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• You and Your Recruiter – Tips for a Great Relationship
• Preparing for the Interview – Know the Right Stuff
• During the Interview – Know your DOs and DON’Ts
• The Closing Arguments – Wrapping up the Interview
• Leaving Your Post - The Right Way to Resign

You and Your Recruiter – Tips for a Great Relationship

Sure the recruiter has been hired by a client employer to fill an open position, but without a pool of qualified candidates the recruiter's job is impossible. Therefore, it’s important for the recruiter to establish and maintain good relationships with potential candidates.

A good recruiter becomes a valuable and trustworthy member of your job search network and can play a crucial part in helping you move ahead in your career. The following points are important to keep in mind when choosing to work with an executive recruiter.

A good recruiter SHOULD:

• take you and your goals seriously
• completely understand your field of specialty and have expertise placing candidates in your industry
• completely understand the position and job level you are looking for
• keep your information confidential until disclosure is necessary for your benefit
• have an outstanding reputation and be able to back it up with references
• be able to provide assistance with resume writing, techniques for interviewing and general career advice
• have good communication skills and be available to discuss your concerns
• have a personality that clicks with your own

• charge you, the candidate, a fee for services
• present your resume to a client without your permission
• pressure you to submit a resume or interview for a job that does not suit you
• discuss your qualifications with any other candidate or visa versa
• embellish or fabricate the job description
• be discourteous or abrasive
• exhibit unethical behavior

You, the candidate, SHOULD:

• be truthful about your qualifications and work experience
• keep your recruiter updated when anything new occurs
• maintain regular contact with your recruiter
• be willing to make certain compromises
• be confident and upbeat

Congratulations! You have now reached a pivotal point in your job search. The employer
likes what they have heard from your recruiter and seen on paper and now they want to meet you. Being well prepared for the interview is crucial in making a good impression. Human resources directors, company managers and interviewers often lament over how ill prepared and vague some candidates are, so make sure you’re prepared and have a set of questions and answers ready to discuss.

The following are some of the most important elements to consider when preparing for your interview:

• Make sure you know the precise location and time of the interview, the name and title of the person you are going to see and the position you are interviewing for.
• If you must travel to an unfamiliar city or location, get directions and arrange your transportation well ahead of time.
• Do your research. Find out the basic facts about the company, such as:

b) what products and/or services the company provides

c) the approximate number of employees

d) how it has grown in the past and what its growth potential for the future looks like

• Do your homework. Make sure you know the facts about your current/former company. You should be expected to know the details about your past position and the company operations.

• Be prepared to ask some questions of your own. Remember, not only are you and your qualifications being examined for a new position, but also you must interview your potential new employer to make sure it is the right opportunity for you. It is acceptable to prepare notes in advance and bring them with you. Consider some of these points:

• Make sure you have plenty of extra copies of your resume to bring with you.

• Plan to dress conservatively. If in doubt, darker colors are preferable to lighter ones in most instances.
• Have your interview outfit and all the materials you need to bring ready the day or night before the interview.
• Try to get enough sleep the night before the interview.

Well, the day has arrived. Soon you’ll be face to face with your potential employer. You have already done the preliminary groundwork, so it’s time to relax and make a good impression. Here’s how with some simple and not so simple DOs and DON’Ts:

