"ABACUS has been consistently responsive to my requests and
is always able to provide a variety of qualified candidates for each
of my searches. Consistency in these areas is the primary reason I
have and will continue to use them for my placement needs."
"It's was great to work with a Company that was so knowledgeable
about the industry and had all the right connections in the area to
get the position filled quickly. Tamara was extremely pleasant to
work with during the entire process and she was always attentive to
my needs for the position. I have been a returning client and would
recommend any company to them for their recruiting needs."
"I have worked with ABACUS for many years. My open positions are often
challenging to fill and require a high level of service and dedication which ABACUS delivers. This
includes close attention to finding qualified candidates and appropriately matching candidate and
company. It is the consistently high level of service, integrity and focus on long term client
relationships over the years that has and continues to place ABACUS at the top of my list for
recruiting and placement services."
EXECUTIVE INTERVIEWING TIPS
The two most important things to consider when approaching an executive level job interview are: a) what the employer is looking for in the interview, and b) what your primary objective should be for the interview.
The employer is looking for you to clearly present: your qualifications; a keen interest in the company and position; a stable work history; your communications skills; your high performance standards and (most importantly) a positive attitude.
Your primary goal in an interview is to receive a job offer, or to move on to the next stage of the job offer process. Always remember that you are not interviewing to evaluate the company or broaden your knowledge of available opportunities. The purpose of the interview is to find out if your background, qualifications and achievements are valued enough by the company to be offered the job. An undecided attitude leaves the employer with the impression that you are shopping around, and that has no place in a job interview.
Proper preparation for an interview is often the difference between receiving and not receiving a job offer.
- Always research the company to ensure that you know as much as possible about the company going into the interview. Check the company's website. Obtain the company's position description and think about how your skills directly apply to that description. This will not only make you feel more comfortable during the interview, but it will prepare you to show genuine interest in the company and position.
- Remember what the employer is looking for from you, as well as your primary goal from the interview -- the company is trying to decide whether to make a job offer or to move you on to the next stage. So don't ramble. Make sure that your good points come across to the interviewer in a factual, sincere manner. Stress your experience and achievements, and how they are the best fit for the position.
- Be prepared to ask questions during the interview, but follow the interviewer's lead. Try to get the interviewer to fully describe the position and the expectations to you early in the interview process. This way, you will be able to best describe your background, skills and accomplishments to the position. Following the interviewer's lead will also allow your questions to be more insightful, helping both you and the interviewer to determine if your relationship will be mutually rewarding.
- As always, avoid any discussion about salary or benefits questions until you get a job offer unless it is asked by the interviewer.
- Know the exact place and time of the interview, the interviewer's full name, the correct pronunciation and his or her title. Find out how many people are involved in the interviewing process and who the final decision maker is.
- Allow sufficient time for the interview. Plan to arrive exactly ten minutes before your actual appointment. There is no excuse for tardiness at an interview.
- Professional appearance is very important. You don't have to look like a supermodel, but remember that there is only one chance to make a good first impression. From getting a professional haircut to wearing appropriate attire, these things are important. Men should wear a dark suit, white shirt, a solid or striped tie, and black shoes. Women should wear a knee length skirted suit or tailored dress with matching jacket, neutral colored sheer hose, dark pumps, and a minimum of make-up and jewelry. An interviewer often decides whether he or she will pursue you in the first five minutes of an interview.
- Check your attitude at the door. Positive, positive, positive! Any bitterness toward your current or last employer should not be addressed. Focus positively on what you are going to accomplish at the interview. Relax.
- Let your personality shine. Establish rapport with the interviewer. People want to hire those with whom they feel most comfortable. Be the best of yourself!
- The closing of the interview is as important as any other part of the interview. You want to make a lasting impression that places you above other competitors for the position. Close by speaking to: how excited you are about the position, why you are interested in this position and what you can offer the company. Ask for the offer, or find out what is to be the next step. Of course, as you are leaving, make certain you tell the interview how much you personally have enjoyed your time together.
- Please send a thank you note within 24 hours of your interview. This note should address the following:
- Thanking the interviewer for their time.
- Confirmation of how your skills match the position, including and any skill set or attribute relevant to the position that you may not have addressed in the interview.
- Let the interviewer know that you are looking forward to hearing from them.
NOTE: Email is acceptable for immediacy, but be sure to follow-up with a handwritten or typed note in the mail.