How to Demonstrate 5 Intangible Qualities Hiring Managers are Looking for

Are you currently considering a new career opportunity, or perhaps already preparing to interview for your dream job? If so, you’ve probably wondered what qualities the hiring manager is looking for and how you can demonstrate them effectively, in order to secure the position.

The fact is, even if you’re the ideal candidate on paper, you might not get hired if you’re unable to showcase the specific traits the employer deems necessary for joining the team. In order to help you succeed in the selection process, we’ve compiled the list below to keep you up-to-date on the five qualities hiring managers are most commonly looking for and how to demonstrate them.

1. Competency

One of the most important qualities a candidate can possess is competency—will you be able to succeed in the position your applying for? If this is your first round of interviews, and you can’t convince the hiring manager you will be able to not just perform, but excel at the required duties—you probably won’t be moving forward in the selection process.

In order to show you’re capable of executing the responsibilities the job requires, you should come prepared to articulate detailed examples from your previous positions which illustrate the results you’ve achieved. Stumbling over your words or spending time searching your brain for situations to relay won’t help instill confidence that you’re a competent candidate. 

Before you’re even offered an interview, there are many ways you can begin to make the case for your competency. For example, something as simple as following all of the directions for submitting your resumé can go a long way toward a prospective employer wanting to learn more about you.

2. Compatibility

Hiring managers want to feel confident you’ll be compatible with your potential coworkers and in tune with the core values and overall culture of the company before they’ll offer you the job.

You should be affable during your interview and also unafraid to smile or laugh. Being professional doesn’t mean you can’t be personable. More importantly, do your research. Find out as much as you can about the company and its employees before your interview—this gives you a chance to come up with how to show you’re a good fit. For instance, if the company is heavily involved with charitable giving or environmental organizations, let them know about the volunteering you do within the community or that you spend all your free time hiking and camping.

3. Leadership

Employers want to know you’ll excel at your job without having to hold your hand at every turn. Demonstrating that you’re a team player, but also capable of taking charge when needed, is essential during the interview process.

Carrying yourself with confidence is certainly helpful, but being able to honestly evaluate your strengths and weaknesses is an even better way to showcase your leadership skills. Doing so effectively illustrates your ability to take ownership and hold yourself accountable—which in turn, makes others more willing to trust you in a leadership role.

4. Willingness/desire to learn

Being willing to learn a new skill or adopt a new way of doing things is an important quality to have both in and out of the workplace. It shows you’re flexible, manageable, and able to adapt to new environments.

A simple way to demonstrate your willingness to learn is to ask plenty of questions about the company and their operations during your interview. Conveying genuine interest and enthusiasm when learning about your potential employer signals you’ll more than likely be receptive to learning in other areas as well.

5. Positivity

Last but not least, employers are looking for candidates with a positive attitude. You may have a smile on your face, but hiring managers will ultimately judge you based on the way you respond to certain question during your interview.

Avoid including negative information in your responses. For example, when you’re asked why you want to leave your current job, you should resist the temptation to trash your employer or criticize your coworkers in your answer. Not only does it show your ability to turn negative in an instant, but it also reflects poorly on your character.
 

Now that you know five qualities hiring managers are looking for, and some effective methods for demonstrating them, you should be able to go into your next interview with a whole new level of confidence—and that’s something that won’t go unnoticed by any prospective employer.