Hiring managers are enigmas of the job search process. The entirety of a hiring manager’s job is choosing the best candidate for the company’s job opening. It weighs upon their shoulder to sort out hundreds of resumes, schedule and conduct interviews, and notify the department heads of the job opening’s outcome. The most successful job seekers get the best opportunities because they tend to think like the hiring manager. Here are the things you should know about a hiring manager:

A hiring manager chooses a resume that stands out

Yes its that simple. For every vacant position advertised, hundreds of resumes turn up in the hiring manager’s office. They don’t have the time to read each one, so they usually peruse through the resumes - (see 9 seconds). Then, they keep two piles: one for the rejected ones and the other for prospective interviewees. If you want to make to the latter pile, then you should create a stand out resume that’s readable and presentable. You can check our professional resume templates to help you write a professional resume that stands out.

A hiring manager wants you to customize your resume

Customization is the keyword. Pay attention to your resume, and the hiring manager will surely pay attention to you. Hiring managers are seasoned individuals who know when a resume is tailored to the specific job opening, or just a generic one ready for any kind of job opening. Remember, you want to give off the impression that you’re interested in – and able to do – the specific position.

A hiring manager looks for certain keywords that trigger a qualification

Since the hiring manager peruses your resume, use action words and keywords to convey your accomplishments and qualifications. And try not to repeat the same words. Use a Thesaurus for different variations. Hiring managers also love it when they see key words mirroring ones they use. So take a look at the job description and read the company’s annual report, and try to use similar wording. Hiring managers usually don’t waste time looking for the keywords, so make sure they stand out.

A hiring manager appreciates proofreading your resume

Hiring managers are sensitive about grammar and spelling errors. If they see any typo, into the trash your resume goes – or they make keep it for amusement purposes.

A hiring manager is impressed when you come in your best suit for the interview

Coming in for an interview with your best suit will impress the hiring manager because they believe you have invested considerable time and effort to make yourself more presentable. No torn jeans, t-shirts and shorts, but a Conservative business attire will speak at how professional you are.

A hiring manager appreciates preparedness from the interviewee

Since interviews are often scheduled days or weeks in advance, what really irks a hiring manager more than anything is unpreparedness – either showing up late, neglecting to bring documents or not knowing anything company. On the flipside, they love it when you are prepared – when they see you looked into the company, why you want to work there and what you can bring to the table. It shows professionalism and passion. So, get to know the company and industry. There are a multitude of resources out there, such as Hoover’s. Although your job application partially lies in the hiring manager’s hands, knowing what the hiring manager has in mind for a job opening will help you plan your course of action. Read more tips on how to prepare for a job interview.

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