How to Ace an Interview With a Hiring Manager
Now that you've successfully interviewed with the recruiter, getting an interview with the hiring manager usually means you're on the short list of candidates. Being among the finalists in the candidate selection process requires you to develop a rapport with the hiring manager. This is the time to show that you're not only qualified to do the work, but that you're a good fit for the company as well as the department.
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Instructions
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Read the job description again and compare it to your employment application. Review your notes from your preliminary screening and interview with the recruiter. List any questions the recruiter indicated that the hiring manager could answer; refine those questions based on the information gleaned through your previous interviews as well as further research about the job and the organization.
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Call the recruiter to thank her for the recommendation that the hiring manager interview you. If you have a positive relationship with the recruiter and feel comfortable doing so, ask questions about what to expect from the hiring manager during your next interview. Express your interest in getting a job offer and ask if she has any advice or suggestions for how to position yourself as the most suitable candidate for the job.
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Research position-specific interview questions. A hiring manager will likely want to know how deep your knowledge is about field, how well you can perform the job functions and the type of professional characteristics and traits you'll bring to the department.
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Practice your interview responses. Rehearse your responses until you feel comfortable enough to articulate why you want the job in a relaxed manner that allows your personality to show through. This is probably the interview that will determine whether you have the work style and interpersonal relationship skills that blend well with others. Therefore, practice relaxation techniques so you come across as someone the hiring manager and other employees will want to work with.
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Access online resources to learn more about the hiring manager. Check professional networking sites such as LinkedIn or career-specific organizations and networks, such as those for accountants, engineers, human resource professionals or lawyers. If you're registered on any of these sites, don't invite the hiring manager to become part of your network; just review the information you find online to understand his background, expertise and experience. Knowing more about the hiring manager you're interviewing with may put you at ease, which will help you in reaching your comfort zone during the meeting.
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Answer each question candidly and confidently. If you're having problems responding due to being nervous, it's perfectly all right to be honest about it. Hiring managers realize this is one of the final steps in the selection process and candidates will probably be a bit nervous. Ask questions during the interview that show you've done your research. If the hiring manager doesn't offer a tour, ask if you can see the facility. It's possible she simply forgot to offer you a tour, or she may have thought the recruiter showed you the facility.
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Conclude the interview on a positive note and ask when he intends to make a decision. In your thank-you note to the hiring manager, restate your qualifications and interest in the position.
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References
- Forbes.com; Acing the Job Interview; Scott Reeves; April 2006
- JobBank USA: Final Job Interview Secrets
- "Chicago Tribune"; In the Hot Seat for a Final Job Interview; Carol Kleiman; August 1993
- Law.com; Finish Strong: Making a Good Final Impression in a Job Interview; Valerie Fontaine, et al.; December 2010
