Ask the Headhunter 

My interviewer had asked me to create a proposal and email it over. I have heard horror stories where people submit plans and are completely ripped off and their ideas are stolen. I am a new grad and have never had to do this so I am not sure if this is an appropriate request. What are your thoughts? 

I am a big believer in submitting a business plan or proposal to a potential employer, especially if you are in the final round of interviews. You have to remember that you are in competition with 1 or 12 other candidates and these types of requests are common among larger companies and for executive roles. It is also pretty common with marketing positions. An interviewer will ask because they want to know if you have the ability to come up with solutions or ideas. If you aren't willing or able to provide input, then you might not be right for the job.



This actually reminds me of a story about one of my colleagues who had to relocated to Australia from the US due to her husband's job being transferred. She is a lawyer and had no connections or network built there. She researched multiple international law firms and approached a few companies with an aggressive offer. She told each firm that she would work for FREE for 30 days. If they'd want to hire her after 30 days, great, if not, no harm. A few companies took her up on her offer and she narrowed it down to one. For the next month, she was the first one in and the last one out of the office, willing to work with anyone on any project, and showed the company that she was the best candidate for the job. Her aggressive offer worked and she was able to work for the law firm she wanted and was able to negotiate a salary based on what the company knew she was worth.


This just goes to show that you have to do the work and show what you are capable of. Why should a company hire you based on your word? If you are asked to throw a plan together, do it! You don't have to put every thought on paper, but enough to show the company how good you are.


It really is uncommon for a company to rip off your ideas. Most of these are rumors or individuals who think they have too much experience and shouldn't have to prove themselves. There are ways to provide your work to a potential employer without giving them the rights to use it. Slap a copyright symbol on your pages. Create a link that can be opened once and taken down so that they don't have access to it down the line. Ask the employer if you can come in to present the ideas in person and print one copy that they cannot keep. If the interviewer asks you to submit the material for them to keep, you can politely decline and let them know the material is not for use without your consent.

Tom Johnston is the headhunter that headhunters seek to find talent for their firms. He is the CEO of SearchPath and has more than 18 years of experience in franchising, search and recruitment, and office development. Tom is recognized as a leader and authority in the executive search industry.

Ask The Headhunter

Dear Headhunter,

I recently interviewed for a job and had prepped with the original job description in mind. When I got there, the interviewer handed me a new job description and said he wanted to go in a new direction with the position. As if that wasn’t weird, the interviewer cut me off every time I went to speak, and asked me multiple questions about my thoughts on his business as if he himself had no idea what he was looking for. As he described his company, it was very clear that it wasn’t going to be a good culture fit and within 15 minutes, I knew I wasn’t the right person for the job, nor did I want to be. Is it ever okay to up and leave the interview?

This is definitely a difficult question but I honestly would say to wait it out. If you feel uncomfortable, your interviewer is making inappropriate advances, it's sexual harassment or you feel unsafe, get out of there!

If you are experiencing bad vibes or the interviewer is awkward, you always want to give them the benefit of the doubt. You never know what type of day the person is having and it is still important to hear them out and at least make the connection. You'll still get a sense on whether or not the job function is something you would want to pursue during your job search and on the plus side, it's practice. It may not be the job you want, but you never know what types of ideas you can draw from the conversation.

If you are interviewing with a good company, they want to put their best foot forward and make a good impression. If your interviewer really is rude or you get bad vibes, then it may be a sign of a bad company. Do your research! If others have said the same thing, then there is a reason for it. After your first interview, it is okay to politely and professional ask to be removed from consideration.

It is also important that hiring personnel remember that candidates decline positions just as much as they decline candidates. With review internet sites, a company that is not willing to put their best foot forward will ultimately suffer in the long run.

Tom Johnston is the headhunter that headhunters seek to find talent for their firms. He is the CEO of SearchPath and has more than 18 years of experience in franchising, search and recruitment, and office development. Tom is recognized as a leader and authority in the executive search industry.

Ask the Headhunter

Dear Headhunter, 

I have issues with germs and shaking hands with people. Is it ever acceptable bypass that step and play it off naturally vs. rude when meeting potential employers?  

This is definitely an interesting question.....

