You're hardworking, driven to succeed and wondering how to distinguish yourself in a competitive job market.

Fortunately, you don't need niche and highly specialised knowledge to compete. Making the most out of the qualities listed below will set you on the path towards becoming a successful candidate.

#1. Informed about your target company.

In most cases, any successful candidate is an informed candidate. As defined by Glassdoor, an informed candidate is one who is "well-researched and engaged" with the company.

Being informed requires research into not only the job role, but also about the organization's culture and values. Having done your homework, you will be better poised to show what you can bring to the table.

#2. Creative in showcasing your 'soft' and 'hard' skills.

Hard skills refer to one's technical expertise, such as proficiency in data analysis software. In contrast, soft skills are intangible ways of contributing, for instance through critical thinking and pitching ideas.

Having a combination of hard and soft skills is essential for a candidate to help grow the company and grow within the company as an individual. To show that you have the right combination of both, you can build a side project or an online portfolio.

#3. Proactive in solving problems that can't be Googled.

Out of the five soft skills recruiters want most, problem solving ranks as number one in a study conducted by HR software provider iCIMS.

The ease of retrieving information in today's digital age makes problem solving seem like a no-brainer. However, companies often face problems without cut-and-dried solutions, especially if they're startups with innovative business models and products. Show your willingness to learn and find unique solutions, even if it means asking for help.

#4. Adaptable to different working styles.

Adapting to different working styles may involve learning your bosses' and co-workers' habits and adjusting your process to complement theirs. It is fundamental to collaboration, that is the cornerstone for every company building a common vision.

Some leaders only select candidates that positively contribute to the existing team's dynamics. Kobe's Founder Evangeline Leong shares that even if a candidate is qualified in all other aspects, she doesn't hire them if they cannot get along with existing team members.

#5. Confidence in taking ownership of how others perceive you.

It's possible to exude confidence while still having much to learn.You can do so on a surface level with the right body language and outfit, and on a deeper level by projecting an image of the company's future with you.

You can even bring your own 30-60-90 days plan for your interview to show your enthusiasm from the get-go.

If you've managed to secure an interview for a coveted role, that means someone in the company is able to see your potential to fit the role. The rest is up to you to prove your worth and become part of a winning team!

Present the best version of you by creating a Wantedly profile! Showcase your skills, experience, ambitions and increase your Wanted score to get noticed by companies on the platform. 

Founded in 2010 (originally from Tokyo), Wantedly is a social hiring platform that allows talents and companies to meet based on shared mission and values, rather than salary and benefits. Striving to Create a World Where Work Drives Passion, the platform provides opportunities for talents to discover their dream companies, while allowing companies to showcase their brand story and passion projects to build their dream team.