TIPS FOR MANAGERS

May 24th, 2011

Inside Tips from Hiring Managers

In the market for a job?  Know this: Here are some tips hiring managers want you to know.  Interviews with Human Resources (HR) experts share some important information:

1. -  Don’t assume anybody will read your cover letter. One HR director at a financial company admits he hasn’t read a cover letter in 11 years.  Therefore make sure all the relevant information is in your résumé.
2.  Even though you may have a great résumé, and tons of experience, the best way to be considered for a job is to know the right people. So, start networking! Go to business gatherings, start a blog to showcase your expertise, and comment on other people’s articles and blogs so you’ll get noticed in a positive way.
3.  You will be judged on your email address according to Philadelphia recruiting consultant Rich DeMatteo.  That means skip inappropriate addresses like, “PartyBaby” or anything that sounds too personal, like “Muscle Buff.” Use a professional-sounding address with some version of your name, like SamBailey@Gmail.com.”
4. A lot of managers are reluctant to hire parents of young kids since they’re more likely to need flexible hours and use their sick days. It’s illegal to ask so they may use other tricks to find out. Executives have been known to keep a child’s pictures in their office, hoping applicants would mention their own kids while another executive walked interviewees to their car to check for baby seats.
5. During the interview don’t turn your cell phone to vibrate. Turn it off. Most phones on vibrate can still be heard in your purse or pocket.  You want look like you’re focused on the interview.
6. Wear a Suit to Every Interview to Improve Your Odds of Getting Hired.  Guys: If you have a job interview in your future, then wear a suit - even if you’re interviewing for a job at McDonald’s. Top executive job recruiters suggest you should be dressing formally for every interview, no matter what the position. Why?  There’s been a backlash in recent years to “business casual” look, which some executives now refer to as “sloppy dressing.” That means a growing number of hiring managers are giving preference to candidates who wear a suit to the interview - even if the “normal” work dress code is flip-flops and shorts!  Recruiters recommend dressing up in a nice, tailored dark suit, a white shirt, and a solid coloured tie.  Show some personality by choosing a tie with crisp shapes.   No novelty ties! The only reason you shouldn’t wear a suit to interviews is if you’re explicitly told not to. Women? Experts say women have more leeway – but what you wear should express the same seriousness and formality. No short skirts, skimpy tops or too much make up and over done hair.  Your look needs to seem simple.  Employers are more concerned about your productivity than your looks.