How does someone land a job? The perfect resume…
…said no employer ever.
A polished, tailored resume still matters. It’s often the first impression, and for many entry-level or general roles, it remains a critical screening tool.
But it’s only one piece of the puzzle.
Employers today are evaluating far more than what’s written on a page. They’re looking for value alignment, demonstrated knowledge of the company and a sincere interest in that specific opportunity. In fact, a study by Legal Jobs found that nearly 50 percent of hiring managers reject candidates who have strong resumes but show a lack of passion or company knowledge during interviews.
To understand what makes candidates stand out, we asked 13 of our “Best Places to Work” about how they evaluate potential beyond the resume.
PatientPoint connects patients, healthcare providers and life sciences companies with timely information to influence patient behavior and improve health outcomes.
A candidate stands out when we can tell you’ve done your homework. We love it when candidates come in familiar with who we are, what we do and how we are the point of change. It’s considered a bonus if you reference something specific, like one of our videos, team member spotlights or an article about our recent innovation. It shows us you’re not just looking for any job — you’re excited about this one. That kind of energy, curiosity and genuine interest in our mission goes a long way.
Northern Trust provides asset servicing, investment management and wealth management services to institutions, high-net-worth individuals and families.
We look for candidates who want to bring their skills and expertise to serve our clients with integrity. Our culture of trust is built upon respect, collaboration and accountability. In addition, we look for candidates who value others’ experiences and perspectives. Candidates who can share real examples of how they have helped their organizations grow and improve productivity will leave an impression throughout the interview process.
The two other ways to make a strong impression are preparation and enthusiasm. Preparation means being well-prepared for the interview and showing a genuine interest in both the role and the company. Enthusiasm is about being excited not only about the work one currently does but also about the potential impact one can have at Northern Trust.
Zeta Global is a leading AI-powered marketing cloud.
Curiosity, collaboration and clarity of purpose are what help a candidate stand out. We look for candidates who not only have the skills for the role but also show a genuine interest in Zeta’s mission, ask thoughtful questions and bring new perspectives to the table.
People who thrive here are agile, team-oriented and energized by solving complex challenges. Bonus points if you’ve taken the time to explore what Zeta does and can articulate how your background and mindset would contribute to our growth.
Academia.edu is an online platform where researchers share their work, connect with peers and track engagement to help accelerate research across all fields.
We look for product-driven individuals with entrepreneurial spirits. Our products are the core of our business, attracting and retaining users by delivering tangible value. That’s why we seek candidates with a track record of understanding the full product lifecycle, from identifying user needs to launching critical solutions.
As a company we leverage AI and LLM advances to add value to our users by empowering researchers and accelerating global scientific progress. This is why we’re especially keen on candidates with hands-on experience in AI development, whether it's building AI-powered features or integrating intelligent systems.
We also value agility and creativity. The ability to build something from scratch is a clear signal of a candidate’s potential to contribute meaningfully to new product initiatives or help us pioneer entirely new offerings.
MongoDB provides a unified database platform to help innovators build and power the next generation of applications.
At MongoDB, we believe in taking bold risks, building new things and bringing unique perspectives to everything we do. The people who stand out here lean into change, ask big questions and move quickly to solve hard problems with an eye toward the future.
We’re drawn to candidates who act like owners, care deeply about outcomes and are energized by the opportunity to help scale something meaningful. It’s not about having all the answers — it’s about showing curiosity, humility and the drive to keep learning.
We value people who bring diverse experiences, who challenge how things have always been done and who want to build a better way forward together.
Instawork connects businesses with hourly workers for temporary and part-time jobs in hospitality, warehouse and light industrial sectors.
Candidates stand out most by demonstrating a strong alignment with our core values and a passion for our mission. We look for individuals who exhibit a bias for action, a proactive attitude, adaptability and a willingness to learn and grow. The ability to navigate ambiguity and collaborate effectively within a team is highly valued. Additionally, candidates who showcase problem-solving skills and a track record of delivering results in dynamic environments, such as startups, tend to catch our attention.
