Landing a job in today’s fiercely competitive market is a two-step process: a strong resume earns the interview, but the interview itself is where the offer is won.
Yet, what truly sets a great candidate apart from the rest?
The answer often lies beyond a list of impressive achievements or a polished work history.
It’s in the subtle cues—the mindset, the thoughtful questions, and the underlying behaviors that reveal a candidate’s true potential.
This HR Spotlight article brings together a wealth of insights from business executives and HR professionals.
They will pull back the curtain on the top strategies and hidden signals they look for, showing you how to move past generic advice and present yourself as a truly indispensable asset to any organization.
Read on!
Robin
Executive Coaching, SPO Branch
Curiosity, Authenticity, Passion Elevate Interview Impact
For me, the magic in interviews comes down to three things: curiosity, authenticity and unique personal energy or passion.
Curiosity shows me you’re invested and here to grow—not just land a job—and that you are genuinely interested in the industry and role you’re entering.
When it comes to authenticity, you don’t need to have all the answers (it’s more authentic NOT to have all the answers!), but being self-aware and clear about your strengths creates a strong impression.
And finally, the energy and passion that comes through indicates how you’ll elevate the team culture, engage quickly, and show growth potential.
Professionalism, Preparation, Positivity Shine in Trades
As someone working and with experience in the trades, my top three tips here would be to dress professionally, come prepared and organized, and be outgoing as possible.
Service jobs tend to be a little different in terms of expectations, as when I’m hiring I’m looking for people who are going to be great additions to my teams not only in skill and experience, but also in having a nice, trustworthy appearance and attitude for clients.
I do think that sometimes when people are interviewing for service industry or trades positions, they might not think that showing up looking professional is as important. But, this definitely stands out to me for that reason.
I’m always going to take a closer look at candidates who put in the time to show up dressed nicely, with all of their materials organized and prepared, who have clearly put some time and thought into preparing for the interview.
Matt Woodley
Founder, International Money Transfer
Curiosity, Clarity, Humility Win FX Interviews
At International MoneyTransfer, I’ve built a team that’s part analyst, part translator of complex FX systems, and all-in on user experience.
So when I’m interviewing someone, I look for people who bring more than a polished resume.
The first thing I notice is curiosity. If a candidate’s done their homework and can tell me where our live-rate calculator beats the big players, that gets my attention fast.
Second, I look for clarity of thought. We deal with concepts like mid-market rates and hidden FX spreads, so if someone can explain them without jargon, I know they understand them.
Lastly, I care about humility. One of our best hires admitted they didn’t know how to interpret a fee table, then showed how they learned it in a week and rewrote our guide.
That’s the mindset that wins here.
Alice Romero
Nanny, Governess & Founder, Nanny & Governess
Polished CVs with Relevant Experience, Education
The 3 things I would like to see are:
– No spelling or grammar mistakes
-No irrelevant jobs
-All their educational background
I own a recruitment agency for UHNW and royal families. I receive many CVs on a daily basis and something I spend a lot of time on is correcting mistakes, spelling mistakes are common, or even grammar mistakes. If candidates spent a few mins just getting their CV corrected either by AI or someone else they would save recruiters a lot of time.
Another thing is that sometimes I am interviewing for a nanny role and they have a role that is waitressing or something not relevant to the job, I am only interested in roles that are similar or in the industry.
Some candidates don’t include their studies and educational background and that is essential for sending a CV to a client. They should include their degrees, diplomas or any relevant qualification.
Clarity, Preparation, Questions Elevate Interviews
Be Clear on Why You Want the Job: Have a well-thought-out answer for why you want the role.
Interviews often go smoothly until the candidate is asked this question and completely fumbles it. Many give the impression they haven’t seriously considered the position, as if they’re just going through the motions.
This comes across as unprepared and immature, and it can undermine your ability to negotiate. If you can’t articulate why you want the job, it’s hard to credibly ask for a higher salary or better benefits.
Prepare for Common Interview Questions: Most interviews, regardless of industry, include familiar questions, such as how you handle conflict or work with difficult stakeholders. Yet many candidates struggle to provide clear, structured answers. They either start mid-thought or dive into excessive background without addressing the question.
Take ownership of your preparation. Practice with a friend, partner, or family member, and rehearse concise, focused responses to common questions. A strong answer is clear and direct, leaving space for the interviewer to ask follow-ups if they want more detail.
