5 Things Hiring Managers Won't Tell You About Interviewing

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Today's job market is definitely one that favors employers. No matter what they are looking for, the odds are good that they will be able to find the exact combination of skills and experience that they want. In order to stand out, it's important to know what the employer is looking for.

 

What do employers want to see during an interview? To find out, I did a little research and found a great article from Inc.com that gave some great information. After reading what several hiring managers had to say, here are 5 things that they wish they could tell you about the interview:

 

They want you to be likable. During the interview, employers are watching and listening in order to determine what sort of employee you would be. They want to hire people they like and who they think would be able to work well with their team. They're looking for you to smile, make eye contact and be enthusiastic about the job. An unhappy or constantly negative employee can do a lot of damage to a company and employers are hesitant to hire people whom they think wouldn't be a good fit, even if they are the most qualified.

 

They want you to be genuinely interested in the job. Before an interview, you should do some research to find out more about the company and the job. During the interview, you should be asking questions about the job responsibilities and determining if the job is something you are interested in doing. Employers want to know that you are genuinely interested in working for them, not just in working in general.

 

They want you to tell them why they should hire you. These days, there are hundreds of applicants to a single job listing. It can be overwhelming for a hiring manager to sift through every resume and decide who to hire. This means that you have to market yourself and employers expect you to tell them why they should hire you. Marketing yourself isn't difficult. In fact, you probably already know why you're a good fit for the job. (If you don't, you should ask yourself why you're even applying.) Just make sure that you share the information with the interviewer.

 

They want you to follow up. Many people are hesitant to give a follow up phone call or email after an interview. They are worried that it would seem pushy or annoying, however, interviewers expect you to follow up after an interview. It's a common practice and one that allows them to see which of the applicants are genuinely interested in the job. Unless the interviewer tells you specifically not to call, you should always, always follow up after an interview.

 

They want you to ask questions. At some point in every interview, the employer asks if you have any questions for them. A lot of people are hesitant to ask many or feel that it's better to decline. However, an employer will expect you to ask questions. Be sure that you ask the type of questions that show that you've done some research about the company and ones that let the interviewer know that you've been listening to their description of the job. Not asking questions only shows that you aren't very interested in the job.

 

Knowing what employers are looking for is the first step in marketing yourself. Hopefully these tips will help you stand out during your next interview.

 

 

What other things do you think employers are looking for? Please share your thoughts in the comments.

 

