How to Stand Out as a Candidate

Recently we tabulated the total number of candidate interviews I have conducted in my twenty year career at Marshall Career Service. The total was 20,642; face to face in my office interviews. You can imagine I have seen just about everything! Interestingly, the number of A, B, and C players I have evaluated are pretty darn close to the percentages you read about. The top 10% or the “A Players” have very distinct habits, mannerisms and attitudes that allow them to clearly stand out from the crowd. Follow along as I share with you a few “A Player” qualities that if you habituate, can make a dramatic difference in your first impression.

First Responders
Back in the old days when we ran newspaper ads, the calls we got at 8:01 am on Monday morning were always the better candidates, serious about going to work, and we knew we needed to get them in right away. Conversely, the calls we received late on Friday afternoon were rarely worth taking. The early bird gets the worm applies. Even now, when we post a position on the internet, the responses that come in right away are really the best.

Follow Instructions Impeccably
Whether it is filling out a data sheet, application or completing our online registration process the candidate is complete and thorough. Years of checking employer references also indicate this attention to detail is normal and standard for “A Player”. Is attention to detail a skill or an attitude?

Consistently on Time and Well Dressed
The on time part would seem a given, however I’ve noticed our best candidates are consistently 10-15 minutes early. It also gets noticed when the candidate is dressed well consistently without being told they need to do so. First impressions do matter.

Organized and Prepared
Those who have already gone to the effort to have and bring written career goals will always be a step ahead. It then becomes easy to understand where this candidate would fit and how to place them.

Amazingly Positive Attitudes
These candidates are “can do”! They are highly cooperative, responsive and have a do what it takes approach to success. You can see this in their pace, energy level and body language. There is a general graciousness to the way they conduct themselves in our office; how they treat the receptionist, how rapidly they respond to requests for information and complete assigned tasks. We want to help them land a great position.

They Can Explain Their Skills
Having the expected skills for a key position is requisite to consideration. Shockingly the majority of candidates truly struggle with being able to explain what they are able to do. The “A Players” have thought this through and are well prepared with relevant examples of their skills and accomplishments. Being able to articulate the things you are good at is essential to being a candidate who can get hired.

Speak to Their Accomplishments
What they have done that truly made a difference for their current and previous employers. Almost anyone can describe their duties and responsibilities. Those candidates can articulate the things they have done that make them stand out; how they made their employer money, improved a process, captured an opportunity or turned an operation around. Accomplishments are how to get the employers attention.

I look forward to the opportunity to help move you along in your career. Keep your eye on our website as we provide regular updates of exciting opportunities we are working on. You are welcome to give me a call or to register as a candidate on our website. My team mates and I work with many of DFW’s top employers and candidates.

Steve Francisco, CPC

Beginning his 21st year with Marshall Career Service, Steve is the group leader of our manufacturing and operations practice. He is recognized in the placement and recruiting profession as one of the industry top producers. Steve is a Certified Personnel Consultant (CPC), is active in his church and community and enjoys singing, dancing and the occasional round of golf.