Candidate profile questionnaire: For who and why?
Priit Suitslepp
Do you feel you need a new direction in your career but don't know where to start? Looking for a job can be a challenge, especially if you don't have a clear idea of what you want to do career-wise.
Our managing partner, sales and leadership recruiter Priit Suitslepp explains, what the candidate profile questionnaire, who should fill it and why it's important.
Going through a candidate profile with candidates is a standard procedure as it sets the direction for the rest of the interaction. The profile questionnaire helps the candidate to analyse what their goals and expectations are and where they want to get to. Thanks to a comprehensive profile, our recruiter will have a good idea of which companies and positions to discuss with the candidate later on.
What is the candidate profile questionnaire?
The candidate profile questionnaire is a structured tool that helps to analze:
- Work-related values, important to the candidate.
- Work environment and management expectations.
- Motivators and goals.
- Career ambitions and development.
- The candidate's strengths and achievements.
By completing the questionnaire, you can create a comprehensive overview of what you’re looking for in your career. Whether it’s a better work-life balance, higher income, or personal growth opportunities, this tool helps you prioritize your goals.
Who should fill the candidate profile questionnaire?
This questionnaire is designed for anyone who wants to make well-thought-out career decisions. If you answer "yes" to any of the following questions, this tool is for you:
- Do you feel that your current job is no longer fulfilling or challenging?
- Have you considered a career change but not sure which way to go?
- Do you want to identify your professional strengths and showcase them more effectively?
- Are you ready to make informed decisions that align with your career and personal goals?
The questionnaire is perfect for both active job seekers and those simply exploring their career options.
Why do we encourage candidates to complete the career profile?
With over seven years of recruitment experience, Priit has learned that
the best career decisions happen when candidates clearly understand their priorities and expectations.
There are always some areas where you might be flexible with a future employer, but there are also "non-negotiables"—those must-have elements in a job offer, such as flexible hours or office location.
Creating a career profile helps by:
1. Clarifying your expectations and priorities
Often, we focus on day-to-day work without reflecting on what truly motivates us. The questionnaire helps identify what you need to feel happy and successful in your role.
2. Making your job search more targeted
Once you’re aware of your expectations, it’s easier to filter out unsuitable job opportunities, saving time and ensuring you focus only on roles that align with your values and goals.
3. Eliminating emotional decisions
Money and prestige might seem tempting, but if the role doesn’t align with your values, it could lead to dissatisfaction over time. The questionnaire helps you make decisions that are both logical and aligned with your principles.
4. Boosting your confidence
Completing the candidate profile gives you a clearer understanding of your strengths, achievements, and goals, preparing you for job interviews and helping you present your skills and potential more effectively.
5. Finding the right employer
Have you ever started a job that seemed perfect but turned out to be the opposite? With this tool, you can assess whether a potential employer aligns with your expectations in terms of culture, management, and growth opportunities.
What does the candidate profile cover?
The Southwestern Recruitment candidate profile questionnaire focuses on key areas to map out your career situation and aspirations:
1. Values
What matters most to you at work? Flexibility, security, or a sense of purpose? For example, it helps you analyze:
- What are your core values?
- How do they affect your career choices?
2. Work environment and management
What kind of environment helps you thrive? Do you prefer a structured and traditional approach or an innovative and fast-paced working environment? How would you describe your ideal employer?
3. Motivators
What inspires you daily? Is it financial rewards, recognition, growth opportunities, or something else?
4. Career goals and development
Where do you see yourself in one, three, or five years? What responsibilities excite you the most? What are your short- and long-term career goals?
5. Strengths and achievements
What makes you special and what are your main strengths? For example, you can analyze:
- What are your biggest achievements?
- How can you apply your skills to future opportunities?
How can filling the candidate profile help you?
At Southwestern Recruitment, we go beyond traditional recruitment services. Our mission is to provide comprehensive and personalized support that helps you make intentional and long-term career choices. By filling the candidate profile, you could:
- Understand your strengths and opportunities.
- Find an employer whose values and expectations match yours.
- Make confident and principle-based career decisions.
Take the first step today!
If you’re ready to move forward in your career, connect with one of our recruiters and start by completing the candidate profile questionnaire. The process takes 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on how detailed you’d like to be, but it’s an investment in finding a role that matches your expectations and supports your long-term goals.
A thorough candidate profile is the key to your future success in job searches—let Southwestern Recruitment help you find the perfect job you’ve been searching for!