90% of the time, a handshake is most appropriate. If you really are diagnosed and this is a disorder, you may have already run into this type of circumstance and using methods from past encounters might work. The best thing I would say is if you see the handshake come on, just apologize and simply let the interviewer know that you are fighting a cold and don't want to spread your germs. If you take the handshake, make sure it is firm and that your hand is dry! If not, play it off as if you are fighting a cold. 

I actually just had a lunch interview with a gentleman in New York. He had a bottle of hand sanitizer with him which I didn't think anything of, except that he never put it away. I noticed he was cleaning the table and his hands after touching things. It definitely became noticeable after a while, but it did not change the direction of our conversation, or my perception on his ability to do the job. 

One other thing I would likely to quickly mention is to pay attention to culture if you are interviewing with an international company. In certain cultures, a handshake is not appropriate at all. Definitely do your research and make sure you understand protocol beforehand. 

Tom Johnston is the headhunter that headhunters seek to find talent for their firms. He is the CEO of SearchPath and has more than 18 years of experience in franchising, search and recruitment, and office development. Tom is recognized as a leader and authority in the executive search industry.

Ask the Headhunter 

Dear Headhunter, 

I am super stoked that I have been called up for an interview but I am meeting my interviewer at a restaurant that is known for its craft beer. Should I order a drink during this interview? 

This is always a tricky thing but there is a rule of thumb. If your interviewer orders a drink first, it is okay if you order one, but that is it! You have to remember that you are on an interview and you are being assessed on what you can bring to the discussion. This is never a time to be dancing on table tops and dropping f-bombs just because you are in this type of environment. 

An interviewer wants to know that you can conduct yourself in a business setting, especially if you are in the running for a position that deals with clients or accounts. If your professionalism or demeanor changes from setting to setting, that is a huge red flag for the interviewer. 

On the other hand, it is perfectly acceptable to just order a coke or ice tea at a restaurant or bar. You never should feel obligated to drink somewhere that is known for its craft beer or cocktails. When in doubt, stick to something non-alcoholic and visit the bar or restaurant another time. 

Tom Johnston is the headhunter that headhunters seek to find talent for their firms. He is the CEO of SearchPath and has more than 18 years of experience in franchising, search and recruitment, and office development. Tom is recognized as a leader and authority in the executive search industry.

Ask the Headhunter

Dear Headhunter,

I am a new grad and had my very first interview recently for a marketing gig with someone in human resources. It was very much the stereotypical interview questions that I felt super prepared for and confident. Yesterday I received a call that the Vice President of Marketing wants to have a lunch interview before any final decisions are made! This is wonderful news, however, I am freaking out because I have no clue what is appropriate to order. Help!

Congratulations! The fact the the VP wants to have a lunch interview means this will be more of  a discussion rather than your typical Q&A style interview. While you may not be judged based on what you order, you will be based on what you bring to the conversation.

In order to effectively speak during a lunch interview, order something you have to eat with a fork and knife. Burgers or sandwiches can be messy and it is awkward to be tearing into a huge bite of food while asked a question. In addition to that, most people tend to talk with their hands and again, it is awkward too be waving a burger around to get your point across. It is also awkward to have messy fingers!

I would also stay away from pastas or foods that are heavy on the sauce. You want to avoid making a mess or having to wear bib during your interview.

When in doubt, order a salad! Clean, fresh and easy to eat!

Tom Johnston is the headhunter that headhunters seek to find talent for their firms. He is the CEO of SearchPath and has more than 18 years of experience in franchising, search and recruitment, and office development. Tom is recognized as a leader and authority in the executive search industry.

Why This Suggested Schedule for Job Seekers Won't Work!

I recently read an article that recommended a set schedule to decrease stress when looking for full time work. Here was what the author suggested:

“So, here’s the weekly schedule I ended up implementing for myself:

Monday: Search and apply for new jobs

Tuesday: Follow up on gigs I applied for two weeks ago

Wednesday: Review and edit my resume and cover letter, as needed

Thursday: Search and apply for new jobs

Friday-Sunday: Off"

While I applaud this person attempting to be proactive in their job search, I gotta say, this is the dumbest advice anyone can give. Applying to multiple gigs through job boards day and in day out is a broken system that doesn't work and is a waste of time. 

