Ever wonder what is it exactly that the hiring manager is looking for, but isn’t asking during an interview? If only you had a crystal ball that could give you the rights actions and words that would inspire them to hire you on the spot, this would be a dream come true! The truth is, each side of the interviewing table is looking for specific things from the other party. The candidate wants a great career opportunity that compensates well for the job tasks. The hiring manager is looking for the right person who has the skills, personality, and experience to get the job done. Somewhere in the middle, these areas have to fit together. However, no hiring manager is going to say these things right out loud. It’s their job to evaluate every candidate, using legal interviewing methods and questions, to get to the bottom of what the candidate is all about. But, to get you headed in a better direction, here are some things that the hiring manager wishes he or she could say to make this go smoother:
#1 – Please arrive for your interview on time, but not too early.
A hiring manager generally never mentions this, but it is a BIG pet peeve for many when someone shows up late for an interview. Or when they show up for an interview way too early (more then 15 min) and expect immediate attention. Remember, hiring managers often have a lot of things going on, people to talk to, and they don’t have time to disrupt their schedules when you show up at the wrong time.
#2 – Thank you for taking the time and effort to dress appropriately.
If you are going to go to an interview with any hope of impressing the hiring manager, please dress for the job and the corporate culture. This means wearing business attire that is flattering to your appearance. Avoid too-tight clothes, flip flops and “stripper” shoes, jeans or cut off shorts, t-shirts with rock bands on them, and over-the-top hairstyles, makeup and perfume that walks into a room before you do.
#3 – We appreciate a well-written cover letter/resume that’s not too wordy.
Hiring managers read through thousands of cover letters and resumes every week. While they wont say it, they do prefer to talk to candidates who have concisely written documents that are to the point and use plenty of white space and bulleted lists. And spell-checked (as hiring managers are sticklers for proper grammar and spelling).
#4 – Avoid using your cell phone, texting, or checking your watch while here.
Remember, always turn your mobile device off before you walk into an interview. It’s rude to take a call or text someone while interviewing. It’s also annoying to keep glancing at your watch as if you are trying to say you have something better to do.
#5 – How does your career background relate to what this company needs?
This actually belongs at the top of the list, but once you have the interview etiquette down you can then focus on what a hiring manager wants to know. This is – how do your skills and experience translate to profitability for our business. Be sure you have some examples of how you bring a lot to the table.
#6 – Don’t give us canned interview question responses – we’ve heard them all.
Stop it with the over-practiced interview questions! Instead, try to focus on being genuine and honest in your answers. Relax some, then try to think of ways you can illustrate your work experience and how it can benefit the company.
#7 – Are there any personal matters that may prevent you from being a good employee here?
Oh…how the average hiring manager would like to ask this question, but unfortunately it’s illegal to do so. Make it a point to talk about how you are good at managing your personal life so that it never interferes with your professional life. Hiring managers are looking for people with no drama who can handle their personal business.
#8 – If we hire you, do you plan to stick around for the long term?
This is the question burning on every hiring manager’s mind, but they will never ask you this. Before making a decision, they will weight all the qualities of the candidates to decide who has the best chance of staying loyal to the company. Make sure you are able to see yourself in this job for at least a couple of years before going through the effort of interviewing.