Overall, we seek individuals who are not only skilled but also enthusiastic about contributing to our positive workplace culture.
Cin7 provides inventory management solutions for businesses.
A combination of curiosity, adaptability and a strong sense of ownership are what really help a candidate stand out. We’re a fast-growing, innovative company, so we look for people who are excited by change, eager to solve complex problems and proactive in driving results.
Technical skills and relevant experience are important, but what truly sets someone apart is mindset. We value candidates who ask thoughtful questions, show a genuine interest in what we’re building and demonstrate how they’ve made an impact in past roles, especially in collaborative or cross-functional settings.
Culture fit is also key. We’re a people-first company, and we look for team members who are humble, open to feedback and passionate about doing great work with great people. If a candidate aligns with our values, brings fresh ideas to the table and shows they’re ready to grow with us, that’s when we know we’ve found a strong fit.
Mobi.AI helps companies use their data and AI to improve employee capabilities and enhance customer experiences.
When we kick off a job search, we start by defining what a “unicorn” candidate looks like. This is usually a combination of what they have accomplished, how they tackle their work and the unique experiences they bring to the table. We look for initiative, relevant experience and a drive to achieve results.
Chamberlain Group provides simple and secure access solutions for homeowners, businesses and communities worldwide.
We look for people who exhibit our values of being bold, authentic, fun, creative and passionate because our employees are encouraged and empowered to make a meaningful impact every day on our path to becoming a global leader in intelligent access solutions.
Contentsquare helps businesses understand their customers’ online journey, providing actionable insights to improve digital experiences and make smarter decisions.
We look for candidates who are aligned with our values and excited to grow with us. Through our future values-alignment interview, we assess more than just experience; we focus on how someone collaborates, solves problems and learns from challenges.
We also find that in a world full of AI-generated applications, what stands out most to us is authenticity. We want to understand the human behind the resume — what drives a candidate, what they value and how they think. That’s what helps us identify great hires, not just for today, but for the future of the company.
FareHarbor is an all-in-one booking and business management solution for the tourism industry.
We are always looking for candidates who are passionate about what we do, our industry and are genuinely excited to work with our client base — after all, it’s an amazing industry to work in. Don’t hesitate to showcase your interest in the business of travel and tourism. Beyond that, we are looking for candidates who align not only with the role itself, but also with how we work.
It is vital to not just get the work done but to do so while being collaborative and working cross-functionally with other teams. Candidates who can showcase their curiosity to learn new things, continuously improve and work hard will always stand out. We recognize that as a candidate, you won’t always have done exactly what we’re doing today, but having the willingness to learn, evolve and work hard goes a long way. We offer great resources online to learn about our different teams, goals, culture and environment.
Lastly, it’s important that the fit is right on both sides, so candidates should come prepared with relevant questions to understand what that fit looks like for them.
Wildfire Systems offers a loyalty and rewards platform that boosts customer value, engagement and revenue, while driving incremental sales for online merchants.
Candidates must first meet the minimum threshold of having the necessary skills and qualifications for the job. However, this is just the first step.
The second step, equally important, is demonstrating cultural fit. This doesn’t just mean fitting in socially, but aligning with the company’s corporate culture, which is described as hard charging and fast moving. Candidates should show that they can thrive in a lean environment with a high level of trust where team members are expected to “throw blind passes.” Wildfire values individuals who are comfortable with ambiguity, have perseverance and grit and are creative, while also being kind, compassionate and friendly.
Thumbtack connects homeowners with local service businesses.
We are driven by a common goal and the deep satisfaction that comes from knowing our work supports local economies, helps small businesses grow and brings homeowners peace of mind.
In addition to the specific skills and experience needed for a role, we’re looking for people whose values align with ours: Lead with Purpose, Make an Impact, Embrace Teamwork, Take Ownership, and Communicate Honestly. Our teams prioritize a Thumbtack-first mentality, and those who value collaboration and the power of teamwork will stand out.