These job boards are highly competitive because anywhere from 100 to 500 people are all applying for the same position. Plus, you have no idea who or what is reading the resume you submit. This type of schedule is relying on hope, not strategy and is guaranteed to leave any job seeker tremendously frustrated. This person is not in control of their job search and hoping that numbers do the work instead. 

Successful job searching isn't about adhering to a strict schedule. It very well may be stressful because you have to put in the work in order to land a job. You have to utilize your contacts on LinkedIn, and attend networking events or career fairs. Invite your contacts to coffee, reach out to hiring managers on LinkedIn for potential companies you would want to work with. Having a targeted strategy is much more proactive than relying on hope.

About the Author
Tom Johnston is the headhunter that headhunters seek to find talent for their firms. He is the CEO of SearchPath and has more than 18 years of experience in franchising, search and recruitment, and office development. Tom is recognized as a leader and authority in the executive search industry. 

Ask the Headhunter

Dear Headhunter,

I have a what people call a man bun. I have rocked it all throughout college and I just graduated. I have a job interview next week and I am not sure if it is appropriate to wear up or let it down. Keep in mind my hair is pretty long. 

What say you oh great headhunter?

You are not going to like my answer....get a haircut! 

Chances are several candidates are interviewing for the same position as you and hiring personnel are looking for reasons to eliminate you from your competition. With more traditional positions in law firms, accounting, and sales, you will want to be sure you do get that haircut and are clean shaven. Unless you are interviewing for a tech company as a graphic design artist and know the company culture, don't take the risk. 

As I have said before, once you are hired it may be appropriate to grow it back out. You never really know what the company policy is on these things until you land the job. Don't take anything for granted. Hair grows back, it is not the end of the world.

Tom Johnston is the headhunter that headhunters seek to find talent for their firms. He is the CEO of SearchPath and has more than 18 years of experience in franchising, search and recruitment, and office development. Tom is recognized as a leader and authority in the executive search industry. 

ASK THE HEADHUNTER

Dear Headhunter,

When I was a junior in college, I was arrested for an open container while at a party. Now that I have graduated, I am in the hunt for a job but a little concerned about this charge. Do I include it on my resume or bring it up during the interview?

This is a great question and fortunately everyone makes mistakes. Most companies don't hold dumb mistakes against you. Take into consideration the type of charge with any arrest. If the charges were dropped and it doesn't show on your record, then you have nothing to worry about. If it resulted in a misdemeanor or felony and it appears on your record, then you will want to talk about it down the line.

Problems with past arrests typically only occur when you misread the interview question or lie about it when asked during the application process. Non-disclosure of a circumstance can raise some serious red flags. Companies that deal with clients, finances or other personal items want to know that they can trust you. Like I said, most companies don't hold dumb mistakes against candidates. Just don't lie about it.


The bottom line is you do not have to put charges on your resume or cover letter. The purpose of those documents is to showcase why you should be interviewed, not create biased opinions that would eliminate you as a candidate. If asked when filling out the initial application or during the interview, be completely honest and explain the circumstances that surround it.

Tom Johnston is the headhunter that headhunters seek to find talent for their firms. He is the CEO of SearchPath and has more than 18 years of experience in franchising, search and recruitment, and office development. Tom is recognized as a leader and authority in the executive search industry. 

Ask the Headhunter

Dear Headhunter, 

I am going on an interview for a marketing position next week. I have a lot of tattoos and not sure if I should cover them all up or if it is okay that they show a little. What are your thoughts?

Yes, it is clear that tattoos are becoming more mainstream, but when you head into an interview, you have to be prepared to impress and win over everyone that you meet. Company culture varies and some businesses are okay with a little ink present. However, being in a position where you might deal with clients on a day to day basis might be a little risky. You never really know if the client is a 24 year old or their grandma. Also take a look at your designs that can be seen. If you have controversial images such as a pot leaf, always cover it up! You don't know what beliefs your interviewers have and it could create the wrong impression about what type of candidate you are.

The goal of the interview is not to show off your ink, it is to get the job and destroy the hopes and dreams of all the other applicants!

