"To handpick a candidate" means to personally choose or select someone for a particular position or role based on specific qualities or criteria. Full definition
A lot of jobs are filled in - house, through employee referrals, or by handpicking candidates from an existing talent pool (which is why networking is so crucial to your job search strategy). (careerdigital.com)
What a great statement Allan M. «the practice of a real estate association nominating a candidate — when more than one has offered — is a blatant exercise in handpicking a candidate who conforms to the mindset of those already in place». (remonline.com)
Local party establishments handpick their candidate in a special election, and Republican Staten Island District Attorney Daniel Donovan is heavily favored to succeed Mr. Grimm. (observer.com)