What Makes a Candidate Stand Out? Business Leaders Share Their Hiring Secrets
The job market has never been more competitive. According to a 2024 report from LinkedIn, job applications per open role have increased by 35% year over year, with many industries experiencing a surge in applicants due to economic uncertainty and widespread layoffs in tech, finance, and media. At the same time, hiring managers are being more selective, looking for candidates who offer more than just strong resumes.
This raises an important question: What makes a candidate truly stand out?
To find the answer, we reached out to business leaders, recruiters, and career coaches who make hiring decisions daily. Their responses reveal the key qualities that set top candidates apart in 2024.
1. Creativity and Adaptability Matter More Than Ever
As industries evolve at breakneck speed, employers increasingly value candidates who can think on their feet and pivot when necessary. This is particularly crucial in fields that rely on rapid decision-making and innovation, like public relations and marketing.
Matt Kovacs, President of Blaze PR, emphasizes the importance of creativity and adaptability:
“At Blaze PR, we seek candidates who embody creativity, adaptability, and strategic thinking. The ability to adjust on the fly and think outside the box is crucial in today’s media landscape.”
With AI-driven automation replacing routine tasks, employees who can bring original ideas and navigate change seamlessly are in high demand.
2. Soft Skills Outweigh Technical Expertise
A recent study from Harvard Business Review found that 92% of recruiters prioritize soft skills over technical skills, citing communication, emotional intelligence, and collaboration as the most crucial traits for long-term success.
Paige Arnof-Fenn, Founder & CEO of Mavens & Moguls, echoes this sentiment:
“The key skills needed to be effective today are strong communication, emotional intelligence, and adaptability. I can teach technical skills, but I can’t teach integrity, work ethic, and passion.”
With more companies shifting toward remote and hybrid work models, employees need to be effective communicators and proactive team players, even when working asynchronously.
3. A Strong Personal Brand Can Be a Game-Changer
With competition higher than ever, a strong personal brand can be the key differentiator between getting noticed and getting overlooked. Research from CareerBuilder shows that 70% of employers screen candidates’ social media profiles before making a hiring decision, which means candidates must be intentional about their online presence.
Michelle Schafer, a career coach and owner of Michelle Schafer Coaching, highlights the importance of differentiation:
“As a career coach, there are three things I consistently see in standout candidates: self-awareness, a strong personal brand, and the ability to tell a compelling story about their career journey.”
Developing a clear, authentic professional identity—through LinkedIn posts, personal websites, or industry engagement—can set a candidate apart from the competition.
4. The Right Attitude is Non-Negotiable
While technical skills can be trained, attitude is something that can’t be taught, and it often makes the biggest difference in hiring decisions. A survey by Glassdoor found that 88% of hiring managers prioritize cultural fit over specific skill sets when choosing between top candidates.
Recruiters like Alisa Lagovska, Recruitment Team Leader at Jooble, stress that attitude often trumps experience:
“Recruiters are always on the lookout for candidates who show enthusiasm, willingness to learn, and a proactive attitude. Technical skills can be trained, but the right attitude is invaluable.”
Employers are looking for professionals who take ownership of their roles, show initiative, and bring a problem-solving mindset to the table.
Final Thoughts: How Can You Make Yourself Stand Out?
The consensus from business leaders is clear: standing out in today’s job market requires more than just technical expertise. Hiring managers value adaptability, communication, emotional intelligence, and a clear personal brand just as much—if not more—than experience alone.
To increase your chances of landing your dream role, consider these key takeaways:
Be adaptable. Show that you can handle change and bring creative solutions to the table.
Develop your soft skills. Strong communication, emotional intelligence, and teamwork are non-negotiable.
Build your personal brand. Stand out by curating a professional online presence that showcases your expertise.
Cultivate the right attitude. A proactive, growth-oriented mindset is often the deciding factor in hiring decisions.
So, whether you're job hunting or looking to advance in your career, take the time to refine not just your resume, but also your story, brand, and mindset. Those are the qualities that hiring managers truly remember.