If you do receive an offer, ask someone in Human Resources what the policy is. If you have a culture that promotes "dress for your day", you may be able to get by without worrying about covering your tattoos.

Tom Johnston is the headhunter that headhunters seek to find talent for their firms. He is the CEO of SearchPath and has more than 18 years of experience in franchising, search and recruitment, and office development. Tom is recognized as a leader and authority in the executive search industry. 

Ask the Headhunter

Dear Headhunter,

I am a new grad in the midst of this stressful process we call job searching. I recently went on an interview and the girl that interviewed me was very attractive. I am still in the running for the position but I can't stop thinking about her. What are your thoughts on asking the person interviewing you on a date? 

Seriously?!

This should not even be a question! Absolutely not. Keep in mind that the person interviewing you has a responsibility to identify and hire a top candidate. Hitting on the person interviewing you could be misconstrued in a number of different ways, and has the ability to severely damage your standing, and potentially ruin your reputation in the community. Especially if you are looking to break into a niche industry. Why? People talk!  As soon as you cross the line, you have eliminated yourself as a viable candidate.   

Once you get the role, make sure you read any company policy that involves dating co-workers. If there is not one, you may invite her to a casual lunch. Just keep in mind that all companies have policies on sexual harassment in the work place. This is another line you really don't want to cross. 

If you don’t get the job, then all bets are off, give her a call.

Tom Johnston is the headhunter that headhunters seek to find talent for their firms. He is the CEO of SearchPath and has more than 18 years of experience in franchising, search and recruitment, and office development. Tom is recognized as a leader and authority in the executive search industry. 

During my last semester of college, I finally got around to actually writing my resume and thinking about a job. I signed up for every potential interview for companies coming on campus and only was able to secure one interview. Apparently, a regional trucking company was actually interested student with a degree in “management science” and a 2.9 GPA. In fact, they wound up interviewing 4 of my good friends as well as me, but I did not get the job. A few months later I was really glad because the guy they chose was stripped naked and shipped to NYC in the back of a trailer as part of his “orientation".

I returned home with absolutely zero prospects and no idea what to do, but I was told almost hourly by my parents to “get a job”. The best I could find was mowing lawns in my neighborhood. During a break, I was sharing my story of hardship with my next door “client” and he told me that his company actually had a “management training program” and he would get me an interview. Little did I realize the a management training program for UPS was actually being a driver, with the brown shorts and all. Apparently, everyone in management at UPS had to learn how to deliver packages. Due to the fact that it was my only “offer”, I took the role and within a few weeks I was running around delivering and picking up packages all over Northern New Jersey. It was hot, really confusing and really hard work. It took almost 2 years before they would promote me to an actual supervisory positions. It really wasn’t the worst job in the world, everyone loves the UPS Guy, but when I finally landed my supervisory role, it was on the midnight shift.

Ask the Headhunter

Dear “O Great Headhunter of Headhunters”,

I really need your help. I am having a huge fight with my parents regarding my nose ring. I am going to be graduating from college in a few weeks and I have an upcoming interview for a role in a regional accounting firm. My parents are insisting that I take the ring out, I believe that I have to be who I am and should keep it in. What do you say?

Signed,

IamwhoIam.

Dear Iam,

I wish this was a tough one, but it is not. Unless the accounting company your interviewing has a specific clientele that would share your love of body jewelry, I say you have to take it out. The reality is that you have to consider every interview a competitive situation. Usually there are at least 3 to 5 people interviewing for the role and all of them want to beat you. In addition, regardless of your feelings about the nose ring, you have to consider what the person hiring might think . They are also going to be sending you out to meet and help their clients. This is definitely the time to use good judgement. Take it out, do a great job and then decide if you can add the accessory later, after you prove your worth!

Headhunter of Headhunter has spoken…..

Tom Johnston is the headhunter that headhunters seek to find talent for their firms. He is the CEO of SearchPath and has more than 18 years of experience in franchising, search and recruitment, and office development. Tom is recognized as a leader and authority in the executive search industry. 

