If you’re looking for a job or thinking about looking then you might be wondering how to set yourself apart from other candidates. Here are some inside tips on what hiring managers are looking for and how to land yourself that sought-after position.
1. Personality Is More Important
If you’re qualified for the position and have met all the basic requirements then your personality is more important than anything else. Let’s say you have two candidates who are equally qualified. One is easy going and likable. The other one is not really a people person but has more experience. The hiring manager is going to pick the likable person over the one with a more impressive resume.
2. Don’t Try Too Hard to Impress HR Staff
The critical person for you to impress is the hiring manager. They have all the authority-who to interview, who to hire, what to pay them, etc. The best way to find out who the hiring manager is, one should do a little digging on LinkedIn.
Here are some tips to use during your search:
a. Try different search terms to find the person you’re looking for such as “manager” or “director” and then the keyword for the position
b. After you start reaching out to a few people, it can become easy to lose track of everything. That’s why we recommend using a spreadsheet to keep track of who you reached out to, what their role is, and any other important notes
c. Keep in mind that if you’re reaching out to hiring managers then you might jeopardize your current position by being caught
d. That’s why it’s best to reach out to the recruiter first. You can use your spreadsheet to keep track of what recruiters companies use
3. You Can Leverage Your Other Offers
If you’re interviewing for a position with few candidates, you can use that to your advantage. It’s ok to be open about other positions you’re interviewing for. If you handle it with respect and just be matter of fact while you present your case then you can use it as leverage to negotiate for a higher offer.
4. Ask Questions During Your Interview
Don’t be afraid to ask questions about the position and the company in fear that they’ll seem too needy. A potential employer likes someone who has enough vested interest in the position that they ask tough questions. Ask things such as where they see the company’s future or what their struggles are with leading their team.
5. Don’t Think You Know Everything
When a recruiter contacts you, it’s wise to be open to at least interviewing for the position. Even if you aren’t looking for another job, it’s wise to keep an open mind to what’s out there. You never know what kind of opportunity you might be passing up simply because you think you know more than the recruiter.