When you're trying to land your dream job, one of the toughest tasks you face is convincing the Hiring Manager that you're the right person. For Hiring Managers, the stakes are higher than ever, with more people searching for employment, fewer available positions, and a limited hiring budget, these individuals must make every job placement count.
5 Ways to Win The Job
Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to convince a Hiring Manager to choose you.
1. Make a Good 1st Impression
First impressions are extremely important.
Here's what NOT to do:
- Arrive Late
- Chew Gum
- Be Rude to the Receptionist
- Talk About Religion, Sex, Politics, etc.
- Ask Stupid Questions (i.e. anything that's on the website)
- Use Your Phone During the Interview
Not only does your first impression influence the way the Hiring Manager perceives you, but it will also give them an idea of how you will be perceived by their customers and other business connections who interact with you.
What should you do?
When you introduce yourself, be energetic and positive. When they ask you to describe yourself, lead with your best characteristics and quantify your achievements.
2. Eliminate "Risky Business"
Hiring Managers don't want to hire risky candidates. Before applying to any job, perform a Google search on your name to learn what information is available about you. Whenever possible, remove risky content, such as unseemly pictures on Facebook or embarrassing Twitter posts. Clean up and lock down those social profiles BEFORE starting your job hunt. Here's how.
3. Practice Your Interview Skills (Seriously)
Before meeting with the Hiring Manager, practice your interview skills and prepare for any questions they may ask. Learn everything you can about the company (stalk LinkedIn, Glassdoor, the company website, and social media pages, etc.). Compose your own list of appropriate follow-up questions and practice your answer to that inevitable "tell me about yourself" question.
Here are some interview questions we love if you're stuck:
- What would my immediate priorities be?
- What's different about working here than anywhere else you've worked?
- What are the biggest opportunities facing the company/department right now?
- What are the specific key performance indicators for this job?
- What do you offer in regards to training staff?Do you have any reservations about me or my background for this position?
- What does your on-boarding process look like?
If you come to the interview well prepared and enthusiastic, the Hiring Manager will view you as a dedicated, responsible job candidate. Not sure you're prepared for an a-level interview? Set up an informational one!
A secret interview and networking tip Recruiters love is attending informational interviews. Ask people in the industry you wish to work in questions, buy them coffee, and pick their brain. This is a good networking skill and one contact can get your foot in the door. Many schools can also set you up with informational interviews at a company as well.
4. Offer SOLID References
While listing references on your resume is no longer in vogue and you don't need to write "references available upon request" on anything, offering solid references when asked is a perfect time to show off. Nothing reassures a Hiring Manager more than a strong recommendation from a reliable source.
When asked, offer correct contact information for several solid references, including past employers, mentors, and others familiar with your skills and experience. Make sure that your references are aware of the impending phone calls, and let them know how important their input will be.
5. Be a Solution
Beyond simply highlighting your own achievements and work ethic during the interview, explain how you can help with the challenges particular to the position you want.
Before the interview, know as much about the company and the job as you can - do your research! Explain what you can do right away if hired, and how you're uniquely qualified to do it. This may seem obvious, but it's important to keep it in mind, particularly during a long series of interviews with different companies. Responding to the unique opportunity in front of you will do more than any resume ever could.
Bottom Line: Help The Hiring Manager
Convincing a Hiring Manager of your worth is essential to landing a job. If they're impressed with your credentials and believe in you as a person, they'll be more likely to recommend you for the job and also potentially be willing to negotiate better benefits for you...like higher freelance salary or paid vacation time.
Need help connecting with some great Creative Hiring Managers or preparing for an interview? Contact Artisan Talent today. Our skilled Recruiters are ready to match you with the perfect position.
Looking for more help in finding your next job? Check out some of our recent resources:
- How to Market Yourself Online
- How to Get the Most from Working with a Recruiter
- How to Stand Out in a Competitive Job Market
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Editors Note: "How to Convince a Hiring Manager You're The Right Person for The Job" has been revamped and freshened up for accuracy, timeliness, and to help you get that job.
