Interview like the job is already yours.
Presenting yourself for a new position is its own skill, and it takes time most people don't have. Here is the advice our recruiters give candidates before every interview, so nothing about the process stays a mystery.
Choose ExecuSource as your placement firm and you get a partner who cares about the transition, not a resume forwarding service.
We have spent years building strategic partnerships with our clients, and most of them work exclusively with us during their hiring process. You will not find those openings on a job board. Let us make the introductions instead, and coach you through each round once we do. Your success is our success.
Settle these with yourself first
Answer these before the first conversation. The clearer you are on what you want, the faster your consultant can find it, and the more confident you sound when someone asks.
- What type of position are you seeking?
- What are your unique qualifications?
- What are your salary requirements?
- In which geographical location would you like to work?
- Do you have any limitations on the hours you are available for work?
- Which benefits are important to you?
- Which industry are you targeting?
How to get the position you want
An interview is a chance to sell your skills and abilities. Put your best foot forward and connect your experience to the work in front of you.
- Show up on time. Too early can put your interviewer under pressure, so aim for a few minutes, not a half hour.
- Wear your most professional outfit. First impressions mean everything.
- Bring at least two extra copies of your resume.
- Shake hands firmly with the person you are meeting.
- Be enthusiastic.
- Look your interviewer in the eye.
- Be a good listener.
- Sell yourself. Tell your interviewer why you feel you are qualified for the position.
- Answer questions with concrete examples of past experience.
- Have questions ready to ask the interviewer.
- Say you are interested in the position at the end of the interview.
- Ask what the next step in the process will be.
- Follow up with your ExecuSource consultant immediately after the interview.
- Send a thank you note immediately following the interview.
What costs strong candidates the offer
Every one of these has sunk an otherwise excellent interview. They are easy to avoid once you know to watch for them.
- Don't be late. If it is unavoidable, call to let them know.
- Don't wear casual clothes.
- Don't dominate the conversation. Let your interviewer lead the discussion.
- Don't talk about salary or benefits during the interview. ExecuSource will handle those details for you.
- Don't be a know-it-all. Admit what you don't know.
- Don't speak badly about a past job or a past boss.
Remember: interviewing is your opportunity to tell an interviewer about the experience that will make you effective in the new role. Want to go deeper on any of it? Ask your ExecuSource consultant, that coaching is part of working with us.