Interviewing Tips
Job #1: Research!
Remember the old scouting motto that
emphasizes being prepared? There is no place that this
advice is more pertinent than in the executive interview process.
Certainly you will need to prepare and
rehearse answers to the most often asked questions (What are your
strong points? What are your weak points? Why are you looking for a
new position? .....etc.). And it goes without saying that you must
"dress for success," presenting the image and decorum that
bespeak confidence and success. But before that Armani suit or the
answers to these questions can do you much good, you will need to
have done some serious homework on the company with whom you are
interviewing.
We are not talking about a cursory look here.
You will want to research the company thoroughly--in your library, on
the Web, through phone calls and networking. Obtain a copy of the
company's annual report, if available. What are the company's
products and/or services? Annual revenues? Target market? Philosophy,
organizational culture, strategic plans, short- and long-term
objectives?
Once you have learned absolutely everything
you can about the company, you will need to analyze this information
to determine how your unique combination of skills and experience may
be of particular benefit to them. If you arrive for your
interview armed with specific knowledge of what the employer's
requirements are and exactly how you fill the bill, the battle will
be half won before you shake hands!
*******
There are numerous excellent books on
interviewing which will help you prepare answers to the toughest
questions an Inquisition-style interview panel can muster. My
favorite is Wendy Enelow's Winning Interviews for $100,000+ Jobs,
Impact Publications, 1999. It will prepare you well for various types
of interviews (such as informational/networking, telephone or
electronic screening interviews, and one-on-one, serial, and panel
hiring interviews).
Available exclusively through career
transition professionals is a powerful video seminar on interviewing
techniques. This 105-minute tape used by executive recruiters to
train their top candidates covers everything from A to Z about
interviewing with confidence. To learn how to obtain a copy, inquire
with me directly.
 
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