You Asked, We Answered: What Recruiters Really Look for in Candidates with Cheri Jackman, Lead Recruiter at J Recruiting Services
What are recruiters really evaluating during an interview, and what can candidates do to position themselves more effectively throughout the hiring process?
In this episode of Candid with Candidates, Jennifer Hahn is joined by Cheri Jackman, Lead Recruiter at J Recruiting Services, to answer some of the most common questions candidates have about recruiting, interviewing, and navigating a job search.
Drawing from their experience working closely with both candidates and hiring leaders, Jennifer and Cheri offer an inside look at what happens throughout the recruiting process. They discuss how to approach compensation conversations, when offer negotiations make sense, and why being transparent about expectations early can prevent misalignment later.
They also address one of the more frustrating experiences for candidates: having an interview that feels successful and still receiving a rejection. As Cheri explains, recruiters are not simply assessing whether someone is qualified. They are looking for alignment between the candidate and the organization, including leadership preferences, company culture, communication style, and the specific needs of the role.
The conversation also explores the details candidates may not realize recruiters are noticing. Responsiveness, preparation, professionalism, energy, and communication throughout the process can all contribute to the overall impression a candidate makes.
Jennifer and Cheri also share practical guidance for strengthening resumes, discussing difficult departures from previous employers, preparing for common interview questions without sounding rehearsed, and recovering when nerves affect an interview.
Ultimately, a successful interview is not about delivering perfect answers. It is about communicating clearly, understanding your accomplishments, and giving recruiters an authentic picture of how you work and what you could bring to the organization.
Episode Highlights
(01:24) Inside the Role of a Recruiter Working Directly with Candidates and Clients
(04:05) Why Industry Knowledge Makes Recruiters More Effective
(07:03) How to Approach Compensation Conversations
(12:25) The Right Way to Handle Offer Negotiations
(19:04) What Happens When Your Salary Range Is Above the Role
(23:07) Why a Strong Interview Can Still Lead to a Rejection
(27:16) Interview Mistakes That Can Raise Red Flags
(30:28) What Recruiters Look for on a Resume
(34:24) What Recruiters Notice Beyond the Interview
(37:56) How Preparation and Initiative Help Candidates Stand Out
(40:57) How to Discuss Leaving a Job Under Difficult Circumstances
(45:55) Prepared vs. Rehearsed Interview Answers
(49:37) How to Recover When an Interview Is Not Going Well
“Don’t be afraid to brag on yourself and don’t be afraid to take credit for what you did.”
What You’ll Learn from This Episode
How to approach compensation conversations with greater clarity
When and how to negotiate an offer professionally
Why a successful interview does not always mean the role is the right fit
What recruiters notice throughout the entire interview process
How to communicate measurable accomplishments on your resume
Why preparation is different from delivering rehearsed answers
How to discuss a difficult departure professionally and concisely
How to recover when nerves affect your interview performance
Why communication, professionalism, and initiative matter throughout the hiring process
Listen to the Episode
Click here to stream the full episode on your favorite platform: Apple Podcast | Spotify
Connect with Cheri Jackman on LinkedIn
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Candid with Candidates shares real stories from inside major organizations—stories that don’t make it into the slide decks or LinkedIn highlight reels. Follow along for conversations that inform, encourage, and help you navigate your own path to leadership.
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