What Makes a "Good" Candidate?

When evaluating what makes a candidate stand out as a “good” fit for a position, several key factors come into play. While proven experience in a similar role is often seen as the gold standard, it’s crucial to recognise that this is just one piece of the puzzle. There are multiple aspects beyond experience that can either enhance or undermine a candidate’s chances of success.

Years of Experience

Experience is undeniably a significant factor in determining a candidate's suitability. However, the concept of experience is more nuanced than simply tallying up years. Here are some important considerations:

Role title relevance - The duration spent in relevant roles directly impacts your candidacy. For instance, if you’re applying for a Project Manager position, having four years as a PM is far more pertinent than having four years as a Project Coordinator. The title you held and the responsibilities you undertook are crucial indicators of your fit for the role.

Nature of Projects - The type of projects you’ve worked on also matters. Experience as a PM managing a $3 million road rehabilitation project might not be as relevant for a role requiring expertise in managing a $30 million apartment complex. Employers look for experience that directly aligns with the scale and scope of their projects.

Growth Trajectory - A clear career progression is highly valued. For example, moving from Coordinator to Contract Administrator, to Senior CA, to PM, over a decade demonstrates a steady growth trajectory. Conversely, spending several years in one role before gaining experience in another can still be valuable, but a well-documented career progression often holds more appeal for employers.

Market Reputation

Your reputation within the industry can significantly impact your candidacy. The professional world is interconnected, and word of mouth plays a substantial role. Network connections, references, and industry reputation can either bolster your application or work against you. Ensure that you maintain a positive professional image and build strong relationships within your industry, as these can be instrumental in your career progression.

Tenure in Previous Roles

The duration of your previous roles is another crucial factor. A resume featuring multiple short-term positions may raise red flags for potential employers, who might question your stability or commitment. If your past roles were short-lived, it’s important to provide context. While a brief stint due to company liquidation is understandable, generic explanations like “seeking better career growth” are less convincing. Addressing these gaps with honest and specific reasons can help mitigate concerns.

Demonstrating Problem-Solving Skills

Employers hire candidates to address specific challenges and deliver solutions. Highlighting instances where you’ve successfully resolved problems can significantly strengthen your application. For example, I once interviewed a candidate who was tasked with managing a complex logistical issue involving a road closure of The Esplanade in Southeast Melbourne. The challenge was craning in 200kg of materials, which, is not actually a particularly heavy load for a crane. It would have otherwise cost hundreds of thousands of dollars to move, but he ingeniously sourced a helicopter for delivery, saving the company an amount twice that of his salary. Such problem-solving anecdotes vividly illustrate your ability to tackle challenges effectively and creatively.

Being a “good” candidate involves more than just having years of experience. It requires demonstrating relevant expertise, maintaining a solid professional reputation, providing context for your career history, and showcasing your problem-solving abilities. By addressing these factors, you’ll present yourself as a well-rounded and compelling candidate for any position.