Is your College Grad Moving Back Home? 4 Things you Should Discuss Beforehand

Is there an end date to the arrangement? 
This can be negotiable down the line, but it is important that everyone is clear on how long the returnee can stay until they move out. Is it 6 months, a year? Defining this from the start will help your new grad stay on track to finding a job and moving out on their own.

Will they be expected to contribute financially? 
There is no free lunch in the real world. It is okay for parents to charge rent, especially to help pay for groceries, utilities or cable. If you feel weird charging your grad, work out other arrangements such as chores, projects around the house, errands, etc.

Are there house rules? 
College kids are used to doing what they want, when they want. It is important to clarify expectation on household chores, overnight guests, or curfews. Define 3 things you cannot stand to live with and try to be flexible with other limits.

Are there expectations about looking for a job? 
No one likes a free-loader! Is your grad actively seeking opportunities every day or are they laying around the house and doing nothing? Are they required to apply to at least one job per day,  attend job fairs or networking events every month?

4 Ways to Negotiate Salary

Salary negotiation can be a very awkward conversation, especially if you are not prepared. Whether you have been given an offer for a new position, or have been with the same company, the opportunity to negotiate is there.  Here are 4 tricks to negotiating your salary.

Use free tools to your advantage

Salary.com, Payscale.com and Glassdoor.com are all websites that can provide you a specific salary range for your position and industry. They compile HR-reported salary data that can break down your worth by market, experience, and education.  

Consider the company standing

Is your position with a large corporation, new start up or non-profit organization? It is important to remember the financial impact of a company before making higher demands. After all, it does no good having a higher salary if the company goes under after a year.

Consider your performance

Do you have stats that show you have helped generate revenue, reached your target goals, or helped save money? Have you taken on new responsibilities and continued to meet your goals or deadlines? These are all measurable facts to use to your advantage.  Negotiating a higher salary because you are trying to buy a house or send a child to college won’t get you far. You must have facts and data to support your request.

Consider other benefits

If you work for a startup or non-profit, they may not be able to negotiate a set salary. Extra vacation days, equity, working from home or performance-based bonuses are all up for negotiation as well.  During your discussion, take time to understand what additional benefits the company can offer and focus on negotiating in these areas. 

Why it is worth it to Invest in a Career Coach

Investing in a career coach might seem like an unnecessary expense, but when you have been stuck in your job search, isn’t it worth it to invest in yourself and your career? A good career coach can provide tools, technology and perspective that could eliminate your search by 50%.

If you are not sure if you want to take the plunge and make the investment, consider these reasons on why it may be a good idea. 

Not Happy with Current Position

According to an article by Global Newswire, 7 in 10 Americans are unhappy working in their current position. Maybe you are new to the work force, or you are 5 years from retiring, but don’t you deserve to do something you are passionate about? A career coach will give you personalized advice on how to translate your passions and values into a career or position that you love.

Industry or Career Shift

A major industry shift or total change in career can be very difficult, especially if your experience dates back 20 years without change in direction. A good career coach will be able to help you break down your skills and experiences to identify how those skills can be a benefit to the new career track you wish to take.

Getting Back in to the Workforce

Circumstances like raising a family, traveling or recovering for medical reasons can all lead to taking substantial time off from the daily working grind. Whether it is seeking direction on job searching, defining your passions and finding positions that match your goals, or even assistance building a resume to address gaps in your work history, career coaches work to help provide you with proactive searching methods.

Discovering New Ideas

Working with a career coach can help you explore options you may have never considered before. Whether it is going into business for yourself or applying for positions that you never knew existed, opening these doors can provide new opportunities that may have been overlooked.

If you are still unsure about making the move to invest in a career coach, call MyHuntPath today for a free consultation and to learn more about our coaching services.  https://www.myhuntpath.com/CoachingServices.aspx  

5 Signs It’s Time to Hire a Career Coach

If you are reading this post, chances are you need a career change! Career coaches can help job seekers determine their overall goals and passions to develop a proactive plan that will help land their dream job. Through networking, researching, and planning, career coaches are trained to empower you to realize your dreams and monetize your passions.

If you have ever considered working with a career coach, now may be the time. Here are 5 signs that indicate you need a career coach.