Image source: Morguefile
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  • Roger R
    Roger R •
    very interesting,  I will keep this in mind,
  • Kathleen L
    Kathleen L •
    This is not new information and It really doesn't go into much depth. I interview often for contract work and have to explain my expertise as managers often do not know full picture and are looking for someone who is 'innovative.' They want assurance that you can do whatever they want when they do not really know what they want. Often they look for a particular personality. What hiring managers do not tell you - they have decided what kind of personality, including age and type of appearance before you get there. If you don't fit the 'type' it doesn't really matter how well you do at the interview.
  • Witold H
    Witold H •
    I am pretty sure employers are looking for if you are workplace accident free, and I am pretty sure they have the way to find out, even before they call you for interview, I know this  just from my own experience. I had accident 6 years ago, claim with WCB is still open, and since that accident I never found full time job with Canadian Corporation. Officialy WCB claims suppose to be confidential, but they are not. Not for big Corporations, so you like it or not workplace accident is dead end of your career. You suffer and WCB is not obligated to help you, you suffer but try to find job, and Corporations are not obligated to hire you. You like it or not , you are on the street. Even if you are called for interview, you performed excellent, and you are  fully qualified and your background is checked later, you are not hired. Hiring manager will never tell you true reason, he will find something else, some other reasons, but will never mention WCB claim.This set up system is backstubbing workers with workplace injuries and not giving the second chance, so are we still in modified slavery system like it was 200 years ago ?. Most people believe they are coming to this country for better life, but how much truth is in this statement ?.Once you are not able to do the job, nobody cares about you and nobody hires you, so in this case, I would strongly suggest pack your suitcases and go back where you came from !, but tell others what happened to you, so they will not make the same mistake of coming here for better life, which doesn't exist. Before you leave this country, don't forget to ask government for severence package. You paid your taxes from every pay check, and what did you get for it once you can not work and pay taxes ? , I believe you should get all your taxes back for every year of work in this country before you leave.
  • Chris D
    Chris D •
    I can agree with some of these things but this article appears to be written by someone who isn't actively involved in the business world. People, especially managers, are VERY BUSY. Calling them for an after interview phone chat is not very high on their list of priorities. A card sent via snail mail is much more effective. Chances are they are bombarded with hundreds (maybe thousands) of E-mails a day. however actually receiving a card or letter via mail would leave a larger effect. plus has the added benefit of staying around their work area and giving them a constant reminder of who sent it. MUCH more effective than annoying a busy over worked manager with phone calls.
  • John K
    John K •
    Nice article, but it seems like common sense to me.  I have met resistance with the following up part though. But, you have left out one important part.  You have to first get the interview.  I have applied for positions that I matched every duty, responsibility, and skill desired and never heard another word.  On the other side, I have gotten calls and emails for positions that had nothing to do with my career field or skill set.  Very confusing at times.
  • tracy l
    tracy l •
    I'm currently looking for employment and this information is very helpful as I always look for the upper hand to gaining employment.  Can you help me to obtain information as to how to get a basic resume completed without paying a fee? Thanking you in advance for your assistance.
  • Mary I
    Mary I •
    Awesome info! I went to an interview a few weeks ago. Well-dressed, but business casual...not anything extra "business-y" or extravagant. I decided it wasn't as important whether or not they actually hired me, because I needed the experience of interviewing anyways. I decided I would be light-hearted and just enjoy myself (viewing it also somewhat as a networking opportunity if nothing else at all). I knew there were more experienced people interested in this position too. The interview went great! I acted myself and felt comfortable. There were 4 people interviewing me as a group, all of whom I made laugh and smile. I did ask several different questions and felt satisfied with the answers.  I made sure to get all contact info for each of them.  The very next day, I emailed them all, thanking them for taking the time to meet and talk with me. The very next week, I was offered the job. This article is great. And, my recent successful interview reinforces these ideals to me. It's all about attitude, gratitude, intention, and whether your personality fits. Anywhere you plan to spend 8 or more hours a day, it is crucial that there are good office dynamics with good working relationships and positive energy flowing! Best wishes to all!
  • Zachary E
    Zachary E •
    When going into an interview it is important to know what your skills are worth. When an employer asks you about the wages you expect you should never sell your self short. If you don't think your skills are worth a higher wage the employer certainly will not.
  • Barbara C
    Barbara C •
    you clarified the follow up procedure for me especially if I want a particular job
  • Tanya S
    Tanya S •
    Thank you for the article. I was wondering what employers are looking for an applicant, now I am almost on the right track when I go in for interviews.
  • FADL M
    FADL M •
    Very informative and orientating .thank you
  • Wendy A
    Wendy A •
    MelissaHow do you explain why u were fired!  Mine really was a political move to get nurses hired!  My boss went looking for stuff on me.   Our dept also got EAP involved with her because of lack of support.Wendy
  • Steve N
    Steve N •
    This is the real meat of interviews and resumes. Before anyone applies anywhere they should read this
  • Sylvia Z
    Sylvia Z •
