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First Impressions
FIRST IMPRESSIONS are often lasting ones! Because they often pivot
on the issues other than the obvious, you will find it helpful to
review carefully the following information which is based on various
experiences of our candidates and clients who have interacted during
the interview process.
Additional information is available in our Career Guide entitled
"GET IT RIGHT", a practical booklet focused on ways to
make a successful career change. For more information about this
valuable guide, click here.
If you find these tips helpful, you will want to check out our career
guide called Get It
Right. It is a practical guide for successful career change.
I. The Interview Process
Prepare: Always check the company's website so you can make informed,
intelligent comments during your conversations. Executives like
to have feedback on the data they have created and have made available
on line.
A. TELEPHONE INTERVIEWS:
Every contact you have with the employer, from Human Resources
to the Hiring Manager is strategic. Treat each phase as one more
opportunity to learn and to advance you to an offer, which is your
ultimate goal. Remember that you have nothing until an offer is
made!
Get in a quiet place. Speak clearly into the telephone. If possible,
do not use a portable or mobile telephone, and avoid talking when
you have distractions of any kind. Be energetic, dynamic, positive,
and articulate.
Ask: "How do you compare my skill set relative to your position?"
And listen! You are on the telephone to learn, as well as to present
yourself. Indicate that you have consulted their website, and ask
if other information regarding the position or company is available
for your review.
Close: "Thank you for the opportunity to speak with you today.
What you have told me is very interesting. When may I anticipate
hearing from you?"
Taboo Topics: Avoid conversation about Religion and Politics, PERIOD!
If either subject comes up, a safe answer is: "I'm a conscientious
American who tries to vote regularly!" or "I'm a golden
rule believer!" The interview setting is not the time to state,
debate, nor philosophize about your views whether liberal, moderate,
or conservative.
B. PERSONAL VISITS:
Personal interviews are opportunities for both parties to learn
more about each other. Employers are interested to observe how you
relate personally with their team, and how you conduct yourself
in many interactive situations.
Arrive early: At least 15 minutes before the scheduled appointment.
This helps you to be calm, relaxed, and confident. Take my card
with you. If your trip is delayed for any reason, call me first.
If I am not available, call the person with whom you have your first
appointment at the company, and ask that the information be relayed
to each person scheduled to meet you.
Call me: As soon as possible, call me with your observations about
the interview. This is very important because I want to hear from
you before I speak with anyone at the company with whom you have
visited. As your "Negotiator", I must know your observations
to be effective on your behalf.
Questions asked: Ask questions pertinent to this position, the
company, the team, and the future of this position. Base your questions
on your prior research and thought. Listen, listen, listen. Offers
are often lost when the candidate chatters on with meaningless personal
information. As a safe guide, be sure you are talking only 30% of
the time in any interview!
You to Them
- What are the responsibilities of this position?
- What is a typical day for this employee's duties?
- What have been the primary challenges for my predecessor?
- What type of background is necessary for this position?
- What personal traits should a person have to be productive here?
- How do you see the department changing in the next 3-5 years
in terms of the strategic initiatives and the types of talent
you will seek?
- What opportunities exist for professional advancement?
- What technical skills are required to be successful in this
position?
- What flexibility is available for alternative schedules/virtual
offices?
They to You
- What would cause you to make a career move at this time?
- Describe your background since college?
- What do you like most and least about your current job?
- How would you describe yourself?
- How would others describe you?
- What is your greatest success?
- What will your current Manager say about you?
- What professional skills can you bring to our firm?
- Detail your business plan.
II. TIPS FOR THE SUCCESSFUL INTERVIEW
Fashion - Always dress professionally with polish and panache!
Men - Dark suits, starched shirts (usually white or blue), conservative
new ties, dark, "over the calf" socks and polished shoes.
(No blue suits mismatched with brown socks.)
Woman - Dark suits, conservative blouses and accessories, matching
pumps and bag (avoid gaudy jewelry, heavy perfume, open toe shoes,
bright nail polish, and excessive make-up.)
Personal Hygiene
Hair for men - short and well-groomed (no beards for Bankers; if
a mustache - should be neatly trimmed!)
Hair for women - neatly coiffed (no big messy hair).
