Rittenhouse Search Interview

The Interview

Remember that you never get a second chance to make a first impression!
Bring a clean copy of your resume for each person that you will meet. It shows consideration
and respect for them. If you bring it in a valise with a pad, it will keep the resume flat and
unwrinkled and you will have something to write on also.

Dress neatly and appropriately. If you are interviewing for a job in accounting or law, outlandish
ties are best not worn at the interview! (And perhaps not even after you are hired.) Generally, in
the Delaware Valley, conservative dark blue or gray suits are still worn to interviews even if the
company has a "full-time casual" policy. Allow time to change en-route if your company has a
casual dress code.

Arrive early for your appointment so that you have time to relax and find the restroom so that
you can look in the mirror one last time before your meeting. This means that you have to leave
early for the interview in case you run into traffic jams! Most people interview best when they are
relaxed and not frazzled from something like not being able to find a parking space. Early arrival
also gives you time to observe the interaction between people at the company, which may assist
in your decision to work there. Go to the receptionist and ask for your contact about 5 minutes
before your meeting is scheduled. Hiring managers usually prefer candidates who are just a little
early (NOT too early so you don't interrupt the work of the hiring manager!). Don't bring
beverages or gum, etc. (or hide them in your briefcase). TURN OFF YOUR CELL PHONE!

Shake hands with a firm (not hard), dry handshake. If you have to run your hand under cold
water for 10 minutes before the interview to keep it from being too warm and moist, do it! As you
shake hands, look the person you are meeting in the eye and smile. Be prepared to raise some
small talk about current events for a couple of minutes if they say nothing. Sometimes it's a
tactic to see how well you handle yourself; sometimes they're as nervous as you are!

It is usually best to let the interviewer raise the issue of salary. Unless you have a burning need
to bring it up, wait until it is clear that the company is interested in you. If asked for desired
salary, it is probably best to give a several-thousand dollar range to leave both sides some room
to negotiate. Get a general idea of benefits. You can find out more later if there is interest by
both sides. Concentrate on getting information about the position, and giving information about
yourself instead of investigating benefits at this stage.

Always be truthful about your current salary. If you are expecting a raise, tell the interviewer. If
you receive a bonus or overtime or the use of a car, or extraordinary benefits, let the interviewer
know that. Offers are usually based (at least loosely) on current salary.

Answer questions as briefly and concisely as possible. Don't give the interviewer the "long story"
unless asked for details.

Don't be negative about your current or former employer. Nobody wants to work with negative
people.

Be clear about your reasons for leaving. If you are traveling or working overtime "too much,"
define what you mean. To someone who is traveling 75% of the time, 30% travel isn't a lot; to
others, 30% is way too much!

Keep good eye contact. Sit squarely but not rigidly. Be aware of the signals your body language
conveys. (If you do not interview well, but have time and access to a video camera and a friend
who will role-play with you, this may be helpful.) Try to avoid nervous gestures such as tapping
with a pencil or tapping your foot while sitting.

Enjoy yourself! Even if this is not the right job for you, you have learned about a company, met
some nice people, and learned more about yourself. You also had the opportunity to polish your
interviewing skills!

Keep your meetings on a professional level. Remember that you should never "burn your
bridges." You never know with whom you will be working at your next job.

Close the interview on a positive note. "Thank you for your time. I enjoyed meeting with you."

Afterwards
If asked to lunch, ask your host what they like and order a similar dish to the hosts'. Don't order
lobster or spaghetti as they're messier to eat. Don't order alcohol; you want to be at your best
and brightest. Enjoy yourself, but remember that this is still part of the interview process and be
your best.

Send out brief thank-you letters even if the job is not the one you want. Carefully check the
grammar and spelling in the letters -- errors in these letters could cause an employer who
planned to make an offer decide not to hire you.

Please contact us at Recruiter@ritsearch.com or (215) 564-6007

Rittenhouse
Executive Search,
Inc.