Job seekers: Be the answer for hiring managers

Congratulations! You've secured a job interview at the practice of your dreams. You'd do just about anything to work there, and you've nervously prepared for weeks. But the hiring manager will interview a host of qualified candidates, so how do you stand out above the crowd and secure the position?

Use your network to determine the practice's biggest needs, says Tom Dezell, author of Networking for the Novice, Nervous, or Naïve Job Seeker. Think of anyone you know who might have the inside scoop on what backlogs and difficulties the job opening has created. Try using LinkedIn and other social networking sites to identify useful contacts. Once you know what problems a practice is facing, you can be prepared to show the hiring manager how your skills and experience will help fill the gaps.

The next step: Celebrate your new job.