Nails - clean and carefully manicured - shoes shined - fragrance,
very little. Mouthwash/breath mints - Always! - smoking/gum chewing
- Never!
Greetings
Give a warm, firm, sincere, smiling "pleased to meet you"
handshake. Go to the restroom prior to your first meeting in order
to wash your hands with warm water. Warmth conveys friendliness
and ultimately causes people to relax. (Cold or sweaty hands are
a huge turnoff). Try it, it works!
Self Esteem
Always look everyone straight in the eye and focus on responding
to the questions asked. Eye contact is critical to reflect a polite,
confident, and positive self image. Avoid looking out the window,
down the hallway, at pictures on the wall, and never look at your
watch!
Titles
Address everyone as Mr. or Ms. unless they indicate otherwise. (Usage
of "Sir" and "Ma'am" are inappropriate in an
interview setting.) Most will say, "call me Bob or Sally".
(Then you may do so.)
Compensation
When asked, "What will it take for us to get you?" or
a similar question targeted toward a salary requirement, AVOID GIVING
A FIRM FIGURE. This is SearchPro's commitment to you: achieving
the best offer possible, whether your focus is salary, relocation,
incentives, or other factors. An appropriate answer is: "You
are aware of my present compensation. When I make a career move,
there are a number of factors involved, of course. As I don't know
your maximum budget, nor how this position impacts upon the salary
levels of your department, the cost of living in your area, nor
the social expectations of your company, I prefer that you make
me your best offer, taking all these factors into consideration."
III. APPLICATIONS
Current earnings: Put Base Salary plus Bonuses/Incentives earnings
during the past full year. This will be the figure which is reflected
on your most recent W2 forms. If there are earnings from sources
outside your present position such as teaching, outside speaking,
etc., do not include these, but make sure that I am aware of any
factors, financial or otherwise, which will figure into your acceptance
of an offer. This includes your next review date and your anticipated
percentage of increase at that review. I will use this information
to negotiate an acceptable offer.
Percentage of increase you expect in order to make this move: Discuss
this with me. I will be aware of the cost of living differential
and will use this information in negotiating your offer package.
Why would you consider a move at this time? Examples: "For
career opportunity, challenge, management potential, a stable and
progressive environment. (Money alone is never an appropriate answer.)
Testing and other factors: Most financial institutions today require
candidates to complete various tests. The following evaluation questions
are fairly standard in the industry today: personality, character,
background, management aptitude, sales ability, and drug testing.
You may be asked if there is anything in your background that would
keep you from being "bonded". There are usually pre-employment
background checks including character references, credit, criminal,
and college degree validations. Remember on the question, 'have
you ever been convicted'. Yes, drunk driving is a conviction that
stays on your record forever! It is better to admit it now than
to be caught lying about it.
IV. REFERENCES
A. Our experience in checking references suggests that you will
need to utilize four types of people from your past to ensure your
success:
- Someone to whom you have reported (Supervisor).
- Someone who has reported to you, if relevant (Subordinate).
- Someone with whom you have done business successfully (Client).
- Someone with whom you have worked closely (Peer/Colleague).
B. DRUG TESTING: After the interview, if there is a mutual interest
in an offer, usually there will be a drug test/urinalysis scheduled
at the clinic. This is a pre-employment check along with references,
credit and criminal records checks. Many institutions today require
that drug tests are taken within 48 hours of offers being delivered
or the offer is null and void. Companies may even request a lock
of your hair for a more accurate analysis
.
C. Reminders:
1. NEVER GIVE A REFERENCE FROM YOUR CURRENT COMPANY unless you have
cleared this with me. Confidentiality is the key!
2. All references should be informed. Some companies prefer to do
their own checks and some allow us to do it in their behalf. It
is imperative that references be notified about the position for
which you are being considered, so that they can address their remarks
to those components which underscore your competence.
V. THE SECOND VISIT/OPTIONAL
On your second visit, some of the following may occur. Be prepared
to:
- Meet with other members, often Senior members, of the company.
- Voice any concerns you may have about the position, and address
any concerns the company may have about you.
- Bring a spouse to explore the area. A Real Estate Agent may
become involved at this point. Issues such as schools requirements
or other lifestyle considerations should be reviewed at this time.
- Participate in social gatherings designed for interaction between
you and other staff members.
