Successful Interviewing

Much of the work we do with our candidates involves "interview preparation." Since all of our clients and candidates are different, successful strategies vary from interview to interview, and we determine the best way to coach candidates by learning about their experiences, strengths and personalities.

There are no generic approaches to interviews, but there are a few universal principles. These are some of the guidelines that we present to our candidates:

  1. Interviews are opportunities for you to demonstrate how you will do a job, not to repeat what's already on your resume. Your interview is a chance for you to show the person you're meeting what you will do to help the company increase profits.
  2. This requires an understanding of the company, its mission, goals, and strategies. We will help you with that. YOU must prepare to go into the interview with ideas and energy. Don't look at the interview as a discussion about your last five years in retail. The interview should be an exchange of ideas.
  3. Be an active participant in the interview. Ask questions, paraphrase and identify what challenges your interviewer is facing and express how you will fill his/her needs.
  4. Communicate clearly, concisely, and confidently. Let the interviewer know how you can help him. Let him know that you are there not to get a job, but to do a job.
  5. Follow up with your interviewer in writing, preferably with a note, but at least an email. Thank her for the interview and express confidence that you can do great things for her company.
  6. Contact your recruiter immediately after the interview. Share your impressions of the meeting and express any questions or concerns you have.

Our executive recruiters are trained to help you with interview preparation. Although preparation is key to successful interviewing, your experience, skills, ideas, and energy are the most important elements of the interview. When you walk into the interview, be confident that your recruiter and your interviewer believe you have these elements; you wouldn't be there if they didn't.

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