Interview Preparation

• come with 2 perfect clean copies of same resume the interviewer has – don’t assume they have it ready even if they say they do
• arrive exactly 10 min early
• to answer a convoluted behavioural interview question, reflect & repeat it back in a simpler way… “if you are asking me how would I deal with problems with a co-worker. I would …
• no gum, no smells, no smoking the same day
• dress for success and to impress (go a day early to check it out or ask)
• listen
• practice short answers – cope with silence for a few seconds with a smile
• be ready to answer… “tell me about yourself” inc. a bit about yourself and bring it back to your passion and the opportunity
• stay on message – – answer what is asked in short answers
• do research to answer the question… “Do you know what we do?” (Client not zenPeak) and start the answer with “from what I understand…”
• make eye contact
• good posture
• ask permission to take a few notes then do it occasionally especially if the interviewer is doing an information dump as if you have already been hired

Candidate Comments:

“pays dividends to discuss interview strategies under a professional recruiter like yourself.” — S.C.(candidate)

Some Comments from a LiveJournal thread.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank you once again for arranging a professional discussion which was value-added.” — S.C.(candidate)

“The interview strengthened my confidence about working as a senior engineer, where I have 20 years global professional experience.” — C.P. (candidate)

I once again would like to thank for the session and all your advice. I updated my profiles on Workopolis & Monster with the ‘repaired’ resume and already received 3 interviews, within just 5 days. That’s fantastic! You can use it as a testimonial — D.A.

“I’ve decided to write you a small note, thanking you for your help. I enjoyed being evaluated by you; you are an excellent “teacher” and have inspired me to continue looking for a job and learning with an open and positive mind. I send my revised resume to you and want you to know that over 20 agents reviewed my resume after I posted the new resume on-line. I appreciate all your hard work, it’s meant so much to me.” — S.J. (candidate)