DOs

• Be on time or a few minutes early. Barring extenuating circumstances (like a natural disaster) there is no excuse for being late for a job interview.
• If you are asked to complete an application, fill it out neatly, truthfully and entirely. Even though some of the information may be duplicated on your resume, DO NOT write "see resume," simply repeat the information. Always write "OPEN" when asked to fill in salary requirements.
• Greet the interviewer with a firm handshake and a smile.
• Use the interviewer’s surname when you are greeted (i.e. Ms. or Mr. Jones). Politely ask the interviewer to repeat his or her name if you are unsure about how it is properly pronounced.
• Wait until you are offered a chair before sitting down or wait until the interviewer is seated.
• Be aware of your posture and expressions whether seated or standing. Sit upright in your chair. Always look attentive and interested. Maintain good eye contact. Remember to smile.
• Be a good listener and, of course, a good speaker.
• Follow the interviewer’s lead in conducting the interview. Even if he or she has a more casual approach, maintain a formal and business-like demeanor.
• Without being pushy, try to find out the exact job description and duties early enough in the interview so that you have time to go over your qualifications and to "sell" yourself.
• Be detailed without going off on extraneous tangents.
• Be positive and sincere. Sell yourself with honesty and integrity. You have the power to get noticed and to make the interviewer see why you would be an asset to the company. Remember to smile.

• Be enthusiastic in your responses and feedback. If you are interested in the position, your enthusiasm will certainly work for you and will increase your chances of being considered. Even if you are not interested in the position, you will have left a good impression with the interviewer. You never know when you’ll need that company’s door opened again or where you’ll meet up with the interviewer in another situation.

• Never lie or fabricate information. Always answer questions truthfully and as candidly as possible.

• Do not smoke. Even if the interviewer is smoking and offers you a cigarette, politely decline.
• Never make disparaging remarks about your current or former employers. Even if your current situation is intolerable, maintain a positive attitude.
• Do not bring up salary, benefits or anything related to compensation at the first interview. If the interviewer asks for your salary requirements, you may state what you have earned in the past, but emphasize that you are more interested in a challenging and promising opportunity than in a specific salary.
• Avoid answering questions with simple "yes" or "no" statements. Explain yourself clearly and make sure your answers relate to the job position.
• Don’t become overly friendly or personal with the interviewer. Even if you seem to be hitting it off well, make sure your conduct remains professional and serious.
• On the other hand, never be discourteous or curt with the interviewer. Even if the professional chemistry just isn’t there. This may just be the first step toward meeting with an interviewer you will like.
• Never state that you desperately need the job. If you are interested, emphasize why you would be an asset to the company

Though you certainly should give detailed answers to the interviewer’s questions, you should avoid saying "too much" or "over answering" the questions. Articulate what you can bring to the company and to the position. Make sure your answers relate, for the most part, to the specific job.
 

If you are asked a general question like "what can you tell me about yourself," talk about how you and your experiences will benefit the company rather than discussing your personal life or family. Cite specific examples that demonstrate what you have accomplished in your professional career and how those experiences will help you succeed in your new position.

Other typical interview questions you should be prepared to answer:

• What type of position are you looking for?
• What are your strengths?
• What are your weaknesses and what are you doing to correct them?
• What appeals to you about the career you chose?
• What are your qualifications/skills/talents/accomplishments?
• What do you know about this company?
• Why do you want to work at this company?
• Why are you the perfect individual for the job?
• What will you bring to the company and to the position?

The end of the interview session is perhaps the most crucial part of the process. It’s your chance to make a final impression and reveal your interest in the position. It’s time to make clear, if you haven’t had the opportunity already: why you are interested in the position and what you can offer the company. Here are a few more guidelines to follow whether you are very interested in the position or not:

• If you are interested in the job, say so. Make one last "sale." Say that you are very impressed with the company and the people you have met. Tell the interviewer that you would be a valuable asset and that you have confidence in your ability to fit in with the company and do an outstanding job. Show your enthusiasm and eagerness. It will be a positive final impression for the interviewer.
• If a second interview is requisite, and you are still interested, ask for another interview soon. Continue to demonstrate your enthusiasm.
• If an offer is made right away, and you are absolutely sure that you want the job, it is perfectly acceptable to say yes on the spot.
• If you are almost sure that you want the job, but need some time to consider all the details, politely ask for some time to think it over. Do communicate a definite time when you will have made a decision, within one or two days at the most.
• Don’t be discouraged if no offer or commitment is made right away. Interviewers often need to meet with others in the company first or complete the interview process with additional candidates before making a final decision.
• If you feel the interview has not gone well or that you have already been rejected, try not to let your disappointment show. On occasion, an interviewer who is interested in hiring you may want to test your reaction to see how you handle a setback.
• Of course, remember to thank the interviewer for his or her time and consideration.
• Be sure to smile on your way out the door. Remember the lasting impression.
• Send a brief thank you letter within 24 hours even if you are not necessarily interested in the position. If you are interested in the job, do mention your interest again and briefly summarize why you would be an asset to the company.

