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Landing an interview is a major milestone in any job search. But what happens when multiple candidates have similar experience, qualifications, and technical skills?
For The Planet Group’s Ask a Recruiter series, we asked recruiters across our Technology; Accounting, Finance and HR; and LATAM teams a simple question:
How do you decide who moves forward when multiple candidates are strong?
Their answers revealed an important reality about today’s hiring market: once candidates meet the technical requirements, the decision often comes down to the qualities that are harder to measure on a resume.
Communication, professionalism, coachability, cultural fit, responsiveness, and attitude can all influence who ultimately receives an offer. If you are preparing for interviews, it is important to think about both what you say and how you show up throughout the process.
The Difference Maker: How You Show Up Throughout the Hiring Process
When several candidates are qualified for the same role, hiring teams are not only evaluating whether someone can do the job. They are also considering how that person communicates, collaborates, responds to feedback, and engages throughout the process.
That means the small details matter.
Candidates who are prepared, responsive, professional, and genuinely engaged often make a stronger impression than candidates who rely on experience alone. Here are five factors recruiters say can help candidates stand out when qualifications are closely matched.
1. Attitude and Professionalism Matter More Than You Think
Technical skills may get you into consideration, but they are not always what determines the final hiring decision.
According to Santiago Guinazu, Recruitment Manager LATAM, employers often look beyond qualifications when comparing strong candidates.
“When it comes to deciding between excellent candidates, the small details make a big difference. It’s not just about technical alignment, but also about factors like attitude, flexibility, willingness to contribute, and maintaining strong follow-up throughout the selection process.”
When employers are evaluating candidates with similar experience, they often pay close attention to how individuals approach the interview process. Candidates who demonstrate enthusiasm, adaptability, professionalism, and a genuine interest in contributing to the organization can leave a lasting impression.
This is why preparation matters. Candidates can use resources like CareerOneStop’s guidance on preparing for interviews to think through their experience, goals, and questions before meeting with a hiring team.
The takeaway: skills may get your foot in the door, but attitude and professionalism can help separate you from equally qualified candidates.
2. Strong Communication Builds Trust
Several recruiters emphasized that communication can be one of the most important differentiators during a hiring process.
Sean Wahl, Sr. Recruiter and Team Lead in The Planet Group’s Accounting, Finance and HR Practice, says responsiveness and transparency often help candidates stand out.
“What really stands out is communication. Candidates who are responsive, proactive, and engaged throughout the hiring process tend to leave the strongest impression.”
According to Wahl, candidates who communicate openly about their goals, interview activity, and expectations help create stronger working relationships with recruiters and hiring teams.
Maintaining communication throughout the process demonstrates professionalism and reliability, especially when timelines change or candidates are considering multiple opportunities. For more support at each stage of the process, The Planet Group’s job search guide offers additional tips for resumes, interviews, recruiter relationships, and staying confident during your search.
The takeaway: stay engaged, communicate proactively, and keep recruiters informed throughout your search.
3. Employers Are Hiring People, Not Just Skill Sets
When technical qualifications are similar, hiring teams often evaluate how well a candidate will work within the team environment.
Cristina Fernberg, VP, Manager of Recruiting in The Planet Group’s Accounting, Finance and HR Practice, says soft skills can become a deciding factor.
“When candidates have similar qualifications, the differentiators often go beyond technical skills. Communication style, personality, and coachability can play a significant role in the hiring decision.”
Organizations want employees who can collaborate effectively, build relationships, accept feedback, and continue growing in their roles.
The interview process is often as much about evaluating how someone works with others as it is about evaluating technical expertise. Many of these qualities align with broader career readiness competencies, including communication, professionalism, teamwork, and career development.
The takeaway: demonstrating strong interpersonal skills, adaptability, and a willingness to learn can help you stand out from candidates with similar experience.
4. Culture Fit and Emotional Intelligence Can Influence the Outcome
Sometimes the difference between moving forward and being passed over has little to do with technical ability.
Mike Burton, Senior Recruiter in The Planet Group’s Technology Practice, says cultural fit and emotional intelligence often become important when multiple candidates are qualified.
“When multiple candidates are strong, it may be hard to make a decision on who moves forward, and in that case it really is up to the candidate. It may come down to personality and culture fit.”
Employers are looking for individuals who can build relationships, understand workplace dynamics, communicate effectively, and adapt to the organization’s culture.
Candidates who actively listen, engage thoughtfully during interviews, and demonstrate self-awareness often make a stronger impression.
The takeaway: technical qualifications may open the door, but emotional intelligence and cultural fit can help determine who walks through it.
5. Technical Skills Still Matter
While soft skills play an important role, recruiters emphasized that technical fit remains a critical part of the decision-making process.
D.J. Farmer, Recruiter 2 in The Planet Group’s Technology Practice, says successful candidates typically combine strong technical qualifications with strong interpersonal skills.
“The technical skills, the soft skills, and the rate all make a big determination as to who I want to move forward.”
Employers are ultimately looking for candidates who can perform the work successfully while also contributing positively to the team and organization.
Candidates who clearly demonstrate both technical expertise and professional strengths position themselves well throughout the hiring process.
The takeaway: the strongest candidates combine technical qualifications with communication skills, professionalism, and the ability to work effectively with others.
Final Takeaway: Small Details Often Make the Biggest Difference
When candidates have similar resumes and qualifications, hiring decisions rarely come down to technical skills alone.
Recruiters consistently point to communication, responsiveness, professionalism, coachability, emotional intelligence, and cultural fit as factors that can influence who moves forward.
The good news is that these qualities are often within your control.
Showing up prepared, communicating clearly, remaining engaged throughout the process, being open to feedback, and demonstrating professionalism at every stage can help hiring teams see not only what you can do, but what it would be like to work with you every day.
In a competitive job market, those small details can make a big difference.
Looking for Your Next Opportunity?
The Planet Group connects job seekers with opportunities across technology, accounting, finance, human resources, engineering, energy, manufacturing, digital marketing, and more. Explore open roles with The Planet Group and connect with recruiters who can help you navigate your job search with confidence.
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