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Career First

Career First

March 30, 2014 by G.L. Hoffman

Here are 10 elements in an important interview prep checklist to review before the big day:

1. Research the Employer
Find out what they are doing. What are their issues? Google them, read business press, niche publications, local papers – everything you can find. As you’re reading this stuff, be thinking only one thing: How can I help them?

2. Research the Interviewer and the Hiring Manager
Google them, read their bios on LinkedIn, Spoke, wherever. Do they write a blog? Did they post a comment somewhere? Take notes, and figure out what it is about this person you will like.

3. Dress One Level Up From the Interviewer
Jeans environment? Wear khakis. Business casual? Wear a sport coat and tie. Guys, iron your shirt. Girls, you are on your own here. I think you know.

4. Make A Memorable Appearance
Be extra sharp. Tie your tie perfectly. Shine your shoes.

5. Don’t Overdo the Cologne (Or Perfume)
Guys. This is a big one. I know you love your cologne. Trust me, the days of slathering yourself up with “Polo, OMG I Stink Good” are over (since the Senior Prom, in fact).

6. Lose the Gum
I don’t care if you think no one can tell you are chewing it. They can.

7. Leave Your Phone Turned Off (Better yet, In the Car)
Don’t even think you can sneak one more text in before you get called in.

8. Practice Smiling
Seriously. Everyone looks better when they smile. Hey, if you are a humorless dolt and look like it, I am not hiring you. No matter what.

9. Shake Hands Correctly
Look people in the eye. Take notes. Look engaged in life and in the job interview. Be “cool” somewhere else.

10. Be Ready For the Common Interview Questions
And explain why and how you can help me. (BTW, practicing the answers to these questions in front of the mirror is a legal activity.)

Over the last 16 years I have supported many executives looking for new careers opportunities.

Those that adopted an organized, planned and systematic approach to this important process generally achieved better results rather than relying on chance, luck or personal contacts all of which narrow the prospects considerably.

I have listed some of the important questions you might want to consider before applying to the next job opportunity: In this way you will be managing your career and not the other way round.

1. What do I want to achieve from this next career move and why is this important to me now? (This should refer not only to professional but also life goals, write them down.)
2. What are my key criteria for deciding the next job opportunity ?
3. What industries, companies or organisations can best support the criteria I have chose?
4. What research can I do to prepare my target company list and approach (find out where the best opportunities and key decision makers are?)
5. How can I best position myself to the target companies and decision makers?
6. Do I have an action plan with a time line with mile stones to be overcome and goals to be achieved?

If you have then you are ready to start. I know the above points seem common sense that being said you would be surprised that few follow these simple steps. If you do this you can take back allot of control over your next and perhaps most important career move.

If you are interested in further career counseling please don't hesitate to contact me directly at: [email protected]