How to impress hiring managers

Apply for jobs you’re qualified to do. In the 2013 CareerXRoads Source of Hire report, respondents estimated that half of all applications were unqualified. The report also cites the February 2013 Talent Board white paper, which questioned 90 firms about their job applicant pool. That paper reported an estimated 60 percent of applicants were unqualified.

Show why you’re a match for the position. Describe exactly how and why you’re a good match for the position via your resume, online profiles and other application materials. Don’t rely on your cover letter to make the case for you—weave the details directly into your resume. Job descriptions are the best sources of information about what employers want.

Be the candidate you are on paper. You can create the most amazing resume, detailing exactly why you’re the best candidate for the job, but if you cannot fluidly and succinctly talk about those experiences in the interview, you may lose the opportunity to compete for the job.

Suggest a way to solve a problem. When you win an interview, it’s because the employer believes you have the basic qualifications necessary to do the job. If you want to be irresistible, do your research in advance and identify a problem or concern the employer faces and suggest how you may be able to help solve it.

Be likable. You may be surprised to learn that some people would choose to hire a likable person over a competent person. Obviously, the best-case scenario is a candidate who is both likable and qualified, but it’s not that shocking that hiring managers often will seek a good fit—someone who will work well and mesh with the other employees on the team—as a key factor when hiring.

When you extend yourself and think of the employer’s needs, you will be much more successful landing a job.

Read the whole post on U.S. News & World Report

photo by tricky (rick harrison)

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