Congratulations on being selected for an interview! Most people spend more time planning a long weekend then they do preparing for an interview - NOT MY CANDIDATES!

Below are 20 tips, which if followed - work! My goal for you is to have you so well prepared, that you are able to ENJOY yourself during the interview. When you get out to your car, you mentally say - WELL DONE!

1. It is very important that you take time and know your resume. Read it, review it, and know it.

2. Write down 10 questions that you think someone reading it for the first time is likely to ask you.

3. Then write down the answers! You only get 1 chance to be heard.

4. If there is a gap in employment, if you were fired, quit suddenly from a job, if you have any weakness that might come up during the interview - it is especially important that you are prepared.

5. Focus on the positive, never speak despairingly of a former employer, answer succinctly and move on.   

6. Memorize your answers.

7. Role-play with someone who will give you honest feedback.

8. Practice answering the questions by looking in the mirror. This will help you to get comfortable looking someone in the eye. It will also help you visualize yourself in the interview.

9. Study the company's website. Know what they do and how long they've been doing it. Connect your strengths to their position.

10. When the interviewer asks you: "Do you have any questions?" be ready! Write down 3 questions about the company, your potential position, inquire about the predecessors who've had your position -who was most successful - why? Why have previous people not worked out? 

Be prepared to answer what I call interview "Killer Questions":

1. "So, tell me about yourself!"

   • Make sure your answer is NO LONGER THEN 90 seconds. Focus on your professional life, not on your personal life. Do not go on and on and on.
      

2. "Why are you interested in working here?"

   • Connect your past success/experience with the company's needs and point out how YOU in this position will benefit the company.
      

3. "How was the drive?"

   • This is no time to go on and on about commuting in LA. Respond - It was fine - no problem, thanks for asking.
      

4. "Why do you want to leave your current employer?"

   • Focus on opportunity, focus on lifestyle, focus on the company's strength, history, learning opportunities, on your need to grow NOT on $$$, vacation or to get away from the boss from hell!
      

5. "Tell me about your career path to date."

   • Again, critical opportunity to have them HEAR exactly what YOU WANT THEM TO REMEMBER. This will not happen if you do not practice & role-play.
      

6. "What are your strengths?"

   • i.e. why hire you over everyone else, what sets you apart? What concrete benefit will you bring to the department / company?
      

7. What are your areas that need development?

   • Keep your answer position specific.
      

8. Where do you see yourself in 3,5,10 years?

   • Be realistic, focus on loyalty, learning and delivering.
      

9. Who was your best manager and why?

   • Does their style mesh with yours? 
      

10. Who was your worst manager and why?

    • Does your style mesh with theirs?

• A typical 1st interview typically requires 2 hours of preparation and lasts 30 - 45 minutes.

• A typical 2nd interview typically requires 3 hours of preparation and lasts 60 - 90 minutes.

• There is an old saying "you can lead a horse to water but you cannot make it drink". I have shared with you 15 years of executive search knowledge - it is up to you to maximize it.

• Have fun on your interview and call me right afterward so I can debrief you.