Kat Wong, founder of Oh Yeah, tackles a common frustration in the creative job market: competing against candidates with significantly more experience. In her weekly column for If You Could Jobs, she outlines three key factors that hiring managers prioritize when making decisions. First, fresh perspectives can set a candidate apart. If two candidates have similar skills, a unique viewpoint or experience can be a deciding factor. Second, alignment of values and interests plays a critical role. Hiring managers look for candidates who can grow within the team and contribute to a collaborative environment. Wong emphasizes the importance of showcasing personal projects or community involvement that reflects these values, as this can provide a more rounded picture of a candidate's potential. Lastly, doing thorough research about the company and its culture is essential. Candidates should know the organization’s recent projects and be familiar with the interviewers. Wong recalls a memorable example from her early career where a candidate failed to answer basic questions about current news, highlighting the importance of preparation. She encourages job seekers to engage thoughtfully during interviews, especially when given the chance to ask questions, as this reflects genuine interest and effort.