Leaving Your Post - The Right Way to Resign
 

You have accepted the new position and feel great about the way your career is advancing. And, you certainly deserve it. There is one last task you must perform to complete the process of moving ahead: The Resignation.
 

Though resigning from you current position may seem daunting, you can leave your job with grace and professionalism and leave as good an impression on your former employer as you made on your new one.

Here’s how to carry out a professional resignation:

• Schedule an appointment with your boss (the sooner the better) and prepare a brief letter of resignation. Your recruiter can provide examples of a good letter and assist you in writing it.
• You needn’t be too detailed, but adding a general statement referring to your experience at the company as being positive is appropriate.
• When you meet with your boss, politely explain your decision and submit your letter of resignation.
• Do make sure you emphasize that your decision is final.
• Maintain your composure even if the atmosphere becomes tense or uneasy. Your boss may exhibit his or her disappointment, but don’t let that sway you.
• Set up another meeting to discuss details of the transition period. Assure your boss that you will help tie up any loose ends with efficiency and professionalism.
• No matter what, don’t burn bridges. Remember, you want to leave your former job with the same competent and professional image that you will be bringing to your new job.
• Finally, though it may be tempting, be very cautious of a counteroffer. In most instances it is never wise to accept a counteroffer.

THE TOP TEN REASONS NOT TO ACCEPT A COUNTEROFFER:

1. Your loyalty will probably always be in doubt.

Your employer knows that you are not completely satisfied in this job. Your relationship will have been altered permanently by your resignation attempt and they may question your commitment from now on.

2. Why does your company have to wait for you to resign before offering you a raise?

If you are such a valuable employee, you should be receiving what your worth. Do you really want to work for a company that only offers you a salary increase when threatened with resignation?

3. How are they managing the counteroffer?

Where is the money coming from? Is it money from your standard raise, only earlier than expected? Will this mean that your bonuses and raises from now on will be few and far between?

4. Your advancement status will certainly suffer

When it’s time to review your potential for promotion, you may be looked over. Remember point number 1, your loyalty will always be an issue.

5. You’ll be first on the list for downsizing

When forced to make cutbacks, your boss may consider your resignation and how easily they "bought you back." Though you may get ignored for promotions, you’ll certainly be a top choice for letting go when times are tough.

6. What they’ll be saying around the water cooler

As you know, news on the company grapevine travels swiftly. Relationships with co-workers will certainly suffer. Some may resent you and feel threatened by your
"guerilla tactics" for acquiring more money.

7. Accepting a counteroffer does not guarantee a better work situation

Your decision to move on was the right one. Stick to it. Remember why you resigned in the first place. Those issues and problems still remain. You may still desperately want out, but you’ve accepted a counteroffer, so you can’t possibly leave. It’s a vicious cycle.

8. The statistics are not in your favor

Studies show that statistically speaking, individuals who accept counteroffers have a higher probability of leaving within six months or being let go within 12 months. Not only will you not have the "rewards" of the counteroffer, but you also won’t have the job you should have taken in the first place.

9. You are better than a counteroffer

Your value as an employee is measured by more than what your company is willing to shell out to prevent you from moving forward in your career. Many other issues are at stake including job satisfaction in general, your career goals and the path to advancement. Trying to buy you back is insulting. Plus, it may just be a device to avoid the short-term inconvenience of hiring someone new.

10. Someone else will fill your position for a lower salary

Even with a counteroffer, chances are your current employer will attempt to find someone who will step in to your position for less money.