How to Get Job Offers (Real Talk from a Hiring Manager)

I recently hired someone incredible. Not because she checked every box. Not because she had a perfect resume. But because she stood out, and I want to tell you why.

Her resume? It was a 71 percent match, according to our hiring software. Not perfect. But I knew within minutes that she was “the one.” 

Here are 4 Reasons Why I Gave Her a Job Offer

Her Energy Was Unmistakable

She showed up to the interview genuinely excited. Some might say she was “a little extra,” but I saw someone who was fully engaged and ready to learn.

In a sea of candidates trying to play it cool or recite polished lines, her energy made me lean in. And that’s the first thing I tell anyone prepping for interviews: enthusiasm matters. You don’t have to be bubbly or extroverted. But your body language, tone, and presence should say, “I want to be here.”

Your takeaway: Employers want people who want the job. Let that show. Be prepared, be interested, and don’t hold back your excitement. Confidence is contagious.

Her Application Sounded Like Her

Her cover letter and resume had personality. I could tell she’d used a template or maybe even AI to help structure things, but she’d clearly made it her own. Her writing had a voice. It didn’t sound like a robot. It sounded like her.

That authenticity stood out. In a pile of generic documents, hers was the one I remembered.

Your takeaway: Use all the tools at your disposal, but then go one step further. Inject your personality. Tell a short story in your summary. Show us who you are, not just what you’ve done.

She Said She Wanted a Challenge

Instead of pretending she had all the answers, she told me what she wanted to learn. She spoke candidly about where she’d need mentorship. And that level of humility? It made me trust her more.

Too often, candidates think they need to appear “flawless.” But I’d rather work with someone who’s aware of their growth edges than someone trying to pretend they don’t have any.

Your takeaway: Self-awareness is a superpower. Know your strengths, but also be honest about what you’re working on, then make sure the hiring manager knows you are up to the challenge…maybe even looking forward to the challenge. This shows maturity, clarity, and emotional intelligence.

She Was Committed

She told me, “I’m looking for a place to stay and grow.” That line stayed with me. It told me she saw her future here, and that she wasn’t just looking for the next stepping stone.

In a world where job-hopping is common and attention spans are short, commitment is refreshing.

Your takeaway: Make your long-term intentions known. Show your interest in the company’s mission, not just the paycheck. Hiring managers don’t just hire skills; they hire people they believe will stay and contribute.

What Doesn’t Get Job Offers

Let’s talk about what most candidates get wrong.

• Reading your resume aloud when asked to “Tell me about yourself.”
• Saying you’re a “perfectionist” as a strength. It’s cliché and tells us nothing.
• Over-rehearsed answers that sound stiff and memorized.
• Dodging weaknesses instead of owning them with a growth mindset.

You don’t need to be perfect. But you do need to be real.

Job Offers Come From Real Connection

The truth is, I didn’t hire her because she was the smartest person in the room. I hired her because she made me believe in her future.

That’s what job offers are built on.

So if you’re doubting yourself, if you’re wondering whether you’re qualified enough, pause and remember this: You don’t have to check every box. You just have to show up with self-awareness, enthusiasm, and a story we can believe in.

Get Hired Faster 

If you’re navigating job interviews, awkward networking convos, or trying to land more job offers in your inbox, you don’t have to figure it out alone.

Each week in The Independence Lab newsletter, I share practical strategies to help you:

• Land interviews and job offers with confidence
• Build your career story (and tell it well)
• Grow emotional intelligence and resilience
• Handle tough workplace situations with clarity and confidence

💌 Subscribe today. It’s your weekly boost of career clarity, EQ tips, and the exact tools I wish I had when I was just starting out.

Let’s get you the job offers you deserve.