The document outlines the characteristics of a polished professional candidate. It describes how a polished candidate should present themselves in terms of image, have strong communication skills and positive attitude, listen well and ask thoughtful questions. It also notes how a polished candidate will prepare for interviews, follow up appropriately, and have an error-free resume reflecting the job qualifications.

1. Polished Professional
IMAGE:
 Dressed appropriately
 Neat hairstyle
 Clean clothes & shoes
 Wearing clothes that fit properly
 Tasteful makeup & jewelry that is not
distracting
 Appropriate posture & body language
(eye contact, firm handshake, not
slouching, etc.)
CHARACTERISTICS:
 Able to articulate their thoughts
clearly using proper grammar
 Confident (not cocky or “salesy”)
 Respectful
 Friendly & interested (without being
over-eager)
 Mature & thoughtful (not overly
emotional, not over-sharing personal
information and not prone to making
hasty decisions)
 Positive attitude
 Listens patiently
 Comprehends questions, scope of
role, company values, etc.
 Able to clearly articulate their
strengths & the value they’d add to
the teamACTIONS:
 Responsive to emails & phone calls
throughout the interview process
 Has researched the company
 Comes prepared to interview with
notebook, pen, etc.
 Sends a Thank You card/email
 Arrives on time
 Speaks using professional language and
tone
 Asks thoughtful, interesting questions
that were prepared before the interview
More and more organizations are looking for candidates who not only have the ability to do the job
successfully, but also have what it takes to represent the company well. These candidates are polished.
The characteristics of a polished professional can be seen throughout the interview & onboarding
process. The following outlines traits you can look for when determining if a candidate has the polish that
you’re looking for.
RÉSUMÉ:
 Error free
 Experience not exaggerated
 Related internship & work
experience (if necessary)
 Consistent format
 Appropriate length (example: 1
page for entry level)
 Reflects basic qualification of the
job description