What HR Managers Look for in a Candidate

by Alex A. Kecskes

You applied for that manager’s position at the big utility company. Your cover letter and resume got you an interview. So now comes the hard part--making sure you’re the ideal candidate. But what do HR managers really look for? How do they score the perfect candidate? Here’s what goes on inside their heads during the interview:

Candidate’s bearing. Does he or she take pride in their appearance? Are they well groomed and well dressed? Do they look like they would fit in with the rest of the team?

Conversation/CV match. When they talk about themselves and their experience, does what they say agree with what’s stated in their resume? Do the dates and job details slip their mind or are they off?

Passion for the position. Is the candidate really enthusiastic about getting the job? Or are they looking for any job? Can they recount details of the job posting/advertisement? Do they know anything about the utility, its size, history, what geographic areas it serves?

Job bouncer. Does the candidate’s resume reveal that he or she bounces around from job to job? Too many job changes may suggest a person who can’t get along with supervisors or workers.

Spaced out attention span. Does the candidate really listen? Utilities managers must be able to listen and absorb complex information quickly. Does he or she change the subject often during the conversation? Do they answer questions as if they listened and understood them?

Assertive and confident. Is the candidate assertive and confident about his or her ability to fit in and do the job? Can the candidate convincingly explain how their educational background and prior job experience will serve the needs of the position and the utility overall?

For an added perspective, check out this video:

If you have any thoughts or suggestions on interviewing for a job in the utilities industry, feel free to share them in the comments section.