18.

Identify What Employers Are Looking For

I am a college professor, an author, a career counselor—and a boss. As a boss, when I hire people, I look for the following:

• Someone who fills most or all of the three or four key requirements for the job.
• A referral from someone whose judgment I trust. This tells me you're someone who's been vetted and can do the job.
• A well-written résumé that's professional both in content and presentation, clear, and to the point. This will indicate your experience and suitability for the position.
• Good follow-up throughout the process, including the following:

  • Did the candidate confirm the interview in a well-written email?

  • Did he or she bring the materials I requested to the interview?

  • Did the candidate arrive early?

  • Is he or she appropriately dressed?

  • Did the candidate offer a firm handshake and a smile?

  • Did I get a thank-you after the interview?

  • Did the candidate supply any additional materials I requested in a timely manner?

  • Did the candidate behave professionally throughout the entire process?

In other words, it's not just about the interview itself; it's the entire process that gives the employer a sense of whether you're a professional.

When I conduct an interview, my entire team is present. This is similar to the increasingly popular “panel interview.” After all, the new member has to work with all of us, and we all have to want them to join us. The interview should close the deal by making me—and my team—fairly certain that you'll be a good fit. Here's what they look for:

• Is this person someone I'd want to live with? (We spend more of our waking time with people with whom we work than we do with our loved ones!)
• Is this person likable and upbeat?
• Is this person intelligent and articulate?

One more thing: Whether you're friendly and someone I want to spend time with—in other words, your personality—is becoming increasingly important.