5 Traits of a Sought-After Job Candidate

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.