- Receive either an offer, or an overture to an offer. As Mary
Mallett will be negotiating the offer, discuss with her in advance
the best responses if this should occur.
- Underscore the value you can bring to the company, and restate
your interest in the position.
- Express your appreciation for their time. Remember that it
is your primary aim to leave with an acceptable offer in your
hand!
VI. ACCEPTANCE OF AN OFFER
Following your discussions with me, you will have an understanding
of what you can expect at this stage. When the suitable offer is
made, accept it quickly, graciously, and with 'new employee' enthusiasm.
SEARCHPRO's PLEDGE TO YOU IS TO ACCOMPLISH FOR YOU THE BEST OFFER
POSSIBLE, ACKNOWLEDGING YOUR CAREER GOALS, FINANCIAL NEEDS, AND
OTHER INVOLVEMENTS OF WHICH YOU HAVE MADE ME AWARE.
When you resign, we ask that you protect our confidentiality with
the same respect which we have given to you. Remember that there
may be others in your company who need our professional services.
We appreciate all referrals!
SAMPLE CONVERSATION:
Your Boss: "How did you learn about your new position?"
You: "It is not hard to learn about positions in Banking
today."
Your Boss: "Did you work with a search firm and why?"
You: "Yes. Because I wanted to be represented in a professional,
confidential and expeditious manner."
Your Boss: "Which firm?"
You: "In the same manner that I have been protected by their
confidentiality, I have agreed with the recruiter representing
me to extend the same professional courtesy.
VII. SAMPLE LETTERS
A. THANK YOU LETTER
Date
(Interviewer)
(Title)
(Company's name)
(Company's address)
Dear:
I certainly appreciate the privilege of interviewing with the (company
name) team for the position of (function). After getting to know
you, (the company) and the area, I feel that this position offers
me a promising opportunity. I also believe that my experience and
background uniquely qualify me to meet that challenge.
As you requested, I have enclosed a completed application for employment,
as well as my expense voucher (if applicable), along with copies
of airline/hotel receipts for your records (if applicable).
I appreciate the opportunity to be considered for (Name the position)
and thank you for your interest. I look forward to hearing from
you very soon!
Sincerely,
NOTE: This paragraph regarding applications and expenses would be
applicable to your Human Resources "thank you" only. Delete
from all other letters, of course.
We strongly urge you to carefully think about all these facts before
making a final decision. It is your career and your livelihood.
One imprudent mistake at any time could be very costly in terms
of your professional career growth, your long-term financial independence,
and your peace of mind.
B. ACCEPTANCE LETTER
Date
(Interviewer)
(Title)
(Company's Name)
(Company's Address)
Dear :
It is with great honor and pleasure that I accept your recent offer
of employment. (Company's Name) is an exciting company in an expanding
market niche. I believe that working at (Company's Name) is a unique
opportunity where I can contribute significantly to your growth
as well as mine.
As we formerly agreed, I will begin to work on (Date). I am looking
forward to a mutually beneficial and rewarding experience.
Sincerely,
C. RESIGNATION LETTER
Date
(Your Supervisor)
(Company's Name)
(Company's Address)
Dear:
I am sorry to inform you that I am leaving (your current company)
on (date). This was a difficult decision, as working for (your current
company) has been a positive experience and one for which I am thankful.
I have acquired a great deal of knowledge here, and have appreciated
the opportunity to work with you. However, my consideration of a
career enhancement opportunity has led me to accept a position with
another company. This decision was reached only after thorough consideration.
I wish continued success to (your current company) and to you.
Please feel free to contact me after I leave if I can be of any
further assistance to the you.
Sincerely,
Remember, their perception of you is the key to your successful
interview!
VIII. THE COUNTER OFFER
Beware of the "Counter Offer" (Your whole career is at
stake)
If you accept an offer from a new employer and, while resigning
from your present Company, a Counter Offer is made - you should
consider the following:
- What type of company do you work for if you have to threaten
to resign before they recognize you and give you what you know
you are worth?
- If the extra money has been available all along, why have you
not already been given a raise? Where is the money for the Counter
Offer coming from? Is it your next raise early? All companies
have strict wage and salary guidelines which must be followed.
Will this mean you will not receive a raise next year?
