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Article DetailsWhat do Hiring Managers Look For?by Brock Hunter - 10/16/2011 "" Getting the attention of the hiring manager is a difficult task but it is possible. Therefore we have compiled a list of some of the most important things that hiring managers look at from the time they pick up your resume through your interview. #1 - How Stable Are You? Most companies look for consistency and stability in your work history. They do not want to see someone who has changed jobs every couple of years, or less. If you have substantial gaps in your employment, explain them with credible and verifiable reasons such as going back to school or volunteer service. Above all though...don't lie. #2 - Look At Me! Too often job seekers use a "cookie cutter" approach to their resume by using pre-designed templates that don't really showcase their strengths, abilities and achievements. List your achievements early in your resume. This will quickly call attention to an established track record of meaningful contributions in prior positions and increase your value to potential employers. Don't be afraid to step outside the box to make your resume stand out. Adding a link to a relevant online blog or portfolio will not only leave a strong impression on the hiring manager, but it also allows you to provide substantially more information about your qualifications than the limited space on your resume allows. If the information on your resume generates enough interest, the hiring manager will take the time to view your blog and/or portfolio. #3 - Are You Listening? Too many job seekers spend so much of their interview mentally practicing their rehearsed responses to expected questions that they miss something truly important that the interviewer has said. One of the worst things you can do during an interview is have to ask the interviewer to repeat themselves because you were not listening. They will immediately pick up on that and it will likely result in a quick end to your interview and your chances of being offered the position. #4 - Do I Know You? It's not enough to simply know what industry the company is in or what product/service they provide. You should familiarize yourself with as much information on the company as possible, from culture to compensation; what employees think about the company to corporate goals and initiatives. For additional insider information browse the company's LinkedIn page, examine company news releases, and visit www.glassdoor.com or www.vault.com. #5 - What Can You Do For Me? Whether you want to believe it or not, the ultimate question on every hiring manager's mind is what can you contribute to their company. Most interviewers have little or no real interest in what hobbies, charities, or recreational activities you are in to. The bottom line is what can you bring to the company, how can you improve their products or services; and their profits. By doing your research on the company, you are able to tailor your responses to their questions in ways that will clearly show ways you can help contribute to the success of the company. #6 - Do You Have Any Questions For Me? An interview should not be an interrogation. A good interview should be an equal conversation between yourself and the interviewer. Having a few well thought out questions can mean the difference between portraying yourself as a genuinely interested and desiring candidate or somebody simply looking for a paycheck. #7 - Remember Me? Too many job candidates neglect to follow-up with their interviewer with a thank you letter that reinforces their strengths and desire to become a part of the company. Whether your follow-up is done through email or regular postal mail, you should never miss this last chance to remind the interviewer why you are the best candidate for the job. Happy job hunting!
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/recruitment-articles/what-do-hiring-managers-lo ok-for-5309057.html About the Author Brock M. Hunter is a professional resume writer and career coach offering free resume critiques at www.theresumeartists.com |