This article shares insights from a CFO hiring specialist, focusing on the subtle factors that impact CFO selection. This article explains why we call some traits as invisible.
As the CFO Practice Lead at Resource Bridge India, I recently shared my observations on the 'invisible' qualities that emerged from two CFO interviews. This sparked a thoughtful discussion, particularly around why certain traits—like pausing, asking clarifying questions, or 'reading the room'—are labelled as 'invisible' when they seem quite apparent. That set us thinking to refine and put our observations to executable use. During any interview, we find that a candidate’s qualities come through in three layers: Outer Layer – Pre-Interview Facts: These are known beforehand, such as education, achievements, or discreet reference checks. They're clearly visible in the CV and our accompanying two-page note, which provides insights into behavioural and cultural markers. Visible Layer – In-Interview Impressions: These are traits the interviewer perceives within the first or last few minutes, like presence, politeness, language, and chemistry. Invisible Layer – Revealed Through Deeper Interaction: These traits surface only with probing questions or unexpected challenges. For instance, how a candidate handles offbeat queries, gathers their thoughts, asks clarifying questions, or remains calm under pressure. These subtle behaviours often demonstrate maturity, leadership, and respect, which are crucial to assess in the selection process for a successful hire. Traits like reading the room, crispness, pausing, and the ability to handle unexpected questions reveal underlying qualities that may not be immediately apparent but are vital for assessing a candidate’s true potential strengths or flag potential dysfunctionalities. Understanding these layers helps refine our approach and apply insights effectively in the interview process, leading to a more comprehensive evaluation of candidates. Happy reading! Article by Saroja Ramadhurai Co-founder and CFO lead at Resource bridge