The hiring process can be daunting. Even when you have the perfect resume, you still have to be impressive in person — and first impressions are everything. Job seekers are always looking for new ways to stand out and show they're the right fit.
Since recruiters have seen it all, we talked to a few local tech companies to find out how job seekers can set themselves apart.
Denver-based Guild Education is an edtech platform that works with companies to improve educational benefits and supports students in their academic pursuits. When looking for new additions to the Guild Education team, recruiters Fae Dagonese and Sage Soronen said they appreciate candidates who are specific in their intent. That means it’s not enough to just ask general questions — candidates should show them they've done their research.
One thing I've been impressed by are candidates who make a point to learn about Guild throughout their conversations in the recruiting process.”
Can you talk about an interview you found memorable and why?
Fae Dagonese, recruiter: One thing I've been impressed by are candidates who make a point to learn about Guild throughout their conversations in the recruiting process and bring something to an interview that goes above and beyond — something that shows what they've learned and how they see their skills and experience making an impact at Guild.
What advice would you give to applicants who want to stand out?
Sage Soronen, senior recruiter: Ask questions showing what you've researched about the company. Make sure they sound unique to Guild verses questions you could ask about any company.
Inflow is a Denver-based e-commerce marketing agency that provides cross-channel internet marketing services. As the talent acquisition specialist for Inflow, Brenn Scott said that standing out can be a good thing — or a bad thing. In looking for new additions to Inflow’s team, Scott said she values candidates who strike the right balance between authenticity and professionalism.
Keep it professional, but don't be afraid to show some personality.”
Can you talk about an interview you found memorable and why?
(The positive) I reached out to a candidate who was, by all accounts, happy in her current role. She wasn't looking, but when I came across her profile and reached out, she decided it couldn't hurt to chat. Our conversation was less about why she could come work for us and more about what she wanted to accomplish in her career. We were both straightforward and honest about what we were looking for and what we could offer from a company perspective and candidate perspective. Over the course of several conversations, we cultivated a really organic, fun, mutually-respectful relationship, and eventually, we were able to give her what she needed to come on board. She turned out to be one of our most successful hires.
(The negative) I once had the displeasure of sitting in on an interview with a candidate I'd spoken with previously over the phone. This particular interview was with a senior-level male colleague. The candidate who had, over the phone, been polite, professional, and focused on adding value to the company spent 45 minutes of the hour-long conversation blatantly flirting with the manager. She even went so far as to point out her new, strappy leather heels and asked if he liked them or not. Needless to say, we did not end up hiring her.
What advice would you give to applicants who want to stand out?
I encourage candidates to be themselves. There are many candidates who spend the whole interview so buttoned up, so hyper-focused on being professional that I never get the sense of who they really are. Doing recruiting for a living, we can tell when you're being genuine and when you're just telling us what you think we want to hear. Keep it professional, but don't be afraid to show some personality.
