Glamour’s Editor-in-Chief on Six Reasons Why She Would Hire You

Cindi Leive, Editor-in-Chief of Glamour, a very popular women’s magazine, recently penned an article titled” Six Reasons I Would Hire You.” She states that more women (and people in general) are looking for jobs than ever before. I found the article to be inspiring and reminiscent of what I want this blog to convey. So what are the six key steps that Leive lists? 

1. You’ve Done Your Homework

No, she is not referencing your biology homework. She is talking about the knowledge you possess about the company. Make sure you heavily research the company you are about to interview with. The best place to start is the Internet, of course. Look at its website in depth. Also research any articles where the company was mentioned. If you have friends who are aware of the company, ask them a few questions. Leive wrote something which stands true to this argument, “Your interviewer lives and breathes her company; when you’re in her office, you should too.”

2. You’re Into Something

Leive believes that you are more than just what is written on your resume, more than just where you went to college, your GPA, or your work experience. She writes one of my favorite words, passion. She wants to know where your interests lie and what you do when you are not working. Hobbies and interests can actually help you stand out from the crowd. Leive states, “Glamour's executive editor Wendy Naugle has a thing for people who have played sports: ‘It shows they can work well on a team and have some inner drive.’”

You may wonder how you can show your passions to a hiring manager. The best place to start is with your resume. If you have room, include an activities and interests section. Here, you can list and even describe some of the things you have done outside of the classroom or office. If the interviewer does not ask you about your interests or hobbies in an interview, find a way to incorporate it into an answer to a question. Your passions, interests, and hobbies are what make you a unique and well-rounded individual.

3. You Look Pulled Together

What you are wearing is so important! Like it or not, people judge other people. Business professional is almost always the best way to look when going into an interview. It’s better to be overdressed, than underdressed. In addition, make sure your clothing fits you properly. Showing up in a super tight or very baggy suit can look just as bad as wearing a sweatshirt.

4. You can think on your feet

Companies look for people who can handle almost anything that is thrown at them. Leive looks for candidates who are relaxed, comfortable with their surroundings, and most importantly confident. Show your interviewer that you are a ‘doer’ and a problem solver.

5. You don’t talk smack about your current employer

No matter how awful your previous or current job was, never ever should you speak poorly about it in an interview. It sends the interviewer the wrong message. More than likely, he will walk away remembering how awful your boss was to you over how excellently qualified you are for the position. Take Leive’s advice and tell your interviewer “how you’ve learned so much and are ready for a new experience.”

6. You ask for the job

Not many people have the guts to outright as for the job during the interview. However, Leive says that it can send a really great message to the interviewer and I agree. If you ask in the right way and have done an excellent job during the interview, you may just walk away with a new job!

I hope that you have found Cindi Leive’s advice as inspiring as I did. To view the original article, click here. You can also follow Cindi Leive on Twitter: @cindi_leive.