The Hiring Manager
The hiring manager is the biggest wildcard in the entire process, because his or her strategy varies so drastically from individual to individual. Therefore, you'll have to size up this character during the interview stage, unless you have some secret insight from another employee in the company, for instance.
Typically, this is one of the last steps in the hiring process. Therefore, it's likely that pretty much all of the candidates at this point are technically competent. At the end of the day, the hiring manager will probably hire the person that they like the best. It's often said in marketing that people "make decisions based on emotion and back them up with reason." In other words, if the hiring manager really likes you and has no strong reason to disqualify you, they'll justify to themselves why you're the best candidate based on it.
So, a lot of this is out of your control. You might have little in common with this person and might not share his or her interests. Faking who you are isn't going to get you anywhere. So here's what you can do: be yourself, be friendly, be cordial. Don't say anything too controversial unless you get the green light from the hiring manager's body language. And ultimately, follow his or her lead: if he or she wants to chit chat, don't be quick to cut to the chase. But if he or she is all business, don't waste his or her time with idle chatter.
Don’t Obsess, But Be Prepared
The hiring process is such a game that it can be frustrating to the point that you want to give up. The best candidate doesn't always get the job, but there are things you can do to increase your odds of being that candidate. If you keep these pointers in mind, and focus on applying only for those jobs where you are a great fit, I have little doubt that you'll find a position that you both work well in and also enjoy doing.
As much as we don't want to admit it, I think most of us know what our strengths and weaknesses are. So play to your strengths, sharpen your weaknesses, and give it your all. Take interest in the company and the job, because this is your career we're talking about. Your energy and body language oftentimes say more than your words, so take a genuine interest and you won't have to fake it.
Note: While I've been using a "war" theme for this article (just for fun), I don't really see job hunting as a battle—I just know it can feel that way when you're stuck in the process. Of course, I recommend being yourself, and would never condone being dishonest with potential employers. All's fair in love and war, but not in job hunting.
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