In today’s hyper-competitive job market, it’s not enough to have a polished résumé or impressive credentials. According to Mike San Diego, Certified Financial Consultant and CFO of EON Group, the real differentiator for job applicants comes down to one thing: alignment.
“You have to convince them that you can deliver the KPIs… Attitude is equally important,” San Diego told Financial Adviser PH.
As a senior executive responsible for building and leading high-performing teams, San Diego knows firsthand what separates a good hire from a great one. He believes that while technical qualifications and work experience are crucial, they only tell part of the story. What truly matters is whether the candidate understands the goals of the role and has the mindset to help the company achieve them.
For San Diego, hiring is about finding the right match—not just in terms of skills, but also in cultural fit and personal motivation. A standout candidate is someone who demonstrates a clear understanding of the position’s expectations and proactively shows how they can meet—and exceed—those targets.
Beyond that, he emphasizes the importance of both hard and soft skills. “It’s great if someone’s technically strong, but they also need to know how to collaborate, solve problems, and communicate effectively,” he says.
Another quality he looks for? Someone who can zoom in on the details while still seeing the big picture. In a fast-paced, client-facing business like EON, it’s critical to have team members who can execute tasks with precision but also understand how those tasks impact larger business outcomes.
“Someone who is keen on details but can also appreciate the big picture—that balance is rare and valuable,” San Diego notes.
His message to job seekers is clear: focus less on impressing and more on aligning. Show that you understand what the company needs and how your unique combination of skills, attitude, and perspective can help move the needle.
In a sea of résumés, it’s not just the most qualified who stand out—it’s those who connect their strengths to the company’s success.
