From the Hiring Managers Perspective

There are certain things that Hiring Managers want perspective employees to know before interviewing with them. Listed below are the twenty-one things you should know to help improve your job-searching skills.

1. Honesty: Your hiring manager wants you to be honest in all aspects of the interview process. If you are honest, it will be easier for them to place you in a good fitting job and reduce the chances that you are offered a job you will not be happy in.
2. Be Consistent: Every aspect of the hiring process is just as important as another; so don’t slack off by acting as though only formal interviews & writing samples are the deciding factor. Every factor plays a role in the hiring process and it is important you are consistent and consider every part just as important as the next.
3. Prepare Questions: To show that you have done your homework & are truly interested in the position, have questions ready to illustrate that you want to learn more about the position.
4. Thank-You Note: Always send a thank-you note promptly after an interview. Remember, if you have more than one interview; be sure to send a thank-you note after each one.
5. Show Some Interest: Show that you are interested in the job by checking in or asking about the timeline, but don’t come across as desperate! The last thing you want is for the Hiring Manager to think that this is the only option you have and you will take any job.
6. You Have a Weakness: It is beneficial to tell the Hiring Manager what your real weakness is to show that you are able to reflect on your work and that you are self-aware. If you make something up or avoid the question, you may end up in a position that is not the right fit for you.
7. Qualifications: If you are overqualified for the position, be sure to make a note that you are aware of it and it does not deter you from the position. If you do not let the Hiring Manager know, they may feel that you will get bored in the position or that you are expecting a higher salary that what is available.
8. Resume Objective: By putting an objective on your resume you are more likely to hurt your chances of it being looked at. Instead of putting an objective, use the space to display more of your accomplishments. If you would like to have an objective, it is better included in your cover letter.
9. Phone Interview Etiquette: Don’t forget that a phone interview is just as important as a regular interview. Try not to fall into the trap of becoming too casual, because you still want the Hiring Manager to think that you are a serious candidate for this position.
10. Job Offers: Don’t get too comfortable after an interview and expect to receive a job offer from something that you feel went great. Things can change quickly, so never put all of your eggs into one basket and keep interviewing until you actually receive a job offer.
11. References: The Hiring Manager may check references that you have not listed, as well as the ones you put down.
12. Enthusiasm vs. Stalking: There is a difference between being enthusiastic and turning into a stalker. Yes, Hiring Managers want to see enthusiasm, but they do not want to be bothered on a daily basis and you may be ruining your chances of getting a job offer by doing so.
13. Other Perspective: There are Hiring Managers that care about candidates and would never leave them hanging without confirming the decision about a position. Unfortunately, others do leave candidates questioning the results and it is frustrating.
14. Cover Letters: Make sure to change your cover letter around for each position you are applying for. If your cover letter is tailored specifically for one position, instead of being a generalized statement, it will make you stand out among the crowd.
15. Timing: It is possible to be too early for an interview. Remember to try and get to an interview no earlier than five to ten minutes before it is scheduled to begin.
16. Resume Descriptions: When writing your resume, try to stay away from using subjective terms. The Hiring Managers will learn from interviewing you and seeing your personality traits what you are like. Stick to putting experience and accomplishments on the resume only.
17. Key Question: “What did you accomplish in this job that someone else wouldn’t have?” Answer this question in each position that you put on your resume to make it stand out!
18. Work Experience: Both recent graduates and college students should note that Hiring Managers specifically look for work experience on resumes. Find a way to get some sort of work experience before you graduate, even if it is volunteer work, part-time, temporary, etc., you will need it!
19. Personality: Sometimes a Hiring Manager will feel that you do not fit a position based on your personality, simply because you need to fit in with the people who you will be working with and around. It may have nothing to do with the skills you possess.
20. Interview Talk: Try to keep your answers quick & concise. Say what you need to say to get your point across, but don’t drag on and on and lose the interest of the interviewer.
21. Bad Experiences: Come up with an alternative way to say that you had a bad experience with a previous employer; otherwise, you may give the Hiring Manager a bad impression. Looking for a new challenge, taking the time to find the right fit, etc., are all good ways to turn it around into a positive.

Source: http://finance.yahoo.com/career-work/article/109835/21-things-hiring-managers-wish-you-knew?mod=career-worklife_balance