It seems that competition in the job market is becoming increasingly difficult for many job candidates, especially those that are in any type of niche industry. As companies continue to look for the perfect candidate for their needs, it may help you to understand what the hiring manager is looking for in their job candidate.
Here are just a few of the pieces a hiring manager will look at before deciding if you are right for their position:
- Referrals go a long way and are becoming increasingly popular among hiring managers. If you are referred to the hiring manager, you will stand a better chance of at least getting a full resume read and an interview. It is your job to get those referrals, and what better way than to network!
- Most hiring managers today will immediately research a candidate’s name online before doing anything. If you are engaging online and have worked on branding yourself, you will have nothing to worry, as their search will put you front and center. However, if you have not taken the time to build your brand, you may get tossed in the maybe pile. It is important that you take the time to build your brand. Of course, it will not happen overnight, but start building it today.
- While networking is important, more important in a hiring manager’s eyes is that you continue to increase your skill set and learn new things. Make sure that you are finding ways to better yourself, increase your skill set, and keep new ideas fresh. It may not always be taking a class or a seminar, but could also involve teaching others, volunteering, or becoming a mentor. The important thing is to continue growing.
Hiring managers today are looking for candidates that have the whole package. More than just having the necessary skills and experience, you must demonstrate networking, an online brand, and continued learning. Are you giving hiring managers what they are looking for?
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