At HireHealth, we believe great talent deserves to shine. That’s why our new VP of Operations, Maylin Badal, has revealed her tips for standing out as the best job candidate. Spoiler alert: It’s not just about having the right skills; it’s about how you show them!
Everyone has been a job candidate, even recruiters. They understand firsthand what it means to be on both sides of the hiring process. Maylin Badal, the new VP of Operations at HireHealth, has navigated every role in the industry. From recruitment to management, she has reviewed countless resumes and conducted numerous interviews; and does she have anything to say about this? She sure does: securing a job isn’t just about qualifications; it’s about how we are perceived, and Maylin knows that well. Having joined HireHealth just a month ago, she brings a fresh perspective on what it truly means to be an applicant.
Remember – you can always be better to stand out in the hiring process. It’s not just about your skills or experience—it’s about how you present yourself, your soft skills, and your strategy for playing all your cards: resume, social networks, and how you communicate. Read on and apply these tips to become a job candidate that employers can’t overlook.
What’s one thing that stands out on a resume that most candidates don’t think to include, but should?
Maylin Badal: Make sure to include terms that are specific to the job you’re applying for. The terminology in your resume should match the job description. Tailor your resume to the role. Whether it’s AI or a human reading your resume, the system or the recruiter will be looking for keywords that match the job description. If you use the right terms, your profile is more likely to be picked up because it aligns with what they’re searching for.
I feel like hiring has become more challenging because many resumes are going into databases, and some of them don’t get noticed because the applicant doesn’t include the right keywords.
It’s often said that everything in a job interview boils down to communication, but what exactly makes a candidate’s communication stand out?
M.B: Enthusiasm and passion for the role are essential qualities that interviewers notice. Verbal communication is critical during an interview, but body language is equally important. For instance, eye contact demonstrates sincerity and engagement, while positive body language signals interest and attentiveness. This is your opportunity to shine, so I would not discourage enthusiasm and excitement, but it’s also important not to over-communicate. Listening actively and responding concisely are just as valuable. Take a deep breath, manage the pauses, and speak fluently with a balanced tone. The key is to create a natural, flowing conversation.
With hundreds of applications coming in, how can a detailed LinkedIn profile make a difference? Are there any other social media tips you would recommend?
M.B: A LinkedIn profile should align with your resume. Any discrepancies can raise questions, as honesty is crucial in recruitment. Recruiters look for profiles that highlight expertise, just like with your resume (since keywords were mentioned earlier). So, be sure to use keywords relevant to the job you’re applying for.
I always look for a professional photo on a LinkedIn profile. Organizations want to see a profile that conveys professionalism. An intriguing profile with a compelling description sparks curiosity, but it’s essential that it’s also up to date.
Given how fast recruitment moves, it’s important to ensure your photo, information, and activity on LinkedIn are current. I’m always interested in what people like and interact with on their profiles, whether it’s content, dates, or specific topics. I wouldn’t recommend posting about your personal life, as LinkedIn is a platform for sharing professional insights. As for other social networks, I would focus solely on LinkedIn, unless your career aligns perfectly with another platform. But overall, LinkedIn has become the go-to platform for hiring.
What’s more important in a candidate: being humble and discreet, or showing confidence?
Emotional intelligence is very important, and while experience is also valuable, you want someone on your team who can make emotionally intelligent decisions. It’s more important to develop the ability to make the right decision than to have the most experience.
And what about emotional intelligence vs. high experience…
Emotional intelligence is very important, and while experience is also valuable, you want someone on your team who can make emotionally intelligent decisions. It’s more important to develop the ability to make the right decision than to have the most experience.
Is there any final advice you would give to a potential applicant considering an opportunity posted by HireHealth?
I would insist on what I mentioned earlier about ensuring your resume aligns with the job description, as that’s the crucial first step. Not every job will perfectly match your current resume, and vice versa. If you truly want the job and know it’s the right fit for you, tailor your resume to highlight the skills and experience the job is looking for. Of course, make sure it reflects tasks you’ve actually performed, but adjust the wording to match the language in the job description. And always be honest about your experience. Don’t exaggerate or misrepresent what you’ve done. Authenticity is key, as recruiters can often tell when something doesn’t quite add up, and it’s important to build trust from the start.
Now that you know the key tips to land your next job, head over to our Job Seeker page and explore the latest opportunities posted by HireHealth.