Whether you sent your resume to local recruiters or a headhunter found it online, the initial face-to-face interview you’ll have with him or her is critical to your success in finding the right executive or management-level position. with a signature you love. No pressure, right? But if you take some time to prepare before the interview, you’ll do just fine. In fact, you’ll do it more than well: give them that “wow” factor that’s so elusive and usually leads to a generous job offer.
1. Take dressing appropriately to the next level
Don’t just throw on a generic “interview suit” and expect to stand out from the crowd. You have to make a good impression by taking proper business attire up a notch. Women wearing a traditionally cut women’s business suit might wear something in an unexpected but powerful color, like a deep aubergine or soft taupe. Men can add a pop of color with a vibrant tie or pocket square. If you’re interviewing for a position at a company known for its conservative style, tailor your attire to that culture. For a more creative industry or position, you have more freedom. The days of playing it safe by being bland and boring are long gone. Let recruiters know that you are confident enough to dress unforgettable yet appropriate. One more thing: no cologne or perfume. You want them to focus on you, not your scent.
2. Be genuine and adaptable
Recruiters have been interviewing candidates like you for years, so don’t assume you can give them glib answers that will satisfy them without revealing anything about yourself. You don’t want to sound like a script, and you don’t want to throw a bunch of clichés at recruiters. If your responses sound like rehearsed sound bites, you’ll get a pass from most headhunters and search firms.
One of the most critical mistakes you can make in an initial interview with a recruiting company is to overlook your weaknesses with a dismissive attitude. Sure, you should focus on your strengths and highlight what you can bring to the company, but don’t ignore your weaknesses or try to pretend they’re strengths in disguise. No one will believe that your worst flaw is that you are “too dedicated” to your work. You can certainly minimize your flaws and acknowledge that you are in the process of changing, but don’t imply that you are perfect. Nobody likes that person.
3. Do your research
Come to interviews with recruiters fully armed with information about the position and the company you’re interviewing for. Learn about the company’s culture, business model, corporate structure, growth opportunities and more. Ask specific, relevant questions and surprise your interviewer by learning not only who you’ll be working for when you get the job, but also key executives and more. The more you know about the position, the more likely recruiters are to feel confident that you’re a perfect fit.
4. Know your resume and cover letter front and back
It’s amazing how many people will refer to his resume saying, “If you look at my employment history, I was a logistics manager at XYZ Company for about, um…let’s see…it would have been about four or five years.” Memorize every date, every position, and every job description and be able to summarize the key elements without having to refer to your printout for guidance. You should also target your resume and cover letter to the specific position whenever possible.
5. Tell recruiters why you want the job.
Everyone who interviews for a new job opportunity wants to move up the ladder, but there must be specific reasons why you are interested in the position being discussed. Let recruiters know that you’re excited about the company’s new product launch, its corporate culture of encouraging new ideas, or that you love the idea of traveling more for business. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about the areas that interest you so recruiters will remember you even after you’ve talked to a dozen other candidates.
Standing out from the pack when talking to executive and managerial recruiters is imperative when looking for an opportunity to move up the corporate ladder. Review your last job interview using the five tips above and adjust your interview techniques accordingly if you want the next offer to be the one that gives you the chance to truly stand out.