What Do Interviewers Really Want to Hear From You?

After interviewing candidate after candidate with so-so responses and sub-par enthusiasm, hiring managers tend to get discouraged with the possibilities. By knowing what potential employers want to hear, you can be that breath of fresh air at the job interview, providing just the right answers to show the hiring manager that you're the right person for the job. Consider these six phrases that are music to an employer's ears.

1. "I Know All About Your Organization"

Hiring managers want to know that you did your research prior to the interview. Peruse the company's website, learn about the products and services, read bios of the top players, and scan news articles that name the organization.

2. "I'm Familiar With the Job Description"

Show the hiring manager that you reviewed the position description prior to the job interview and understand the requirements to be successful in the job. This shows that you're there for the interview because you know you're a good fit for the organization.

3. "I'm Flexible"

Hiring managers appreciate employees who are agreeable and adapt to change easily. You might need to work alone on a project and join a group of colleagues the next day. During the job interview, talk about a previous instance when you rose to a challenge and adjusted to changes in your work environment or habits.

4. "I Am a Loyal Employee"

Demonstrate for the hiring manager that you're a dedicated employee that sticks around for the long-term. Use the job interview as an opportunity to talk about your previous employers and the length of time you spent with each. Avoid badmouthing any past employer, boss or colleague. Ask about the opportunity for advancement with the hiring organization to show you're in for the long haul.

5. I Know How to Take Direction"

Hiring managers want employees who can hit the ground running without a lot of hand-holding from management. Use your job interview as a chance to talk about a time when you worked independently on a project that required a great deal of responsibility. Tell the hiring manager how you're able to start a task immediately after hearing instructions once, and talk about your ability to learn new processes quickly.

6. "Thank You for the Opportunity"

Always finish the job interview by showing your appreciation for the hiring manager's time. Thank every person on the interview panel personally. Follow up with an email or handwritten note thanking the hiring manager again and expressing your desire to continue the conversation in the future.

While your goal at any job interview is to be authentic and honest, it's still important to play to the hiring manager's preferences and the organization's needs. Remember to work these key phrases that hiring managers want to hear into the conversation.

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