- Your employer will immediately start looking for a new person
at a cheaper price. You have now made everyone aware that you
are unhappy. From this day on, your loyalty will always be in
question. When promotion time comes around, your employer will
remember who was loyal and who wasn't. When times get tough, your
employer will begin the cutbacks with you. Consider the fact that
your present employer could be merely "buying time"
with your raise until they can locate your replacement. Suppose
you were given an annual raise of $10K as a Counter Offer. When
they find a replacement for you in 60 days, then the actual cost
to them is only $1,000.00. Is just a little more money going to
change everything in your present position? Consider the new opportunity
you will be giving up. It seemed so favorable when you accepted
it. Your employer will probably feel as though they have been
"blackmailed" into giving you a raise, when you announce
your decision to leave again later.
- What were the circumstances which caused you to consider a change?
The same exact circumstances that now cause you to consider a
change will repeat themselves in the future, even if you accept
a Counter Offer. When economic slowdowns occur, you could be one
of the first to be released. You indicated your intention to leave
once before, so it is only logical, in a slack period, that your
position would be eliminated. Statistics show that if you accept
a Counter Offer, the probability of voluntarily leaving in six
months or of being let go within one year is extremely high. You
should know that statistics compiled by the National Employment
Association confirm the facts that over 80% of those people who
elected to accept a Counter Offer and stayed, are no longer with
the same company six months later. Realize that you are now a
"marked" person. The possibility of promotion is extremely
limited for someone who has "given notice". The company
is vulnerable. They know it and will not risk giving more responsibility
to someone who was committed to leave to go to the competition.
- Once the word gets out, the relationship that you now enjoy
with your co- workers will never be the same. You will lose the
personal satisfaction of peer group acceptance. If you intend
to seriously consider a Counter Offer, be sure you ask your present
employer to confirm all the details of the new offer in writing.
(They will promise you anything today to get you to stay.)
NOTE: Within a short period of time, many of our candidates who
have accepted a Counter Offer have called to indicate that they
have made a serious mistake. The following are only a few of the
these types of calls...
- "The day I resigned, I realized that my boss set out to find
a my replacement --at less money." "Once I agreed to stay,
I never received the raise and promotion I was promised."
- "When promotion time came around, my boss reminded me that
he remembered who had been loyal and who had been willing to leave."
- "My boss became aware that I was unhappy and when asked,
I had revealed the reasons why. Since the situation could not be
corrected without him leaving, he became threatened. Things have
been very tense between us ever since."
OUR ADVICE: IF YOU INTEND TO STAY, DON'T RESIGN!
IF YOU RESIGN, DON'T STAY, NO MATTER WHAT!
IX. WHY GOOD PEOPLE DON'T GET GREAT OFFERS?
- Poor personal appearance. (sloppy)
- Lack of interest, energy and enthusiasm. (dull)
- Overemphasis on money, benefits and vacation. (greed)
- Condemnation of past employers. (negativity)
- Failure to look at interviewer when conversing. (low self-esteem)
- Limp handshake. (passive)
- Late for interview. (tardiness)
- Failure to express appreciation for interviewer's investment
of time. (poor manners)
- Asks no intelligent questions about the position. (uninterested)
- Vague responses to questions. (poor communicator)
- Over-aggressive, conceited with "know it all" superiority
complex. (egotistical)
- Inability to express self clearly and with articulation. (poor
verbal skills)
- Lack of planning for career. (no goals)
- Lack of confidence and poise. (poor posture and presence)
- Makes excuses; evasive; hedges on unfavorable factors in past
record. (dishonest)
- Lack of tact. (blunt)
- Lack of courtesy; ill-mannered. (rude)
- Indecisiveness. (poor decision-maker)
- No interest in company or industry. (unfocused)
- Cynical attitude. (sarcastic)
- Inability to take criticism. (Insecure)
- High pressure type. (obnoxious)
- Passive and indifferent. (weak)
- Talks too much. (chatterbox)
- Bad breath or dirty fingernails. (poor grooming)
- Too casual in posture, dress, speech or attitude. (informal)
- Speaks in "I" and "me" instead of "we".
(self-centered)
- Inability to see the big picture. (poor visionary)
- Too quiet, shy, or nervous. (introverted)
- Tries to BS. (false bravado)
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