The job market is competitive, and understanding what makes a candidate stand out can be an excellent way to get a leg-up.
A jobseeker's chances of getting an offer are around 26 percent, according to careers site Zippia. And even after attending an interview, the chance of a job offer is still only around 36 percent.
Thankfully, career coach and author Sam DeMase, based in New York City, has shared three "green flags" in candidates from a recruiter's perspective that can boost a jobseeker's profile.
DeMase, the author of Power Mood: Unlock Your Confidence, Transform Your Life & Command Your Value, shared the great qualities on her TikTok page—knowing your achievements, engaging in conversation and selling your superpowers.
DeMase explained why the three qualities are such a good sign in candidates.
"Knowing your achievements is important because it's essential and powerful to articulate your impact," DeMase told Newsweek. "It shows a company that you're aware of the immense value that you bring. It makes them excited to hire you. It's one of my top tips when it comes to hacking the system and playing the game."
DeMase also emphasized the importance of engaging in conversation during an interview. She explained that candidates who comfortably engage in organic conversation exude confidence, a trait highly valued by recruiters.
"One way to do this easily if you're new to it is to ask questions during the interview and not just at the end," she said.
When it comes to knowing your superpowers, DeMase said it's all about the unique skillsets only you can bring to a role.
"The first step is to know your superpowers inside and out," she said. "When you are clear on your superpowers, it's a huge confidence boost in interviews and in general."
The best way to demonstrate these is to give examples of your skills in action in a previous role: "If you have no idea what your superpowers are, work with a career coach—like me—or ask your close friends and colleagues their thoughts to get the juices flowing," said DeMase.
The video on Instagram gained over 130,000 views, and commenters were interested in the idea of the green flags in an interview.
DeMase often shares career tips on social media and in her newsletter and has built a community of people online.
"My tips are rooted in self-advocacy and confidence-building," she said.
Have you had a workplace dilemma? Let us know via life@newsweek.com. We can ask experts for advice, and your story could be featured on Newsweek.
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
About the writer
Alice Gibbs is a Newsweek Senior Internet Trends & Culture Reporter based in the U.K. For the last two years ... Read more
