Executive Recruiters Reveal

TOP TIPS TO TRIUMPH

IN AN INTERVIEW

Succeeding in your executiveinterview is the final step tolanding your ideal senior level role.

You only get one chance toimpress, but how exactly do youdo that?

We asked experiencedexecutive recruiters toshare their key tipsfor interviews to givecandidates an ‘insidetrack’…

*Source: “The Executive Job Search: Candidate and Recruiter Perspectives Revealed”

Do your research around who you are meeting, the company

and the role.

TOP TIP

#1

“A candidate that doesn’t prepare tends to get dismissed by the client.”

Put yourself in the mind-set of the client and say what it is

they want. How do you address the need the recruiter or client

has set?

TOP TIP

#2

“If you haven’t got the ingredients for the cake, you won’t be asked to make it.”

Don’t over prepare - on rare occasions you get some that prepare too much and only

spend their time showing what they’ve learned.

TOP TIP

#3

“Use the interview as an opportunity to learn more about the role.”

Take it seriously - treat meetings with a recruiter as a real

interview. A lot of candidates come in for a specific job and act

far too casually.

TOP TIP

#4

“If we don't get the impression that they are appropriate to our client then we won't put them forward.”

Make sure you have understood the job description. Be aware of

what points you want to get across and have more than one

example prepared.

TOP TIP

#5

“Be yourself – but be prepared.”

Know what your achievements are. Talk about facts such as how many people you’ve managed -things that demonstrate your

skills.

TOP TIP

#6

“Speak about yourself, not about the team.”

Be honest; tell them what you’ve done. If there are gaps or things that need to be brought to light,

then do so.

TOP TIP

#7

“Don’t try and oversell anything.”

Be adaptive in your approach. Some like brief small talk while others prefer a more in-depth

approach.

TOP TIP

#8

“The ability to change your approach is important”

Show a high level of professionalism and willingness.

TOP TIP

#9

“Expectations of clients are much higher now and they are not prepared to take risks and aren’t afraid to wait for the right candidates.”

Keep calm - don’t get thrown off by awkward personal questions. Preparing for odd questions is an

advantage.

TOP TIP

#10

“HR departments like to ask odd questions like ‘if you could be a colour, what would you be?’”

Be forward thinking and listen.

Conciseness. Clarity. Confidence.

TOP TIP

#11

“If you aren't prepared enough then someone else will be.”

“Candidates must avoid amind-set of just needingto turn up and answerquestions

- at senior level, theyneed to be exceptionallywell prepared”

Thanks for reading,

Steve NichollsManaging DirectorExecutive Connexions Ltd. www.executiveconnexions.co.uk

Copyright © 2015 Executive Connexions Ltd. All Rights Reserved.

Get prepared:

1. Download your copy of our free independent research report:

The Executive Job Search: Candidate and Recruiter Perspectives Revealed

2. Read more executive career advice here: www.executiveconnexions.co.uk