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   Executive Search - Management Consultants

Job Interview Tips

The tips that you will read below come from years of research as well as over 23 years of direct experience by the founder of MHESG – Marshall Hoebel.  Our advice is to practice these tips as often as often as possible so they become second nature to you when the skills are required on an actual interview. 

Remember that the more successful you are with your career or current position, the more open minded you should be in listening to recruiters who present realistic opportunities to you.  The best time to feel out new opportunities is when you don’t need to.  Use this time to selectively compare other opportunities to your current position and learn a little about your competition while you’re there.  You just might meet a few respectable professionals who might be able to help you – or vice-versa down the road.  If you are one of these successful professionals, be cautious as to who you meet and how often you take meetings for you don’t want to create the impression that you are looking for a new position if in fact you are not. 

Do not update your resume unless you are openly seeking a new opportunity.  This creates the impression when you meet someone that you are in fact looking around, otherwise your resume would not include your current job.  It also limits your power to negotiate toward the end of the interview process for the interviewer will think that you are in fact in need of a job and therefore will not be as willing to negotiate compensation with you.

Be cautious to whom you entrust your resume.  DO NOT send your resume to ANYONE without truly trusting that person.  Consider your resume a sacred script that directs and guides your career when in the right hands.  In the wrong hands your resume can work against you very easily.

Preparation and confidence

• Confirm the time, date and location of the interview and name of interviewer.

• Plan to get there with plenty of time to spare - Preferably EARLY.  There is no such thing as fashionably late here.

• Dress as if you were meeting with a client. That means professional business attire. No business casual or golf attire allowed even if the interviewer says it’s OK.

• If asked, bring certificates, references etc. and get them ready before interview day. Make sure your references have been notified prior to your meeting that they may be contacted and ask their permission if you may use them.  Your resume CV must be brought to every interview in the event that the interviewer doesn’t have a copy or lost it you can provide a fresh one and show that you are prepared for any mishaps. In fact, bring several copies as you never know how many people will be interviewing you.  And please check twice for spelling and grammatical errors

• Ensure the receptionist knows you are there and PLEASE be respectful and kind to the receptionist.  Believe it or not, some employers will ask the receptionist how you handled yourself.

Preparation

Study the company website thoroughly but don’t stop there.  In today’s electronic world, the Internet will provide much more than any company website such as: the deals that were recently won (or lost), change in executives, stock ups and downs, companies acquired, product lines gained or being developed, even current clients and references.  Study all this information prior to your meeting and you will be more prepared than anyone else interviewing for the position.

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