Nationwide Executive Recruitment From FPC

(F-O-R-T-U-N-E PERSONNEL CONSULTANTS)

You'll Value The Experience!

A successful interview is dependent upon many factors. Among these are preparation, presentation and follow-up. This information is offered by FPC of Topsfield to provide helpful tips in each of these key areas.

In much the same way as you might prepare for an exam, preparation for your interview will enable you to both address questions in the event they are asked and to participate actively and positively in the interview process. Showing insight and understanding, demonstrating how you "fit in" with the organization, and following through after the interview will also significantly increase your chances of securing an offer of employment.  Remember, an interview is a selling situation, not a semi-passive conversation.

PREPARATION

Your Personal Inventory

Anticipate what you are likely to be asked, and prepare your answers. Obviously, your strengths and special skills are attributes which you want to convey to your interviewer. Being able to specifically detail your accomplishments is very important.

It would be useful to make a list of your personal strengths and abilities. Knowing what is on that list will arm you for the type of questions you are likely to be asked. Familiarize yourself with the list, but don't prepare to make a memorized presentation.

Identify your goals and be ready to demonstrate how the prospective organization relates to them. Remember that your interviewer may probe about long-term commitment, so if you know where you want to be 5 or 10 years from now you'll be able to answer more confidently.

In anticipation of questions about any weaknesses, be prepared to explain how you might convert these to strengths in a different setting.

Researching the Company

Find out as much as you can about the prospective employer. Your FPC Consultant will help you understand the organization, its products and/or services, its clientele and its competition- web sites are particularly helpful. If time permits, obtain a copy of the company's most recent annual report. Also consult the internet and reference books such as Dun & Bradstreet, Moody's Manuals, and Standard & Poor's Records.   Trade and industry publications may also be helpful in giving the "extra margin" of information which shows your interviewer that you took the initiative.

Dressing For The Interview

 Your appearance will provide your interviewer with a first impression, even before you shake hands. Accordingly, dress, haircut, manicure and personal hygiene are essential in landing a position.

Men should wear a conservative business suit, preferably dark blue or gray. A white or soft pastel shirt complemented by a tie is appropriate.  Shoes should be well shined. Always carry a briefcase or professional quality writing folder.

For women, suits and blouses are proper, as are tailored conservative dresses. Again, a briefcase is desirable.  

Some caution in dress.

Men: avoid sport jackets, summer attire, and open collars. Loud plaids and stripes are out.

Women: no slacks or jeans (designer or otherwise). Don't carry a large shoulder bag.

The Countdown for the Interview

Up to this point, we've stressed preparation of an inventory nature; knowing yourself better, knowledge of the company, and planning and dressing for the interview. Now, a few logistical steps that can make the interview easier...

A day or two before the interview, call your FPC Consultant for a final briefing and to confirm details of your appointment. Including travel arrangements, interview agenda, names and titles of those you will meet, etc.

On the day of your interview, plan to arrive a few minutes early. Punctuality makes a good impression, so allow extra time for traffic delays. If for some reason you find you will be late, call your FPC Consultant to let him or her know you will not be on time. Your consideration will be appreciated.

When you arrive, it may be necessary to complete an application, whether or not you have submitted a resume. On any question of salary requirements in the application, it is advisable to state "to be discussed".

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PRESENTATION - THE INTERVIEW

First Impressions Count

It is here that all of your advance preparation will pay off. Your appearance, handshake, eye contact, confidence and ability to both answer and ask questions will set the tone for a successful interview.

When you meet your interviewer, smile, and greet him or her with a firm handshake. It is at this moment your evaluation has begun. An air of self-confidence will help convince the interviewer that you can handle the stress of this first meeting. Be observant, and quickly try to establish good rapport.  Enthusiasm for both the company and opportunity is essential.

Be Responsive

Remember, your interview time may be short, so you must get your point across quickly and concisely. Be both factual and sincere when stressing your achievements. While each interview is different, there are some questions which are almost certain to be asked. Your potential employer may want to know more about your education and previous work history, why you are considering a change, how you'd carry out the duties of the position, and how willing you'd be to relocate.

Listen Carefully

When asked a question you don't understand, seek clarification and respond accordingly. The skills in your "personal inventory" — the responses which you prepared before this interview — will allow you to answer with confidence and sincerity.

Be Positive

Interviewers are likely to ask pointed or potentially negative questions such as why you left your prior companies. Answer honestly, but in doing so try to respond positively. For example, if asked why you had changed jobs three times in five years, you might explain that each position offered a higher degree of challenge and fulfillment, and cite the accomplishments in each of the positions.

Be Professional

You should not be critical of your current or previous employers. To do otherwise suggests disloyalty. It also means that your entire demeanor must be positive. It is possible to be assertive and yet be tactful.

Preparing Your Own Questions (What To Ask - and Not Ask)

Asking questions about the company is an excellent interview technique. Such questions as "What will be most important for me to accomplish?" and "Why is the position open?" not only show the interviewer you're interested, they give you information to help you proceed with the interview. You should also make inquiries about the company's current status and future growth plans.
Do not ask questions about salary, benefits, vacation and the like. However, if asked about salary requirements, state your current earnings and say that you are open to a reasonable increase.

 
Closing the Interview

Before the conclusion of the interview, you should...

• Express your understanding of the position which was discussed.
• Enthusiastically indicate to the interviewer your interest in the position and ask what the next step is.
• If you are uncertain, remember there will probably be additional interviews that will give you the opportunity to form a judgment about the company and your prospects with it.
• Close the interview just as it began — with a smile and a handshake. Remember to thank the interviewer for the time and consideration which you have been given.

FOLLOW-UP

Immediately after the Interview, call your FPC Consultant at (800)536-2032.  It is important that the FPC Consultant have your input on the interview. He or she can more effectively represent you when following up with the company. At this time, the Consultant may suggest a phone call or short note to the company expressing your interest and restating your attributes for the job.  If you anticipate an offer, your FPC Consultant will help you carefully weigh the advantages and disadvantages. In fact, your Consultant will be of help throughout the process to secure a position and compensation package that's right for you.