and Instagram-worthy offices, it’s easy for young professionals to fall for roles that sound cool but have little alignment with their experience. But according to Chidi Achara, the Global Chief Product Officer at design and tech powerhouse Huge, that mismatch is one of the most common—and fatal—mistakes fresh candidates make. Speaking to CNBC Make It at Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies Gala and Summit, Achara reflected on his years of experience leading teams at major companies including Nike and investment app Stash. With a keen eye for talent, Achara has conducted countless interviews and learned to spot red and green flags almost instantly.

In an era where AI can mimic professionalism and resumes are increasingly polished, Achara values something far more human: personality.

“Do they have a sense of humor?” he told CNBC Make It. “Do they have storytelling ability so they can communicate clearly?” These two qualities, he believes, are not just soft skills—they’re essential signals that a candidate can gel with a team and carry ideas forward with impact.

It's not just about ticking technical boxes anymore. The ability to tell a story, to inject warmth and clarity into communication, is a trait that separates good hires from great ones, Achara emphasizes.

But for all the charm a candidate might bring, a lack of relevant experience is still a dealbreaker. One of the biggest issues, according to Achara, is the “scattergun approach” many young jobseekers take when sending out applications. “They’re just applying for a bunch of stuff because the title sounds cool, or they like the comp, or they like the location,” he explained. This unfocused strategy may stem from desperation in a tough job market, but it rarely works. “Hiring managers can very quickly see those people are not qualified,” Achara warned. And when it’s clear that a resume doesn’t match the role, “I’m probably going to move on to the next.” Still, Achara isn’t suggesting that recent graduates need years of full-time work behind them. He’s a strong believer in the value of side projects, internships, and passion-driven pursuits. “Say you’re applying for a web developer or an engineering job and you’ve never worked full-time in either but on the side, you’ve built an app,” he said. If you’ve published it and drawn users—even just a few thousand—that counts.

Tailoring your resume to highlight such accomplishments can tilt the odds in your favor. “Immediately, you’ll take that person more seriously,” Achara noted. The hiring team is looking for proof of potential—not perfection.

So, what’s the key takeaway for job-hunters, especially those at the start of their careers?

Be selective. Be strategic. And be honest.

“If they’re just applying because they think it sounds like a cool job, then it’s probably not going to work,” Achara concluded.