Here are Four Things Hiring Managers Won't Tell You

Hiring managers are under pressure to find the best candidates at reasonable cost, motivating them to be resourceful and find information beyond what you provide. As a result, hiring practices aren't always aboveboard, and prospective candidates have no way of knowing whether professional qualifications or arbitrary reasons caused them to lose a job. Most job seekers occasionally feel shortchanged by hiring managers, and spotting these common rejection ploys can help you level the playing field.

1. Family Matters

Mentioning your children or recent nuptials in an interview could end your candidacy. Many hiring managers assume having a family or plans to start one may prevent new employees from focusing on the job. This discriminatory mindset especially targets women, who presumably devote less time to work because of family obligations or maternity leave.

While employers can't legally ask about family status, interviewers may use roundabout strategies to dig for details. Be wary when interviewers repeatedly mention kid-oriented activities or ask about your weekend plans, both of which are typical techniques for evaluating your priorities. Some hiring managers even check for wedding bands or plant emotional triggers such as photos of children around the room to encourage you to volunteer information. Avoid these land mines by keeping all answers related to the job.

2. Negotiation Works

When hiring managers commit to finalizing a hire, they're often willing to budge on the salary or benefits package. Smart recruiters realize the cost of dragging out the hiring process is higher than offering a one-time signing bonus, a relocation stipend or a few extra vacation days. In a 2012 LearnVest article, a hiring manager anonymously admitted to hiring women for 65 to 75 percent of what he paid men because female applicants rarely negotiated. For the right candidate, employers are willing to make a flexible deal, but it's up to you to advocate for a better job offer and explain why you're worth the additional expense.

3. Recruiters Investigate

Nervous job seekers try to contain negative information by using HR representatives or friends as references, but hiring managers have their own networks. Experienced recruiters are well-connected and may consult your former colleagues for off-the-record background checks regarding your work habits or reason for leaving. Social media also gives recruiters the opportunity to investigate your credentials, personal life or recreational behavior. Strangers sending sudden friend requests might be undercover hiring managers trolling your profiles.

4. Compromise Pays

Quitting an unpleasant job can disqualify you from receiving severance or unemployment compensation, which is why unscrupulous employers prefer to drive you away rather than fire you. To cut costs or keep an employee during a busy period, an employer may negotiate a mutual separation, providing a one-time payment and exit package that is beneficial to you and the company. Of course, most bosses won't present this option upfront, making it essential to negotiate your separation instead of walking out empty-handed.

Hiring managers have to navigate tricky employment laws, and they may use secretive methods to uncover your weaknesses. While it's not a crime to adore your family or display questionable photos on social media accounts, hiring managers make quick judgments based on these superficial details. If you want to survive the unofficial screening process, guard your personal life, and present the same professional image across all channels.

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