Key Attributes of a Great Candidate (On Papers & In Person)

Simon S. Kim
3 days ago
3 min read

Recruiters and hiring managers evaluate far more than technical skills when reviewing candidates. A truly great candidate distinguishes themselves through a combination of a well-crafted CV and mature, professional behavior during prescreening interactions. These two elements together give employers confidence that the candidate will succeed not only in the role, but also within the organization’s culture.

Below are the key attributes that consistently define strong, competitive candidates—both on paper and in person.

1. Clear and Consistent Career Story

[On the CV]

One of the first things employers look for is career stability. Strong candidates typically follow what many recruiters refer to as the “Golden Rule” of staying 3 to 7 years in one company. This range demonstrates:

Enough time to learn, grow, and deliver meaningful results
Stability without appearing stagnant
A balance of loyalty and ambition

While shorter or longer periods can be justified, candidates who consistently fall within this pattern generally make a stronger first impression.

[In Prescreening]

Great candidates explain career transitions calmly and professionally. They present their story confidently, without contradictions or unnecessary negativity.

2. Experience in Well-Known, Reputable Companies

[On the CV]

The company name matters. Employers often view candidates more favorably when they have worked for well-known, respected, or industry-leading organizations, even if the company is not global. This signals:

Exposure to structured systems and high standards
Access to stronger training environments
A track record built in recognizable settings

This familiarity helps hiring managers quickly assess a candidate’s background and potential.

[In Prescreening]

Strong candidates describe their previous organizations in a balanced, professional tone, focusing on what they learned and how they added value.

3. Demonstrated Achievement and Impact

[On the CV]

Great candidates show what they achieved—not just what they were responsible for. This includes:

Quantified results (%, KRW amounts, KPIs)
Process improvements
Revenue or cost impact
Team leadership outcomes

Numbers create credibility and help the recruiter understand real performance.

[In Prescreening]

Candidates who stand out articulate these achievements clearly and concisely. They can explain the context, their specific role, and the outcome—showing ownership and professional maturity.

4. Strong Educational Foundation, Including Top Schools

[On the CV]

Education remains a key differentiator. Candidates from top universities often attract stronger initial attention. But beyond prestige, strong candidates also show:

Relevant degrees
Industry certifications
Commitment to continuous learning

[In Prescreening]

They confidently explain how their academic background shaped their skills and contributed to their career progression.

5. Role-Relevant Expertise and Strong Preparation

[On the CV]

A well-tailored CV highlights skills and experiences directly aligned with the position—industry knowledge, technical skills, certifications, tools, and project experience.

[In Prescreening]

Prepared candidates differentiate themselves through:

Understanding of the job and company
Thoughtful, meaningful questions
Clear alignment with the role’s responsibilities
Realistic expectations about duties and scope

Preparation signals professionalism and genuine interest.

6. Passion for the Job

[On the CV]

Passion is reflected through consistent career choices, relevant certifications, projects aligned with the role, and a summary statement that communicates purpose.

[In Prescreening]

Great candidates showcase their passion clearly:

They speak about the job with genuine interest
They are curious, engaged, and thoughtful
They articulate why the role motivates them
They express a clear desire to contribute

Enthusiasm is a powerful differentiator—especially in early conversations. Experienced Recruiters can easily feel the difference between a candidate who wants "a job" versus one who wants "this job".

7. Professional Communication and Organization

[On the CV]

A polished CV reflects strong communication skills. It should be:

Clean, clear, and well-structured
Free from major errors
Easy to scan
Consistent in formatting and tone

[In Prescreening]

Professional candidates reinforce this impression through:

Punctuality
Clear and respectful communication
Direct, concise answers
Mature and calm interactions

These behaviors build trust from the first conversation.

8. Realistic and Mature Salary Expectations

[In Prescreening]

Salary expectations reveal a lot about a candidate’s maturity and understanding of the market. Great candidates:

Offer expectations that align with market standards
Consider the role scope, company size, and industry norms
Show flexibility in early stages
Avoid appearing overly aggressive or “too greedy”

Unrealistic expectations often raise concerns about long-term fit and motivation, so reasonable expectations stand out positively.

9. Reliability, Stability, and Professional Commitment

[On the CV]

Strong candidates show a consistent pattern of:

Reasonable tenure
Achievements in every role
Thoughtful career movement

[In Prescreening]

They demonstrate reliability by being honest, consistent, and transparent. Their explanations match their CV, and they treat the process professionally.

FINAL THOUGHTS

A great candidate is defined by much more than experience alone. The strongest profiles consistently show: