Over 25 years of employer post-interview debriefings has proven to me the disconnect that exists between the ways job seekers describe themselves in interviews and the level of position they are seeking. The job seekers/candidates did so even when they were briefed prior to their interview by my headhunter team to follow the appropriate interview protocol. They still ignored the advice or simply reverted back to old habits. Unfortunately, those candidates ended up kissing their opportunities for great jobs goodbye and I guarantee, you will too if you do not follow the following advice.

Interviewers are expecting a certain type of descriptive lingo based on the level of seniority of the applicant or candidate. In other words they are expecting you as an applicant or a candidate to describe competencies appropriate to your level of seniority. My observations are bolstered by a research report: Career Advisory Board Job Preparedness Indicator. The report was created by The Career Advisory Board and presented recently by DeVry University and Harris Interactive. Here are some of the findings from this comprehensive survey:

Surprisingly management applicants most out of sync

Job seekers for management positions are describing themselves in terms of what’s important to hiring managers for entry-level-positions.

These management applicants/candidates are describing themselves in terms of entry-level workers: work ethic, dependability, initiative, ability to work well with others, good time management, accountability, and communication skills and are therefore way off base. It is assumed that if you have made it to the management level you already have demonstrated your competence in these areas.

What employers want to hear? For management/executive positions

What interviewers want to hear from you is demonstration of a strategic perspective as well as clearly pointing out how you would fit into the overall picture of the organization. They are expecting you to demonstrate how you can lead and manage the company to where it needs to go.

Employers are seeking a manager with 

• High integrity: Do your actions and past performance demonstrate honesty and truthfulness?
• Global outlook: How the department/organization fits and competes with respect to global competition and emerging markets?
• Business acumen: Meaning the knowledge and understanding of the financial, accounting, marketing, and operational functions of an organization and the ability to make good judgments and quick decisions.
• Accountability: The obligation of the manager to account for his/her activities, accept responsibility for them, and to disclose the results in a transparent manner, including being responsible for entrusted money or property.

It is important therefore to describe yourself appropriately to the level of the position you are seeking.

For mid-level positions

If you are going for a mid-level job: Focus on problem-solving, strong communication, accountability, time management, and high degree of initiative.

For junior or entry-level positions

For entry-level job describe yourself in terms of: Work ethic, dependability, initiative, ability to work well with others, good time management, accountability, and communication skills.

Use the right words and get hired

Are you describing yourself with the right words? Check your resume “lingo” and your interview communication against the expectations as outlined above. Adjust your message to the appropriate level of seniority and see your offers multiply. Check out The Panic Free Job Search: Unleash the Power of the Web and Social Networking to Get Hired for more ‘best practices’ that will help you manage your career, get you promoted, and/or hired.

To find out more on how to craft your compelling message as well as how to painlessly attract employers and opportunities, pickup the groundbreaking book The Panic Free Job Search: Unleash the Power of the Web and Social Networking to Get Hired, Career Press, NJ. Paul Hill is a career and job search coach, author and speaker. You can hookup with Paul, live on Vokle every week for free job search help and Q&A or at www.TransitionToHired.com. Follow Paul Hill on twitter @GetHiredFastTrk