Hiring managers often have a specific set of qualities they are looking for on resumes as well as specific questions they want answered during an interview. Often there are key words or phrases managers expect to hear that explains the candidate's personality and work ethic. Candidates write numerous applications during a job search and mistakes are made that keep them from drawing attention. Having been a manager for three years I can tell you some of the common mistakes that kept me from hiring candidates.

1. Explain qualifications
   When writing your cover letter explain your qualifications whether you are overqualified or lack experience. Even though a personalized cover letter will take more time, it will set you apart from other candidates. If you are overqualified for the position let us know why you are applying, because if you don’t we will think that you don’t understand the position or you will be bored. If you lack certain qualifications make sure to address the other transferable skills and experiences that you have.

2. Don’t show up too early
   When arriving for an interview, it is possible to get there too early. Many hiring managers will get annoyed if you show up more than five or ten minutes early, because they feel obligated to interrupt what they are doing to greet you. You should try to be five minutes early, but no more. On the opposite note, if you got lost or are running a few minutes behind call to give me a heads up so I don’t assume you aren’t coming.

3. Dress appropriately
   You want to make sure to dress according to the instructions given. If the job description states that hair must be a natural color, please don’t walk into the interview with pink or purple highlights. If the information states to come in business casual for the interview, I don’t want to see you in jeans or flip flops. Although our actual job didn’t require employees to wear business attire, you want to look professional in the interview for a good first impression.

4. Ask questions
   For interviews we often used a slideshow presentation to help employees understand more about our company and the specifics of the job. Often times candidates would not ask a single question during or after the process. This made me think they weren’t paying attention or weren’t interested in the position. We want you to interact by asking questions, because this is one of the only ways for us to get to know you beyond your resume.

5. Personality matters
   This one is difficult for a candidate to know unless they have a direct connection with someone in the company, but your personality and attitude are keys to getting hired. We need someone who is going to connect with the employees we already have. Some job descriptions will use personality qualities like outgoing, responsible or friendly so make sure we see those qualities and tell us about some past experiences that include those descriptions.

The retention of employees is important to keep the company running at full capacity without having to constantly recruit which means I want to make sure you are coming to work for us for the long haul. I don’t want to put my effort into training you if you are constantly looking for the next opportunity. Our company did a lot of hiring from within for lead, supervisor and even new manager positions, so I was also looking for candidates with leadership qualities who have potential to step up in difficult situations.

Mistakes happen to everyone, but when job hunting you want to make sure everything is perfect in order to get hired. Managers want to see that you can fit in with the other employees as well as make sure you are serious about staying with the company. Keep these tips in mind the next time you go to an interview. Good luck!