What We Look for in Candidates: The Mercury Careers Approach to Sourcing Top Talent

When it comes to recruitment, a one-size-fits-all approach simply doesn’t cut it. At Mercury Careers, we understand that sourcing top talent is about far more than scanning CVs for keywords or ticking off checkboxes on a job description. It's about finding real people with the right mindset, the right skills, and the potential to thrive in the roles we place them in.

Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at what we value when sourcing candidates—and why our approach consistently delivers results for our clients.

1. Skills Are Just the Starting Point

Naturally, we start by assessing whether a candidate has the technical or functional skills required for the role. Whether it's proficiency in coding languages, financial analysis, logistics coordination, or customer service, we verify that a candidate can do what the job demands. But skills alone aren’t enough.

We know that technical ability can get someone in the door, but soft skills keep them there. Which brings us to…

2. Communication Is Key (No Matter the Role)

Regardless of industry or position, communication is a cornerstone of professional success. We look for candidates who can articulate ideas clearly, listen actively, and engage respectfully—whether in a client-facing role or behind the scenes.

From interviews to assessment tasks, we assess how candidates present themselves and interact. Can they adapt their tone for different audiences? Are they confident but not arrogant? Do they listen as well as they speak? All of this matters.

3. Adaptability and Growth Mindset

The world of work is evolving faster than ever. That’s why we actively seek candidates who show signs of being adaptable, curious, and eager to learn. Someone who views change as an opportunity rather than a setback will always bring more long-term value than someone who clings to outdated methods.

In short, potential matters just as much as experience. We often prioritise individuals who demonstrate a willingness to grow, even if their CV isn’t the longest in the pile.

4. Cultural Fit and Team Dynamics

A candidate might look perfect on paper but could be completely out of sync with a company’s culture. We dig deeper than the job spec to understand the work environment and team chemistry of our clients, and we evaluate how well a candidate might slot into that space.

It’s not about everyone being the same—it’s about creating a team where diverse personalities can thrive together, contribute uniquely, and support collective success.

5. Drive, Initiative and Work Ethic

Top talent doesn’t wait to be micromanaged. We look for people who are proactive, self-motivated, and take ownership of their contributions. During the hiring process, we pay attention to how candidates talk about past roles. Did they go beyond their remit? Did they initiate solutions, or simply follow instructions?

We ask questions like:

• How did you approach a problem no one asked you to solve?

• When have you taken initiative without being prompted?

• What motivates you when no one’s watching?

Those answers tell us everything.

6. Alignment with Client Values and Mission

We don't believe in making placements just to fill a role. We believe in placing people who actually believe in what the company does. That means we take time to understand our clients' missions and values, then find candidates who resonate with them.

This ensures better engagement, higher retention, and genuine job satisfaction.

7. Emotional Intelligence and Self-Awareness

Finally, we place high value on emotional intelligence because in today’s workplace, it’s essential.

We assess a candidate’s ability to:

• Reflect on their strengths and areas for improvement

• Navigate difficult conversations

• Demonstrate empathy and perspective-taking

• Stay calm under pressure

A brilliant mind means very little if it comes without emotional maturity. We're not here to place lone geniuses—we’re here to build functional, collaborative, high-performing teams.

Mercury’s Approach in Action

At Mercury Careers, our approach to sourcing talent is:

• People-first

• Outcome-focused

• Thorough, but human

We go beyond the CV. We have real conversations. We listen to the nuance. And we don’t just look for the “best” candidate on paper—we look for the right person in practice.

That’s how we help our clients build stronger teams, improve retention, and drive long-term success.

Key Takeaways

• Top talent is about more than skills—it’s about mindset, communication, and alignment.

• We focus on adaptability, self-awareness, and emotional intelligence.

• Mercury Careers prioritises quality over speed, long-term fit over short-term fixes.

Want to Know More?

Whether you're a company looking to build a better team, or a candidate wondering how to stand out—we’re here to help. Get in touch with Mercury Careers today to start a recruitment conversation that puts people, not just paperwork, at the centre of the process.