Part advice column, part career resource, we are here to answer your questions about job searching, hiring, culture concerns, recruiting, and business in general. If you have a question you want us to answer, submit it HERE. Be sure to tune in every Monday as we answer the questions that YOU want to know the answers to.
Q: What are hiring managers looking for in a candidate?
This is an interesting and tricky question because ultimately, it depends on the job, the candidate, and the company. A question like this is exactly why working with Advanced Hires is the most beneficial choice for someone looking for a quality job in the technology or IT industry. Advanced Hires does in-depth scoping calls with each client in order to figure out what exactly they are looking for. We are then able to select top candidates who would be the best fit based on this information. To learn more about working for us, please contact us using the form on our website. In the meantime, here are some general things hiring managers look for in a candidate:
- Obviously they look for someone who fits the job description. But that doesn’t mean they must fit it exactly. Oftentimes there is wiggle room. A great candidate is a great candidate, you just need to have the mix the hiring manager is looking for.
- Everyone wants a qualified and strong candidate, but it’s also really important to find someone who is trustworthy and responsible too. It’s not all about hard and soft skills; many hiring managers want someone who is a genuine person as well. Which leads us to…
- Culture fit is key. You could be an excellent candidate but if you are extroverted and the team you’re working with is more internal and quiet, it might not be a good culture fit. Hiring managers are looking for someone who will mesh well with the whole company.
- Someone whose goals and values align with the company. This touches upon culture fit, but also applies to career growth; you and the hiring manager want to be on the same page about where you see yourself in the future.
Again, this is why it’s important to work with a recruiter like Advanced Hires. We have access to all this information, thus saving you time and keeping you from applying to jobs where you won’t be a fit, and lining you up with jobs that will perfectly match what you (and the employer) are looking for.