Job -hopping with no direction

Taking job opportunities as they come for something seemingly better may not always work out. Without defining parameters of what you truly want, you will always land in the same place as your last position. Unhappy. A career coach can help you define those parameters and create a strategy to target job opportunities that make sense. 

Your network is limited

If your network is on the smaller side, a career coach can give you advice on how to grow your connections. Chances are, the career coach is also well connected in the community because they are constantly working with different companies and helping people.

You know what you want to do but you don’t know how to achieve it

You have goals and dreams, but how do you make them a reality? If you spend your time thinking that you should be doing something else, you are probably right. Career coaches are trained to help you make your dreams come to fruition, and make money doing it!

Unhappy and loosing hope of finding a better opportunity

If you have lost your positive outlook on finding the right position or career path, having a career coach can help realign that mind set.  They will work with you to outline what job functions you like, what salary range you desire, and which type of company culture would fit your needs.  

You have the potential to do more

Are you being looked over for potential promotions? If you have been in a position for 2 or 3 years and feel stuck, it’s time to move in a different direction.

MyHuntPath has an amazing team of certified career coaches ready to steer you in the right direction! Call today for your free consultation. https://www.myhuntpath.com/CoachingServices.aspx

8 Reasons you Should Consider Using a Certified Career Coach

Job seekers! Are you just starting your search, stuck in the process, or not certain even where to start? Maybe it is time to consider using a career coach. Here are 8 reasons why. 

Unique Career Advice

Job searching tips and guidance are all over the web, but not every piece of advice fits us all. Career coaches are trained to provide direction, motivation and council to identifying what you are passionate about, and morphing a career path that would align with your interests and values.

Strategy, Research, and Tactics

While there may be multiple positions listed on job boards, employers rarely hire from sites like Indeed or Zip Recruiter. Coaches spend time with you to form personal and professional goals and create an action plan that outlines the appropriate tools that would maximize your search efforts.  

Networking

Chances are, a career coach already has a pretty solid network in place. They are passionate about helping people in general so they know how to approach various networking situations. Whether you are a networking pro or in need of guidance, a career coach can help open a whole new world on how to make connections and staying in touch with valuable contacts.

Value Proposition

What make your skills unique? Your career coach will help you evaluate your job skills and strengths to create a powerful value proposition or elevator pitch to use at networking events, interviews, or every day interactions.

Personal Branding

Are you aware of what potential employers may find online from your social media accounts? You may be doing all the right things, but if an interviewer were to Google your name, what would pop up? 72% of companies are hiring directly from Social Media.  A career coach will review all your Social Media Platforms and teach you how to utilize Social Media in your Job Hunt.

Resume Review

Applicant tracking systems are taking over the recruiting process. Career Coaches have the expertise and knowledge on what keywords can help break down the doors of any ATS to help you stand out from the crowd.

Interviewing

You may have the skills and knowledge to land your dream job, but how are your interviewing skills? Coaches can run mock interviews and provide valuable feedback on appearance, body language, tone of voice, and information on how to answer those difficult questions.

Offer and Salary Negotiations

Let’s face it, if you are not familiar with salary negotiations, having an expert on your side can only help. Your career coach can help you determine the salary range you should be at based on the industry you are in, your market, and overall experience. They can also help with tips and tricks and how to approach the delicate subject matter.

Start your free consultation with MyHuntPath today and we will help you to identify strategies for your next move, prioritize tactics and develop initial plans to achieve your career goals. https://www.myhuntpath.com/CoachingServices.aspx

Writing an Elevator Pitch

The 60-second elevator pitch is your professional introduction. It is a critical communication that sets the stage for what any listener might learn about who you are as a person, and what you can do. These 60 seconds can take place during informational meetings, interviews, or in general conversations. It can take place via email, phone, or in person. You never know when you may come across someone that could be related to your industry or who could potentially further your career. To have an already established idea of what you are going to say in these situations is extremely helpful.

This serves as a framework for the professional conversations you will soon encounter. It is your elevator speech, and should change according to the nature of each encounter.

INTRODUCTION
Relay how you know this person, and through what connection. Also provide disclaimer that you are not asking this person for a job.

