What really makes someone the right hire? In this episode of Get the Manager, Al DeBerry and Raluca Leibowitz dive into the hiring process and the qualities that can make or break a great employee.

With decades of HR experience, Raluca shares her perspective on what to look for beyond a resume—from personality, work ethic, integrity, and communication to cultural fit and a candidate’s genuine interest in the organization. They discuss the importance of being on time, making a strong first impression, preparing for an interview, and simply being yourself.

The conversation also explores internal promotions, salary versus hourly roles, employee trust, workplace culture, referrals, interview processes, and the growing role of AI in hiring and resumes.

Plus, the episode wraps with a Spotlight Karen of the Week and a conversation about handling difficult moments professionally—even when you've just lost your job.

In this episode:

What HR professionals really look for when hiring

Why personality and culture can matter more than experience

The importance of integrity and work ethic

Interview etiquette and common hiring mistakes

How to make a strong first impression

Internal promotions and the Peter Principle

Building trust between employees and HR

Why referrals can be valuable in hiring

AI, resumes, and the future of hiring

Why sometimes not getting the job is actually a good thing