Many decisions to "screen in" or screen out a candidate are made in the first 30 seconds after you meet a hiring manager. While I was an HR Consultant managing the hiring process for a Top 10 Bank, a candidate for the senior executive marketing position almost blew his interview. Shortly after I led him into the conference room, he seemed to lose his focus and after setting his briefcase on a chair next to the table, he started rooting through his leather bag. He was bent over, (with his back to the open door) and nervously looking for a copy of his resume. He seemed frustrated, thinking he had left it at home. "I don't think that's your best side" I said jokingly. He stood up quickly and laughed, realizing the manager would be joining us any second. It's very difficult to rebound from a bad first impression and luckily that didn't happen to my candidate. I smiled making sure my comment didn't throw him off his game. This seems like such a small thing but coaching techniques like this one really do prepare Executives for their interview. This is especially true of Executives who are in transition or haven't interviewed for a few years. A good first impression helps to determine who advances in the hiring process and who gets eliminated. I always tell Executives to position themselves in the room facing the door and have both hands free to greet the manager or interview team when they arrive. Don't worry about the resume. They have already seen your resume and liked it.....or you wouldn't have been invited to interview. There are no do-overs. It's important to make a good impression, in the first 30 seconds." Executive Career Advice is located in Atlanta and works with Executives who are looking for an exit strategy, a soft landing, or a new opportunity. They also work with Executives in transition and those who are on top of their game, trying to answer the question, Where do I go from here? For more information, please contact: Margie Curry, Atlanta Career Coach, Executive Career Advice,
Email: mcurry@excutivecareeradvice.com www.executivecareeradvice.com
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