What Hiring Managers Are Really Looking For

What do us interviewers really want in job candidates? You might be surprised by how simple the wish list is.

Work experience is usually the first item on the checklist when hiring managers read a resume. We ask: Where did this person work? What did he do? And, is his experience transferable? Most hiring managers only glance at an applicant’s education, preferring to focus on whether he or she has relevant work experience and accomplishments.
A Positive Attitude
A human resources manager is never lacking accomplished candidates to choose from. If a hiring manager has to choose between two equally qualified candidates, the person with the better disposition likely will win out. It makes sense. After all, who wants to spend 40 or more hours a week with a Debbie Downer? Everything you ask should be directed toward the job or information relevant to the company. Don’t try to nitpick, or try to find flaws in what people are saying. A cheerful, positive disposition is sometimes hard to find, but it’s instantly spotted.
Honesty
The startling number of candidates who misrepresent themselves alarms hiring managers. Prospective employees may exaggerate parts of their work history or disguise aspects of their personalities. The occasional candidate will even straight out lie. Most of the time, you can tell when something is being stretched for their benefit, and you can usually pick it up with body language. Pay close attention to the small things — you might be surprised.
The Small Things
You know exactly what you want, and usually within a couple of minutes of talking to the job seeker, it becomes clear why they will or won’t get hired. This market is very competitive. Hiring managers often have a number of people to choose from who have the technical or functional skills required for the position. The differentiators are the soft skills that sway them from one person to another. Don’t take those factors too lightly!
Examine candidates critically. What kind of attitude do they show? What kind of first impression do they make? Are they prepared? Do you articulate answers well? Do they show sincere interest in company? Are they courteous? These are significant and make an impact.
What other factors do you look for in a candidate?

Taken from http://Community.Ere.Net, posted by Ty Abernethy on March 10, 2011