industry. After a break caring for my now deceased parents, I recently interviewed for a management level job. The panel brought in a 20 something year old freshly hired part-timer who would be under my direction to question me. I was a bit off-put but didn't let it show when she asked me "what I thought of social media, blogs, posts and, could I do it"? I stayed positive, upbeat and stressed the importance of new media today. It's been 3 weeks and no word so I'm assuming they found a considerably less experienced but more age compatible director. Still, it was a good experience, disappointing but enlightening as well.

  • Gurudeva K.
    Gurudeva K.

    Great Tips.

  • Kevin Sterett
    Kevin Sterett

    Michael Ritz - So true, your comment is spot on. Pure and simple age discrimination flourishes - experience is no longer a valued commodity and it shows in many areas. Agencies have contacted me about jobs, I have agreed to offered salary, qualifications matched up to requirements, and then was informed I was over qualified. I thought that might be my decision and would be reflected should I have turned down the offer - guess not.

  • Nancy Anderson
    Nancy Anderson

    @Gail thanks for your comment. It is true that you have to get past the gate keeper first. Make sure that your resume is current and relevant to the position for which you are applying. Don't include everything from the past 20+ years as that is a definite red flag. Once you get to the telephone interview, start selling yourself. Your resume has already gotten you to that point and now it's all up to you. Use that 20+ years experience to get past the phone interview to an in-person interview and then, again, sell, sell, sell. All the best in your endeavors.

  • GAIL Z.
    GAIL Z.

    All great comments. I agree, though, with those related to age. A person cannot demonstrate their positive attitude or confidence unless they get past the resume review to the telephone or in person interview. It is difficult to camouflage 20+ years of excellent experience.

  • Nancy Anderson
    Nancy Anderson

    Thanks for all of the great comments. @Michael Ritz being 55 doesn't have to be a death sentence. Make sure that you are going to an interview with a positive attitude. That can make all of the difference. @Vahid it's tough to break into a new job as well as a new culture but it can be done. Best of luck to all.

  • VAHID JAFROUDI
    VAHID JAFROUDI

    Interest in the work is a sign of human dignity
    Everyone said their experience can introduce himself
    But at the start of a job in a new country can be tested from a point
    The ability of any person at the time of a grant to work in the new environment is indicative of the reliability of her

  • MICHAEL S.
    MICHAEL S.

    I'll bet Leslie M. is not over 55...

  • Leslie M.
    Leslie M.

    I think Michael Ritz is a bubble buster oh my gosh I think it if you are good at what you do you'll get a chance

  • Gary Campbell
    Gary Campbell

    Excellent article, with good focus. Real world experience has shown me that hiring practices that seem arbitrary are actually confused with the many unstated PC, regulatory compliance and unstated employer cost impacts (such as insurance cost for older applicants).

  • Arthur B.
    Arthur B.

    Great topic and content, easy read with timely takeaways!

  • Michael Ritz
    Michael Ritz

    This works, unless you are over 55. Then no matter what, the other younger candidates are preferred. The older you are, the less attractive you are as an employee, no matter what your qualifications or experience are.

  • Yolanda W.
    Yolanda W.

    Good read, and on point!

  • Precious L.
    Precious L.

    Thanks for the information ...very informative

  • Neil McGinn
    Neil McGinn

    I agree.

  • Nancy Anderson
    Nancy Anderson

    @Kendall thanks for your comment. Certainly, any work that you do - even volunteer work - can be included on your resume as long as it's relevant to the position for which you are applying. You are self-employed - CEO, so to speak, of your own company. Certainly - tout your horn!

  • Kendall W.
    Kendall W.

    I was laid off from my job at a very busy college campus on May 6. Since I have not been able to acquire a position as of yet, I have started freelancing as an organizational consultant and specializing in HR files and audits. I have also partnered up with a direct selling company and have begun building a team. It doesn't pay anywhere close to what I am use to making but it covers some of the bills. My question is can I use these two endeavors as a positive in my resume to bridge the employment gap? If so, in what capacity?

  • DEBRA M.
    DEBRA M.

    Awesome Tips

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