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Rittenhouse Executive Search, Inc.
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Interviewing Tips Preparation Of course, your resume should be proof read (not just spell-checked) before you send it to us. We will assist in making corrections if needed. We have found errors such as "Masters in Fiancé" (!?!) that a spell-checker may not find. Be prepared to answer specific questions about what you put in your resume. Read it right before your interview to refresh your memory. Have well-thought out, concise reasons for each job change you have made. Hopefully, you have progressed in responsibilities and opportunities to learn new skills with each move. Prepare a short list of the major accomplishments of your career. You may be asked about them. If not, you can raise them and discuss them as appropriate. Be prepared to answer "standard interview questions," such as, "What are your best qualities?" Some are easy to answer, while others, such as "What are your worst attributes?" are much harder questions to answer. Some interviewers ask situational questions, "What would you do if you encountered this situation...." or "How have you handled this situation in the past and what have you learned?" You cannot prepare specifically for those; however, you may find role-playing to be helpful to help you to think fast on your feet. There are many books available at the library or bookstore that have lists of questions to help you prepare. Think of at least 10 good questions to ask the interviewers, such as "Why is this position open?" "What is the structure of this department?" "What are the plans for this department?" Don't be afraid to ask each interviewer the same questions. The Interview 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. 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 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 .
Job Hunting Questions: Recruiter@ritsearch.com Please feel free to e-mail your Resume directly to us! A word of advice -- when you send your resume to us, NO ONE ELSE WILL KNOW ABOUT IT. There are sites where you can post a resume to a database and everyone has access to them, including your boss, your neighbors.... We will be discrete during your job search.
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Rittenhouse Executive Search, Inc. 1700 Benjamin Franklin Parkway The Windsor - Penthouse Suite Philadelphia, PA 19103 215-564-6007
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