When the hiring managers ask the right questions during the interview process he/she will hire the right person for the job.
When the candidate answers those questions smartly he/she will become employed.
What Do Hiring Managers Look For
The hiring manager’s focus is to find the highest quality candidate for the salary they are paying, and they look for the right person for their company. A hiring manager is looking for several things in a candidate.
Take note and you will significantly increase your likelihood of being hired.
Hiring Managers: Information & Observations
The following are the information hiring managers need for having good observations about Candidates.
1. Behavioral Characteristics
During your interview with the hiring manager he/she will look for behavioral characteristics, which include:
- Motivated
- Articulate
- Adaptable
- Reliable
- Accountable
- High Integrity
- Confident
- Good Listener
- Self Directed
- Enthusiastic
- Effective
Examples of Behavioral Questions
- Tell me a new customer you obtained using your networking skills.
- Provide an example of a cold call you made that led to a new customer.
- Tell me what your three most important work values are and provide me with an example.
- The wrong order was shipped to a very important customer. Describe how you resolved this error.
- Tell me about a time where your integrity was tested.
2. Functional Characteristics
The hiring manager will also look for functional characteristics to ensure you have what it takes.
- Functional Skills – The hiring manager will look for skills that are relevant to the position they are hiring for so make sure that you sell yourself and your skills. Don’t be modest here – this is one of the few chances you get to promote yourself.
- Self Management Skills – The hiring manager will look for personal characteristics that can benefit their company. Show the hiring manager you are a self starter, work well under pressure, can multitask, etc.
- Content Skills – If your resume was done well the hiring manager already knows your experience and qualifications. Now you’ll get a chance to elaborate.
3. Frequently asked Questions
Interview Questions that Hiring Managers Ask
There are a number of common interview questions you expect to be asked like your name, where you went to school, but there are many other questions, plus some of those innocent common questions may not be so innocent.
Here are four examples.
- Why do you want to work for me?
Make this about you, but about the company you are applying for as well. Remember the hiring manager really only cares about what’s in it for the company. - What do you expect to be doing ten years from today?
This is your chance to show your ambition. Don’t be afraid to show you are an achiever. That’s what employers want. - Are you willing to work overtime?
This may seem like an innocent question but one simple answer will tell the hiring manager just how loyal you are to the company. Answer “yes” no matter what you are actually thinking. - What has been your greatest accomplishment and failure?
While you shouldn’t embellish you also shouldn’t sell yourself short. Don’t be afraid to give yourself the credit that is due for your accomplishments. You should also be honest about your failures. It’s human to have failed at something and it’s that honesty the hiring manager is looking for.
That’s just a few of the potential questions, but the key is regardless of the question remember you are your own sales rep so sell what you have to offer, but don’t exaggerate beyond your abilities.
What Do Hiring Managers Want?
In addition to meeting the job qualifications, and the characteristics we already discussed, hiring managers look at how you present yourself, your personality, that you would make a good fit with the company.
Further reading: Questions to ask hiring manager
Learn more