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PHOENIX (BestCompaniesAZ) – Arizona is poised to add tens of thousands of new job by spring, which means now is the time for job seekers to polish their resumes and do their research. Earlier this year, the Office of Economic Opportunity projected that Arizona employment would increase to more than 3.5 million jobs in the second quarter of 2027. That’s an increase of almost 46,000 job since the same time two years ago.
Some of the fastest-growing industries here include healthcare and bioscience, semiconductors and advanced manufacturing, construction and skilled trade (some of the most bullet-proof careers), technology and AI, and financial and business services.
Over the past 25 years, BestCompaniesAZ has made a name for itself by helping exemplary companies share their stories beyond annual reports and connecting them with top talent.
The job search mistake you didn’t know you were making
↗ Arizona’s #1 Platform Showcasing Award-Winning Companies
They asked companies in Arizona’s growth sectors what they’re looking for beyond a candidate’s resume. What makes an applicant truly unforgettable? Here’s what they had to say.
Healthcare & Bioscience
Donor Network of Arizona
“Beyond the resume, an ideal candidate for Donor Network of Arizona is someone who truly wants to make a positive impact in the world through the gift of organ and tissue donation. Most people who find a career at Donor Network of Arizona don’t have to try to match our values of positive energy, passion and eagerness, they inherently reflect them in their daily work. Our staff are empathetic and hardworking, finding a silver lining in each interaction, and helping our partners do the same.”
Semiconductors & Advanced Manufacturing
Amkor Technology Arizona
Catalina Torres Murillo, Director of Talent Acquisition and Michael Crowley, Senior Recruiter, Amkor Technology Arizona
“A truly unforgettable candidate stands out for much more than their resume. They bring curiosity, collaboration, and a genuine desire to learn and grow, while understanding how their work impacts both upstream and downstream teams.
“These individuals build authentic relationships, communicate respectfully, and look for opportunities to contribute beyond their immediate responsibilities. They are energized by solving problems, improving processes, and working with others to achieve shared goals.
“What makes them memorable is their balance of confidence and humility: they are willing to share ideas, seek input from others, and remain accountable for their commitments. They approach challenges with a customer-focused mindset, attention to detail, and a passion for continuous improvement.
“Conversely, attitudes such as poor collaboration, lack of accountability, disrespect for others, or an ‘it’s not my job’ mentality can quickly diminish a candidate’s impact.”
Construction & Skilled Trades
Rummel Construction
Tiffany Andrade, Craft Recruiter
“The ideal candidate is someone who shows up on time every day willing and able to put their best foot forward. They are safety-minded, a team player, and willing to learn new things every day.
“They have integrity and take pride in the work that they do as an employee-owner. They will be coachable when learning the Rummel way of working safely on-site and present new ideas on how to approach obstacles in the field.
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“[We’re looking for] someone who is passionate about the work we do. It’s something you can’t fake in a job interview.
“[An immediate turnoff for us is] being late to your interview without reaching out. Life happens, but it’s what someone does when things don’t go according to plan that makes a difference.”
Technology & AI
SwitchThink Solutions
Allan Switalski, Vice President of Strategy, Marketing & Communication
“At SwitchThink Solutions, our ideal candidate is curious, driven, and motivated by the opportunity to make a meaningful impact. We look for people who are passionate about helping others, think beyond the task at hand, and embrace change as a chance to improve, innovate, and create lasting value. Technical expertise matters, but so do collaboration, initiative, integrity, service excellence, and a commitment to doing great work.
“Our strongest team members understand both technology and the business challenges it solves. That perspective helps them develop practical solutions that deliver measurable results for our credit union clients. Above all, we value people who are team-oriented, adaptable, and accountable; people who are eager to learn, contribute, and grow alongside their colleagues and clients.
“If you see possibilities where others see obstacles and want to use technology to help credit unions move forward with confidence, you will find a natural fit at SwitchThink Solutions.”
KUBRA
Alex Arkarakas, Talent Acquisition Manager
“The ideal candidate looks different for every role, but I consistently look for curiosity, initiative, self-awareness, and the ability to translate experience into impact. I don’t expect someone to check every box. A candidate who can openly acknowledge a gap, connect transferable experience, and demonstrate how they would approach something new often tells me more about their potential than a perfect résumé.
“The candidates I remember are also intentional. They’ve researched the company and role, but more importantly, they can clearly articulate the impact they’ve had—what improved, changed, or became more effective because of their contribution. They ask thoughtful questions and make the conversation feel two-sided.
“An immediate turnoff is a lack of preparation. You don’t need to know everything, but you should understand the opportunity you’re considering and be able to explain why it matters to you.”
Financial & Business Services
Achieve
Lindsey Ardale, Employer Brand and Recruitment Marketing Manager at Achieve
“In Arizona’s booming fintech sector, technical skills get a candidate noticed, but deep empathy and integrity make them unforgettable. At Achieve, our ideal team member is a compassionate problem-solver who genuinely cares about helping everyday people build a better financial future. Beyond the resume, they are authentic, accountable, and driven to get better every day—approaching every challenge with curiosity and optimism. They fit in seamlessly by prioritizing dynamic collaboration, active listening, and collective wins. What sets someone apart is an authentic passion for human impact—viewing personal finance as a way to transform lives rather than just process transactions. Conversely, the ultimate immediate turnoff is ego paired with indifference. When supporting members through vulnerable financial moments, a lack of empathy or personal accountability breaks trust instantly. Resilience, human kindness, and integrity create an indelible impact.”
Ready to find your next great job?
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