By Dr Dave Schalow, PhD, CLU, ChFC, CFA, CFP

Career Success | January 8, 2026

At one time or another, most of us need a job. Maybe you are graduating from college and want to put your education to work. Maybe you are ready for a change. Even if your long-term goal is to become an entrepreneur, you may still need to pay the bills today.

The biggest mistake a job seeker can make is assuming that needing a job is a compelling reason for an employer to hire them. Your need may be real, but the employer has a different question to answer:

Why should we hire YOU instead of the other applicants—or leave the position unfilled?

Whether they ask you directly or not, they are thinking about it.

QUALIFICATIONS GET YOU INTO THE CONVERSATION

I have served on recruiting committees where we received a hundred applications for one opening. Many applicants were extremely well qualified. In higher education, a PhD may be a minimum requirement. If everyone has one, that credential alone doesn't explain which candidate will do the best job.

The same principle applies in other fields. Your degree, experience, or technical ability may meet the requirements. Now you need to explain what you will do with those qualifications.

Don't build your entire case around your grade point average or the name of your school. Someone else may have a stronger number or a more familiar name. Build a case around the work the employer needs done and the evidence that you can do it.

SHOW THE TRAITS THAT MAKE YOU USEFUL

Here are ten qualities worth demonstrating:

1. Leadership.
2. An orientation toward achieving goals.
3. Internships or practical work experience.
4. The ability to finish what you start.
5. Enthusiasm.
6. Likeability.
7. Self-confidence.
8. A positive attitude.
9. Taking responsibility.
10. Professional presentation appropriate to the role.

This isn't a complete list, and different jobs call for different strengths. It is a starting point for thinking about the examples you should bring to an application and interview.

Examples matter more than adjectives. Instead of simply writing “leader,” explain a project you led. Instead of calling yourself dependable, describe a commitment you completed and the result. If you have limited paid experience, look at school projects, volunteer work, internships, and other responsibilities.

PREPARE YOUR ANSWER BEFORE THE INTERVIEW

Write down a few career goals. Be ready to explain why this position fits them and how you can contribute. Read the job description closely, research the organization, and connect your examples to its needs.

Employers want confidence that the work will get done. They also want someone they can work with. Listen carefully, show interest, and treat everyone you meet with respect. Enthusiasm helps when it is supported by preparation.

You don't need to pretend to be someone else. You do need to practice explaining your value clearly.

​Before sending your next application, ask yourself: Have I given this employer a specific, believable reason to choose me? If the answer is vague, improve it before you hit Send.