Ask Thoughtful Questions: It’s common to hear employees say they felt misled about a role, but often, they didn’t ask any questions during the interview. This is your opportunity to vet the job as much as they’re vetting you.
Prepare thoughtful, realistic questions. Avoid overly broad or unanswerable ones like, “Are employees happy here?” Instead, ask what kind of culture the company is actively trying to build. Frame your questions professionally and with curiosity, not confrontation.
Chad Walding
Chief Culture Officer & Co-Founder, NativePath
Calm Presence, Wellness, Curiosity Impress Interviews
As a Doctor of Physical Therapy, and Certified Nutrition Specialist, I help guide how we build our team, and who we allow into our wellness driven culture.
I notice right away when someone enters the room calm, centered and present to what is happening in the space. You can’t imitate that kind of energy, because it shows that a person is taking care of themselves and is familiar with how they show up in the world.
Breathing exercises or movement—like a walk or short stretch—can change any nervous tension and transform it into grounded confidence.
I also appreciate it when a candidate shares their personal habits or routines, that reveal their wellness values and lifestyles, such as daily movement, whole food choices or reflecting in the morning sun.
Lastly, I prefer curiosity over perfection. A simple thoughtful question directed towards our mission or culture shows more awareness than a scripted elevator pitch.
Authenticity, Preparedness, Positivity Win Interviews
As the CEO of iMoving, I can share that candidates often overlook the power of authenticity during interviews; showing genuine passion for the moving industry can set you apart.
Additionally, I highly value preparedness—candidates should know our services inside and out, demonstrating proactive interest.
Finally, a positive attitude is crucial; resilience and adaptability reflect a candidate’s potential to thrive in our fast-paced environment.
These three elements not only catch my attention but also align with our company culture of innovation and teamwork. I’d love to discuss further insights on this topic!
Tracie Crites
Chief Marketing Officer, Heavy Equipment Appraisal
Preparation, Confidence, Attitude Shine in Interviews
Having interviewed countless candidates in my time, I’ve learned what truly makes a difference in an interview. Here are my top three tips for making a great impression:
First, do your homework. I love when candidates come prepared with knowledge about the company and its goals. This shows genuine interest and initiative.
Secondly, confidence is key, but it’s important not to overdo it. Be authentic and comfortable in your responses, showing that you’re self-assured yet humble will always stand out.
Finally, attitude is everything. A positive, can-do attitude makes a huge impact. I want to see someone who is eager to learn and grow, not just someone who has the right skills on paper.
These three things will help you leave a lasting impression and show you’re a good fit for both the role and the company culture.
Daniel Vasilevski
Owner & Director, Pro Electrical
Approach, Appearance, Attitude Win Trade Interviews
We handle a mix of residential and commercial electrical work across Sydney, and I’ve interviewed more tradies than I can count. I know straight away who’s going to fit on site and who’s not.
Approach, appearance, attitude, or that one element that is bound to catch your attention—mention the top 3 things you like to see in a candidate during an interview.”
Working at Pro Electrical, I need to make sure I find the best candidates for the position. After years of interviewing candidates, these are the three (3) tips I would like to share:
Approach: I like it when someone comes in and understands the kind of work we do. Talk me through a job you’ve done that’s relevant, maybe fault finding in an older home or rewiring a place with tight access. That tells me you’re not just ticking boxes, you’ve actually worked through problems and know how to think on the job. I want to hear how you work, not just what you’ve read.
Appearance: You don’t need to show up in dress shoes, but I should be able to picture you on site. Clean boots, neat shirts, maybe even your gear in those small things tell me you take pride in the trade. If you don’t care about how you show up to the interview, I doubt you’ll care about how you treat a client’s home. First impressions matter in this line of work.
Attitude: I respect someone honest about what they know and what they’re still learning. If you say you’ve had a go at something but want more training, that’s fine by me. What matters is that you’re willing to learn and not cutting corners just to get it done. Remember that calm, steady, and reliable always beats cocky and careless.
If you bring the right mindset, show up prepared, and take pride in your work, you’ll always have a shot with us.
The HR Spotlight team thanks these industry leaders for offering their expertise and experience and sharing these insights.
Do you wish to contribute to the next HR Spotlight article? Or is there an insight or idea you’d like to share with readers across the globe?
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