Applying for a role in today’s job market involves more than just meeting the qualifications listed in a job description. As candidates move through multiple stages of the hiring process, often including several rounds of interviews, they’re being evaluated beyond their responses about their skillset and professional background. They’re navigating how to present themselves with confidence, communicate their value clearly, and leave a lasting impression in a competitive environment.
To understand what truly sets standout employees apart, we spoke directly with our recruiters to get insights on what hiring teams value most. In this blog, we’ll explore themes like career growth, embracing AI in your role, evaluating company culture, and finding meaningful ways to get involved once you’ve been hired.
The Q&A and tips below reflect general insights from Perficient’s Talent Acquisition team, along with direct quotes from recruiters to highlight personal perspectives.
Resume Tips and Interview Guidance
Let’s start with the basics—how you can update your resume to match the role you want. If you have a couple years of experience under your belt, it can be difficult to gauge what to highlight, especially given the resume space limitations.
- How long should a resume be? Is a cover letter necessary?”
Less is more! The ideal length is one to two pages. Remember the seven-second rule: Recruiters typically spend just seven seconds scanning your resume. Make sure to prioritize key elements: experience, education, and skills. You can skip the cover letter unless requested in the job description.
When preparing for an interview, it’s essential to position yourself with clarity and confidence. Take it as an opportunity not just to reiterate your resume, but to demonstrate how you think, communicate, and align with the role and the company overall.
“In interviews, I tell candidates: don’t just answer questions—engage. Be dynamic. Build rapport. Find a common thread with your interviewer, whether it’s a shared experience, a mutual interest, or a business challenge you both care about,” said Katie Burwell, senior talent acquisition specialist. “When objections come up, instead of panicking, lean in. Show you’ve thought it through and turn it into a moment that proves your value.”
Career Growth
Whether you’re evaluating a potential employer or seeking growth in your current role, knowing how to position yourself as someone ready to learn and evolve is critical.
“At Perficient, we’re not just hiring for roles—we’re inviting people to grow with us. Whether it’s embracing our AI-first mindset or evolving through our Growth for Everyone approach, we’re looking for candidates who are ready to shape the future alongside us,” said Ansu Nair, senior talent acquisition specialist. “I always encourage candidates to think beyond the role they’re applying for. Look at where the industry is headed and build the skills that will take you there.”
We also asked our Talent Acquisition team what signals a growth mindset and how candidates can position themselves for long-term development.
- What goals should candidates set as they explore new career opportunities?
Focus on building more niche skills aligned with the evolving tech landscape. Research companies whose culture and values resonate with you, and whose growth objectives align with your own professional goals. Demonstrate your interest by engaging with companies online, attending industry events, and networking.
- What should candidates look for if they want to work on meaningful, high-impact projects?
Take time to understand the kind of impact the company is making in your field. Examine the industries they serve, the scale of their work, and how they are leveraging cutting-edge technologies like AI to address real-world challenges. Whether it’s through client partnerships, thought leadership, or industry recognition, these are strong indicators of the kind of work you’d be part of.
- After joining a new company, what is something new hires can do to take initiative in their career growth alongside day-to-day work?
Ask about their career development programs. At Perficient, we have a structured career development program and encourage our colleagues to build internal networks, join our Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), and have an open dialogue with their leader about their goals. Colleagues should be a part of the company as a whole and not just their team.
Read More: How Perficient’s Award-Winning Culture Prioritizes Growth for Everyone
“What I’ve found makes candidates and new hires successful is speaking up, embracing opportunities, learning from failures, and always networking and making connections at work,” said Karen Donovan, senior talent acquisition specialist. “I strongly emphasize to candidates and new hires to collaborate and communicate often! We are a highly collaborative company, and collaborating is the key to success at Perficient.”
Company Culture & Involvement
Company culture can shape everything from your day-to-day experience to your long-term growth. Whether you’re evaluating a potential employer or looking to get more involved where you currently work, understanding the culture and how you can contribute beyond your role makes a real difference.
“I always tell candidates: pay attention to the small moments,” said Katie. “Do leaders listen? Do teammates lift each other up? Do you feel like your voice matters? Because those are the signs of a place where you won’t just work—you’ll thrive.”
- How should candidates evaluate a company’s culture during the interview stage?
Look for signs of how people collaborate, how leaders communicate, and whether employees feel valued. Ask about how the company supports growth, how success is celebrated, and how feedback is handled. Lastly, explore any ERGs to see how employees connect, support one another, and stay involved outside of work.
- What does a company’s community engagement say about its work culture?
Making an impact in communities can be an important part of a company’s identity. For example, the way Perficient and our colleagues show up in our communities reflects how we work, lead, and support one another internally. When you see colleagues volunteering, leading wellness challenges, mentoring students, or shaping global giving programs, that same energy and collaboration show up in their projects, client partnerships, and day-to-day work. Read our 2024 Community Impact Report to learn more.
Every step in the hiring process is a chance to show who you are—not just what you’ve done. Whether you’re updating your resume, preparing for interviews, or thinking about how to grow once you’re in a role, the way you show up matters. The insights shared by our recruiters are meant to help you navigate those moments with more clarity and confidence, so you can focus on building a career that reflects your strengths, curiosity, and goals.
