Almost 90% of hires are based solely upon the interview according to a Harvard Business Review study. In fact, 63% of hiring decisions are made within the first 4.3 minutes of an interview! So, the interview is the MOST important part of the hiring process. And that's why you need to spend time with our Search Professionals to better understand with whom you are interviewing and the issues that will be covered during the interview process.

Remember, people are changing their minds constantly. You need to listen to what they say, but be aware of what they don't say. Being prepared for an interview is vital. The following preparation is unique and effective in conducting a positive interview experience.

Things to Remember

• You are in an interview for the single purpose to “Sell” yourself to the interviewer.
• People have to buy into you before they buy from you.
• People hire and accept emotionally first and justify logically later.
• People are most sold by your conviction rather than by your persuasion.
• Know your technology, but think PEOPLE.
• The decision to hire is made in the first 5 to 10 minutes of the interview, with the remaining time spent justifying that decision.

Candidate Preparation

Please take prepared notes to the interview and practice your answers to the anticipated questions that may be asked during the interview. Be sure to practice these steps out loud to yourself before the interview.

• What are the duties and responsibilities of this position?
• This is an excellent icebreaker question for the hiring authority and a great start to a successful interview.
• What percentage of this position is dedicated to administration, supervisory, and technical?
• What is the number one priority that has to be done before the successful candidate leaves each day? Why?
• What are the primary goals for this position?
• What obstacles would prevent someone from reaching these goals?
• Ensure you have questions for the hiring authority. Questions must be written out before the interview, while avoiding the topic of compensation and benefits for the first interview.
• Salary - this is a trap question. If the question is presented to you, the candidate, a good response is "Although salary is important to me, I am more interested in the opportunity itself. I am confident that if we move forward, we will be able to come to terms".
• Ask for the job! "I haven't interviewed in a while, what is the next step? Can we conclude our business today if all goes well?" Summarize what you've done that ties in with the new position and ask, "Do I have the qualifications you seek for this position?" then remain silent for an answer. If the hiring authority says, "I'm looking at other people," you might say, "How do my qualifications match with the others you're considering."
• Your #1 priority is to receive an offer, your #2 priority is to know the next step. ALWAYS SEND A FOLLOW-UP THANK YOU LETTER. (handwritten is still preferable to email)

After you leave the interview, it is very important that you call us immediately to debrief!