SUCCESS STRATEGIES
Interviewing Secrets that Can Seal the Deal
You probably already know the fundamentals of smart interviewing. However, what is going to help you stand out from your competition are the extra steps you take to make a positive, unique, and lasting impression on your potential employer.
Here is BR’s recommended checklist:
- Dress the part. Even if the environment you will eventually be working in is casual, you should dress traditionally for your interviews. For men, BR recommends a dark suit, charcoal or navy, a white shirt, and conservative tie. Women should also dress conservatively, either in a suit, or a skirt, blouse and blazer. And, make sure your shoes are shined.
- Begin and end your interview with a firm handshake. A timid shake isn’t going to leave the right impression. Try out your handshake on friends and family members and ask for their feedback. If your handshake is confident, your interviewer will get the impression that you are too.
- Be enthusiastic. Keep in mind; the employer is looking for someone who truly wants the job. Of course, you don’t want to appear anxious, so don’t ask the interviewer if you have the job, or act self-effacing. Simply state why you’re pleased with the possibility of working for this particular organization.
- Don’t arrive late, or too early. If you are running late for an interview, be sure to call ahead to let your prospective employer know that you’re on your way, and provide an estimated time of arrival. On the other hand, showing up too early can put pressure on your interviewer and make you appear overly anxious. BR recommends you do arrive early, but use the extra time to go over your notes, get a cup of coffee, and relax.
- Do ask questions. Asking questions indicates genuine interest and shows prospective employers you’ve done your homework. Appropriate questions would cover clarification of your responsibilities, or asking about a specific project or study you know the company was involved with. However, do not inquire about corporate benefits, your BR recruiter will find out that information for you.
- Be confident. BR has referred you to the client, and the client has asked to see you because your qualifications are exceptional. Knowing that you’re qualified and capable to handle the duties of the position can help you feel comfortable in your interview, and that will be evident in your presentation.
- Make eye contact. Eye contact can have a positive effect on your interviewer’s impression of you. If you’re uncomfortable, practice beforehand.
- Be prepared to explain why you’re interested in making a change. This is a good time to talk about enjoying the prospect of new challenges and new opportunities. If you’re not already in the pharmaceutical industry, be ready to explain why you’d like to make a shift in your career.
- Do not disparage your current job or employer. A prospective employer will look at you as a complainer and may be hesitant to hire you.
- Do send a thank you note. In today’s electronic messaging world, a short, informal neatly hand-written or typed thank you note to those who interviewed you will truly stand out. At BR, a follow up note is considered an integral part of the process. If you don’t have personalized stationery, you can order it on the Web at www.americanstationery.com, or at www.thestationerystudio.com.
How to Resign Gracefully
Accepting a new job usually means you have to resign from a current one. It may seem as simple as writing and handing in a resignation letter. However, there are a few techniques BR recommends that can help smooth out your final weeks, or days, with your current employer and leave doors open for opportunities down the road.
Your Resignation Letter
A typed letter of resignation is best. Keep it short and to the point. Mention what you enjoyed in your current position, and explain that you’re ready to move on to new challenges. Never complain about a difficult situation–you may end up working with some of the same people one day or may even return to the same organization.
The Security Escort
In some cases when you resign, if information within the organization is highly confidential, you may be asked to leave the premises immediately. Frequently an escort will accompany you to your workspace so that you can take your personal items. If you are unable to take all your belongings, they may be sent to you later.
Don’t be put off by the presence of an escort. This is common protocol in many industries and is not meant as suspicion of your character. Be friendly and compliant and try to leave as quickly as you can.
Your Notice
If security is not an issue, you’ll want to give ample notice. When you were hired, you may have agreed to continue to work a certain number of weeks after your resignation. Your Human Resources department can provide that information. Generally, two weeks notice is the least amount expected. During that time, make sure to continue to do your job, and maintain a positive attitude. If you sense a distancing from your co-workers and superiors, don’t take it personally. People sometimes subconsciously, sometimes deliberately, detach from the person who is leaving. There are many reasons for this, ranging from sadness to envy. Don’t try to analyze the reasons; just move on.
What to Do if You Receive a Counter Offer
Quite frequently, candidates at your level will receive counter offers when they resign. Even though a counter offer may be as good a deal, (or even better) than the new offer you’ve accepted, saying “yes” to a counter offer can create long-term difficulties:
BR’s Philosophy on Counter Offers
- You will probably alienate yourself from the organization you turned down and prevent yourself from ever receiving an offer from them in the future. Finding an ideal candidate can take months. By reneging, you may be forcing them to begin their search again, which takes much time, effort, and money.
- If you’ve worked with a recruiter, you are going back on an implied commitment. That recruiter may be reluctant to put you at the top of the list in the future when choice opportunities arise, because he/she is concerned that you might accept another counter offer.
- Consider the reason for the offer. Why should it take a resignation from you for your employer to reevaluate your worth to the organization? A good employer should be attuned to the needs of his/her employees and recognize them proactively in order to make sure they are happy in their positions.
- If you stay, the old problems may still be there, and you may even add to them. People in your current job will know you were unhappy for one or more reasons and may view you as disloyal. If you’re using the new job offer as leverage to get something from your current company, you’re choosing a common, but poor strategy. It’s more honest to ask directly for what you want whether it’s more money, a promotion, more support, or a change of department. If you don’t get what you request, or promises are made but there’s no follow through, then do look elsewhere, and if you get the job, don’t look back.