What Hiring Managers Really Look for in an Application Process

When supporting candidates through an application process, I’m often asked the same question: “What are hiring managers really looking for?” On the surface, it might seem like a simple answer, experience, skills, and a strong track record. But in reality, what truly stands out goes far deeper than that.

At Tile Hill, we’re passionate about helping people advance in their careers, not just secure their next role. That means guiding individuals to understand what organisations genuinely value, and how to express that through their application in a way that feels authentic, confident, and aligned.

What hiring managers want to see isn’t perfection, it’s clarity. They’re looking for candidates who can clearly articulate who they are, what they’ve achieved, and, importantly, why they want that role in that organisation. The most compelling applications are those that connect the dots between personal purpose and organisational mission.

Authenticity also plays a huge role. Hiring managers can sense when an application has been written to impress rather than to connect. The strongest candidates don’t just say what they think an organisation wants to hear; they demonstrate self-awareness and a genuine understanding of their own leadership style, values, and motivations.

As consultants, we see our role as much more than matching experience to a job description. We act as career partners, helping candidates uncover their strengths, reflect on their achievements, and position themselves for long-term success. That might mean refining how they talk about their leadership journey, encouraging them to highlight outcomes over outputs, or helping them showcase the impact they’ve made on people, culture, and strategy.

The best applications tell a story, one that’s rooted in experience but brought to life through purpose. When hiring managers read something that feels personal, informed, and aligned to their organisation’s goals, that’s when real connections are made.

Ultimately, every stage of the application process is an opportunity for growth. Whether someone is successful or not, the reflection that comes from preparing a strong, authentic application is part of advancing their career. And for us at Tile Hill, that’s what it’s all about, helping people progress, develop, and move closer to the roles where they can truly make a difference.

If you’d like support in strengthening your application or advice on taking the next step in your career, I’d love to help. You can reach out to me or a member of the Tile Hill team to arrange a conversation about how we can support your journey.