    I would like to address the negative and older job seekers, as at one time I was both.  1. Never give up looking, this is your life and you will get out what u put in it. 2. Don't let age descrimination keep u from applying.  The interviewer is human and his or her prejudices may not reflect the company.  If u know u can do the do to death, then search LinkedIn.com  for another recruiter or the head of that department and start dialoguing with them.  I know this may seem sneaky but like i said, u r fighting for your life and not everyone is fighting fair. 3) Do things to keep u positive.  Negative thoughts can be debilitating, encourage your friends to speak only good news and you will see who your real friends are, and who are the sympathy junkies who want u to stay below or at their level; have two friends do a mock interview where the 2nd one secretly tapes you, does your body language tell that you are sick of interviews, have you lost your spark?  4) Tailor your resume, do not go past 5 years, because the interviewer may be very young and can't grasp your 25 year job history. You will look like Abraham or Noah, in his or her head; use some key words from the posting (tricky....use too many words and you'll come off as illiterate), don't assume that your years in a dress shop will translate to great communication skills or potential sales volume spell out what u did and how your past employer gained from it; 5) talk down to them, your 1st interviewer is usually an hr person who knows little about the job, and is just a screener for the 5 things in this article.  If in the interview you teach him or her something about the position, with enthusiasm and not cockyness, you will get called back; 6) know that the job exists, sadly, many interviewers hold interviews to secure their own job, if the position is on a recruiting site, then go to the company site and see if the job is mentioned there or google the company, not the recruiting one to see if they are talking growth or layoffs; 7) use glassdoor.com which tells the recruiting process of people who did and didn't get the job; you won't be offended if u see others were put through the same dog and pony show as you, or if anything someone else can save you the trouble. Such recruiters don't understand that you borrowed money to get there or that you chose it over another prospect, so avoid your "you've gotta be kidding me face"; recruiter talk and tweet about bad interviews, don't get on "the list" 8) lastly, don't settle too much, if u have to scratch.something off your wishlist let there be a plus for every minus: poor salary/good hours or easy commute; step down or backwards/free online training or tuition reimbursement; yadda-yadda-yadda.  I can't stress enough that you don't give up! If you have asked God for the perfect job, then understand your and GOd's idea of perfect may differ greatly.  The one you have a 100% chance of not getting, is the one JOB DON'T APPLY FOR.  
  • Jason G
    Jason G •
    Very good article with some great points.  Thank you!JG
  • Dianna C
    Dianna C •
    Excellent article.  What a great volume and variety of comments as well!  Thank you for the great reminders.  I remember, from my hiring supervisor days how important it was to bring in enthusiastic and not negative people!  I never minded people admitting they were nervous, though.As far as questions go, some standard questions, like what Michael B. wrote below are good.  I also ask things like, How did the opening became available? (if they haven't already told me that)  If it was an unsatisfactory employee, I always try to tactfully ask what the severing factor was (to make sure, if hired, I don't make the same error!)How many (more) people do you expect to interview? How did I compare with candidates already interviewed? (Unless they already advised me that I was the 1st interviwee for the position, in which case I ask them if they feel/think that I would be a good match for the company.)When do you expect to finish interviewing for the position?How soon will you be filling the position?As far as following up goes, that is another matter I address with questions.  The above questions will give me an idea about when I should have heard back from the company.  I ALWAYS! follow up with a letter thanking the interviewer for taking time to interview me and briefly remind them about the best parts of the interview & why I would love to be selected for the position.   While I agree that it can be difficult to get company contact names when appraoching a company for a job, I disagree that it is at all difficult to follow up once you have had an interview:  UNLESS you failed to verify name, best contact method,  mailing address, etc. within the time frame of the interview! Hope all this typing has helped some of the commenteers.  I, too, have been un/underemployed now for over two years with interview opportunies being a rare occurance.  I have attributed this to my failure to network as much as perhaps I should, my age (50) & re-evaluating line of work.God has prepared works in advance that we should walk in them.  Walk in and work, everybody!
  • Anne Z
    Anne Z •
    Appreciate the free advice.  We applicants need all the help we can get.
  • Edna F
    Edna F •
    This is a good article and I would like to add one more thing employers are looking for. Appropriate clothing being worn to an interview is a must. My boss has a rule about hiring people. This is the rule: females dress, skirt or blouse too revealing or too short no second interview. Men applicants sagging pants, dirty clothing no second interview. After all this is a business and these rules to everyone.
  • Karen m
    Karen m •
    Lots of good advice provided here. I'm a hiring manager and all mentioned here is true including all the comments. Bring copies of your resume with you ..always. know the company do your research, dress professional a must, interview the interviewer, invest in your education, skills, credentials,image, this shows you are dedicated to your profession, most importantly if your out of work what have you been doing with all that free time???? Go to school, volunteer in your field, attend seminars.....be productive, network, learn, help others. This is huge. This is a major seller.
  • Stella E
    Stella E •
    Very good article. Only thing I would add to it is dress. You can be very talented but will be passed over if you do not present yourself well. Dress conservatively and professional. Wear navy blue if you can, white shirt. Crisp and clean! Minimal makeup and hair groomed.
  • Joe M
    Joe M •
    But you shouldn't follow up until they've had a reasonable chance to start forming shortlists, etc.  Suggest 7-10 days after interview would normally be optimal
  • James L
    James L •
    Worthless information.  Besides, I gave up looking for empoiyment years ago.
  • ronald m
    ronald m •
    I think your article is helpful for all job seekers into what hiring managers are looking from possible employees during each interview to fill positions within their business firm.
  • Krist P
    Krist P •
    An excellent refresher, KISS, keeping it so simple.
  • Michael B
    Michael B •
    I am 55 years old. I was laid off in September for the second time in the last ten years.  So, here we go again. For anyone struggling with interview anxiety or nervousness here is what works for me. If you know you are bringing value to a potential employer then you want a win, win scenario. They get a great employee and you get a great job and employer.Personally, I do not apply for any job where I feel goingin that I am not sure if my qualifications match the jobor I'm not sure I would accept the job if offered.Mentally, I'm interviewing them as they areinterviewing me. It is not an obnoxious thing. It's just I'm trying to answer MY QUESTIONS. Is this a job I want and do I want to work for you? Knowing that I have a purpose in the interview helps me feel less like a dancing bear. At my age I realize that a good mutual fit is the key for me. My suggestion is to be prepared with questions that might be deal breakers for you. Figure out how to ask these questions with tact. Be prepared to hear the answers/subject during the interview and re-visit later if needed. Here are some questions I have asked of the interviewer if I feel like Ican get away with it. "How long have you worked forthe company?" "Did you start as a (i.e. manager)...?)"What do you like best about the company?". You mayeven find that asking the interviewer questions mayallow you to establish a personal rapport with them.  GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!!

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