5 Ways to Stand Out - Land a SENIOR Level Career

Rule of 5 – How to Prepare for a Senior Level Job Interview.

When it comes to standing out from the competition, being prepared prior to an interview is key. Organization will give you confidence, ease tension, and allow you to relax and make a positive impression. Here are 5 rules to follow:

Rule 1.

Research the company with which you are interviewing. Start with their company website. You will find a wealth of information such as, size, revenue, products, the type and size of clients they are targeting and areas of expertise. Review news feeds and blogs that are unique to your industry. Browse social media, Linked In, Google News to name a few. Make notes and have them with you

Rule 2.

It is always smart to know with whom you will be interviewing. Look up the interviewer on Linked In, the company website, and the web for other sites that reference their background. Review their past history and see where they went to school, their career trajectory, and information about their current position. It is imperative to treat each interviewer as if he or she will be the final decision maker.

Rule 3.

Put together a professional packet to take to the interview; your resume or curriculum vitas, as well as a list of potential references so that you will have them if asked. You may also be asked to share past achievements such as meeting and/or exceeding sales or project goals. To make a “best foot forward” impression, put each packet of information is a nice, thin binder or folder. Be sure and take 2 more than you anticipate needing so that you can give a packet to each interviewer.

Rule 4.

Dress for success and keep that high standard for every subsequent interview until your start date. Many great opportunities have been lost because the interviewee got too comfortable. Suit and tie are always appropriate unless instructed differently. Ladies, business suit, dressy blouse and skirt or dress pants; it is best to be over dressed than under dressed. Err on the side of conservative and always, always make sure your shoes are polished.

Rule 5.

You will want to take notes during your conversations with the hiring team. Take a small binder or notebook and a pen. Make sure that you have all of the information organized so that you can quickly scan your notes for questions you have prepared, personal information, sales figures, projections, etc. If appropriate, bring business card and give one to each interviewer along with your information packet.