Insight

In our business of executive search we sometimes meet candidates who feel that their resumes and reputation speak for themselves and interviews are mere formalities. This is a folly, whether the job market is good or bad, remember that all of your interactions are business meetings to explore career possibilities. Conduct yourself with the utmost professionalism and always be in a position to elaborate on:

- Your corporate achievements and track record

- Your assessment of where your strengths and weaknesses lie with regard to the job or possibilities in the job market

- Your personal traits that make you successful

Remember that your meeting with a recruiter is often a prelude to your interview with the hiring manager and other executives within the hiring organization. It is in your interest to create a positive impression on all of the people you meet, especially since a hiring decision is often a consensus among this group. If after an initial call and conversation with a head hunter you feel that the career opportunity warrants a next step, then you need to engage fully in the process, otherwise you are not doing yourself any favors by leaving a negative impression.

Remember that you are the main person who can convey your value and make the best job of it. Up and down cycles are becoming ever more frequent in business and the economy at large. A consistently good impression left with people you interact with in your career can only be positive.