Executive Search Partners - Executive search consultants for traders and risk managers

Interviewing

Interview Preparation

Preparation is a crucial part of the interview process. It is well-known throughout the recruiting industry that the success of an interview is proportional to the work done in advance. We suggest concentrating on four key areas:

List your top accomplishments and include relevant numbers that will highlight the significance of them.
Prepare thoughtful questions in writing, and become familiar with them beforehand in order to facilitate conversation. Asking pertinent questions about the position and the company will show intelligence and interest.
Anticipate standard interview questions such as strengths/weaknesses, goals, etc. and remember to prepare for behavioral interview questions. More information can be found under "Interview Questions".
Review your resume thoroughly, as everything on it is fair game.

Other preparation suggestions:

Compensation
During the initial phase of interviewing is not the appropriate time to talk about money. If the interviewer does bring up this subject, you may offer a comment along the lines of, "I am interested in learning more about the opportunity and would consider a fair and reasonable offer." When quizzed about salary expectations, it is best to refrain from throwing out a dollar figure as it may hinder negotiations later in the process. However, it is certainly appropriate to give your current compensation amount if asked, as it will be disclosed at some point.
Appearance
Your interview wardrobe should be conservative, up-to-date, yet comfortable. First impressions are very important to the process. It is a proven fact that people often make a hiring decision within the first 60 seconds of an interview.
Body Language and Attitude
Begin the interview with a firm hand shake and strong eye contact with the interviewer. Show genuine interest during the interview when discussing the company, position, and location. Attitude is everything, so be positive and leave any negative commentary or behavior out of the discussions.
Perspective and Agenda
Each person you interview with will naturally have a different perspective and agenda. Be aware of this and address each person appropriately.
End of the Interview
Always close the interview expressing enthusiasm and your interest in the company, the hiring manager, and position. People hire those they can realistically picture themselves working with and who truly want to be there. Express appreciation for their time and the opportunity to meet with them, and, of course, follow up with a promptly written thank you note.

Resume Trends and Tips Interview Preparation Interview Recommendations Interview Questions Interview Styles Thank You Notes Book List Corporate Fact Sheet	Michael D. Hubley Sara Fox Jack DeLorenzo Our Approach Our Process Successful Placements Corporate Factsheet Our Approach Our Process Recent Graduates Recent Searches Resources Resumes Interview Prep Questions Recommendations Interview Styles Thank You Notes Book List Interviewing Interview Preparation Preparation is a crucial part of the interview process. It is well-known throughout the recruiting industry that the success of an interview is proportional to the work done in advance. We suggest concentrating on four key areas: List your top accomplishments and include relevant numbers that will highlight the significance of them. Prepare thoughtful questions in writing, and become familiar with them beforehand in order to facilitate conversation. Asking pertinent questions about the position and the company will show intelligence and interest. Anticipate standard interview questions such as strengths/weaknesses, goals, etc. and remember to prepare for behavioral interview questions. More information can be found under "Interview Questions". Review your resume thoroughly, as everything on it is fair game. Other preparation suggestions: Compensation During the initial phase of interviewing is not the appropriate time to talk about money. If the interviewer does bring up this subject, you may offer a comment along the lines of, "I am interested in learning more about the opportunity and would consider a fair and reasonable offer." When quizzed about salary expectations, it is best to refrain from throwing out a dollar figure as it may hinder negotiations later in the process. However, it is certainly appropriate to give your current compensation amount if asked, as it will be disclosed at some point. Appearance Your interview wardrobe should be conservative, up-to-date, yet comfortable. First impressions are very important to the process. It is a proven fact that people often make a hiring decision within the first 60 seconds of an interview. Body Language and Attitude Begin the interview with a firm hand shake and strong eye contact with the interviewer. Show genuine interest during the interview when discussing the company, position, and location. Attitude is everything, so be positive and leave any negative commentary or behavior out of the discussions. Perspective and Agenda Each person you interview with will naturally have a different perspective and agenda. Be aware of this and address each person appropriately. End of the Interview Always close the interview expressing enthusiasm and your interest in the company, the hiring manager, and position. People hire those they can realistically picture themselves working with and who truly want to be there. Express appreciation for their time and the opportunity to meet with them, and, of course, follow up with a promptly written thank you note.
Executive Search Partners, Inc. • 12 Parkingway • P.O. Box 526 • Cohasset, MA 02025 • 781-383-8269 • recruiter@ex-sp.com