Hiring is subjective and in some cases unfair, but here are a few things that can help tip the scale in your favor

Ideally, the decision should been based on objective, quantifiable criteria, but that’s rarely the case. Each member of the hiring committee uses their intuition to rate you against some rubrics. This rating, although a number, is still subjective and the final decision often comes down to a gut feeling.

Given this subjectivity, here are a few things that will help to tip the scale in your favor.

It always pays to be humble and pleasant during interviews. Make sure you articulate your thoughts well, speak clearly, and put forth your views and understanding in a structured manner. Leaving a good impression will earn you some extra pointers and turn an 8 into a 9.

I do remember interviewing a candidate who was a decently strong engineer (definitely not the strongest) but he was curious, had a great attitude toward work and learning, and was communicating his thoughts very well. The committee felt that this person would be a valuable team player and decided to extend an offer.

By the way, this does not mean you should only focus on your soft skills and ignore the rest. Your tech competencies matter, but in case of a tie or even when you lag a bit, a company will always prefer someone who has showcased the right mindset and a genuine enthusiasm for the role and the company.