OPENING LINE
Present a Statement of Functional Strengths:

EXAMPLES OF EXPERIENCE IN ENVIRONMENTS and/or ROLES
Demonstrate by providing examples (at least 3) of the depth and breadth of what you have accomplished and in what environments or circumstances you developed your functional strengths and skills.

EXAMPLES OF LESSONS LEARNED FROM THOSE EXPERIENCES
Relay what you learned from these experiences in broad terms

STATE EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND and CERTIFICATIONS
Highlight your educational background and any certifications

LEARN THROUGH QUESTIONING

Remind contact why you are calling him/her and what you’d like to learn from him/her through asking a series of questions.

THANK YOU
Thank the individual for his/her time and insight. Reference the interesting areas or direction your call navigated.

For more detailed information and examples on writing an elevator pitch, become a subscriber at myhuntpath.com today! Myhuntpath.com

7 Ways to Prepare for your Next Interview

Mentally and physically preparing for an interview is a critical step in securing a job. Everyone should take time preparing for an interview, no matter how many interviews one has been through previously, or your seniority or level. Each meeting is unique and should be treated as such to succeed.

Here are 7 ways to help you prepare for your next interview:

Check out the company website
Learn about their history and growth over the years, as well as their mission statement and overall purpose for why they exist. Take some of what you learn and write down how your personal goals and desires will align with their values.


Check out other company profiles
Take time to look at the company through other mediums such as social media or Glass Door. This can help provide a different kind of insight to the company and industry overall.


Look for relevant press releases in major newspapers or trade publications
Searching for press releases can give you an idea of a company’s direction. You want to get a sense of where the company is going and write down questions based on what you find. Did the company recently launch a major project or start a new partnership with another major company? These are things you should be aware of and be prepared to mention in your interview.


Research the interviewers you will meet
With LinkedIn, company websites and other media platforms, it is easier to search for your interviewer. Try to understand their role within the organization and look for common connections, interests, or experiences. This can help you create an easier dialogue and allow you to answer their questions with a bend toward their area of expertise.


Re-read the job description
Fit your background most effectively to their needs. What things have you done in past positions that match the job function you are interviewing for? How would your skills and abilities benefit the company?


Be ready with questions for each interviewer
Focus on responsibility related issues not “what’s in it for me” questions.


Line up your references in advance
It is always good to have a list of 3 to 5 references in the event an interviewer asks. Be sure to ask your references if it is okay to provide their phone and email address to the interviewer.

Career Coaching Services at MyHuntPath

Searching for a job can be challenging and stressful. Moving forward with personalized support and career building technology can shorten a job search by 50%, which is why MyHuntPath now offers career coaching services designed to empower job seekers to realize their dreams and monetize their passions.

The expert coaches at MyHuntPath provide direction, motivation and council to get job seekers moving through the process to identifying their career path, targeting that ideal position and landing that role.

Here are the new Career Coaching services that MyHuntPath provides:

Master Group Sessions

Master group sessions involve a weekly meeting led by our senior coach to discuss topics and insights on the Headhunters Approach to job hunting. Job seekers interact with members at the executive level who can help stimulate their thinking, frame issues and improve their search process and success. Group sessions are conducted via live web conferencing or at our offices and groups are limited to ten.

One -on- One Coaching

Job seekers will meet weekly for 2 hours with their personal certified coach to provide career education, proactive methods for job hunting and tactical applications and resources. Topics include:

• Strategy and Goals
• Networking
• Value Proposition
• Personal Branding
• Research, Tactics and Methods
• Resume Review
• Interviewing
• Offer and Salary Negotiations

Resume and Cover Letter Creation

Crafted by our expert resume writers, we’ll help job seekers create a resume that breaks down the door of any ATS to get them noticed and stand out from the crowd. This service includes consultation, two resume versions and a customizable, reusable cover letter.

Personal Branding

 72% of companies are hiring directly from Social Media. A job seeker not using social media to their advantage limits their ability to network effectively. We’ll review all Social Media Platforms - LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook to create a professional site for use and teach the job seeker how to utilize Social Media in their Job Hunt.

 

If you’re stuck in your job search and not sure where to start, visit us and get started with a free consultation today! https://www.myhuntpath.com/CoachingServices.aspx