How to impress a hiring manager
This week, read the top ten ways to impress a potential employer and return next week for the top ten turn offs.
1. Confident, happy and positive attitude
2. Strong presentation, in terms of communication skills, dress and/or handshake
3. Provision of real life examples to demonstrate answers
4. Ability to illustrate how they stand out as a candidate
5. Clear career plan or aspiration
6. Enthusiastic and passionate about the role
7. Communicate the benefits they can bring the business
8. Prepare questions in advance to ask the interviewer
9. Displays a good understanding of the role
10. Is an active listener
"While each job is different, it seems that being happy and confident in a job interview does help improve the interviewer's opinion of a candidate," said Jacky Carter, director of Hays Personnel.
"If you smile, maintain eye contact and speak clearly, you present yourself as self-confident and assured about your ability to do the job," she said.
"Several clients also said they love it when a candidate uses industry knowledge during the interview. A handful of clients said they love it when a candidate answers a 'yes' or 'no' question with a detailed reply instead."
Turn offs for a hiring manager
Recruitment firm Hays Personnel Services has surveyed 102 employers to find out the top ten "turn ons" and "turn offs" when it comes to the job hunt.
The top ten ways to blow your chances are:
1. Poor verbal communication skills
2. Not answering the question asked
3. Not researching the company or role before the interview
4. Leaving a mobile phone on
5. Inability to provide solid examples of previous experience
6. Exaggerating experience or skills
7. Focusing on the negative rather than the positive in situations or experiences
8. Inability to answer technical questions
9. Arriving late
10. Not displaying an interest in the role
"Poor verbal communication skills, such as giving short answers, struggling to articulate answers, speaking quietly or not thinking before speaking, are all big turn-offs," said Hays director Jacky Carter.
By Kate Southam, Editor of careerone.com.au
