1. How to Ruin an Interview with an
Executive Recruiter
Five sure steps that will take you out of the running
by Mark Fierle

2. What do you do when a recruiter calls? If
you ever get a call from and Executive
Recruiter – take it! How you handle the
ensuing call could greatly energize your
career prospects. If the recruiter has an
assignment where your background could
have some possibilities, you might get an
interview.

3. • A more realistic approach is to
1. Be blasé about the consider that this is a „real‟
meeting. After all, this is interview. Dress your best, come
not a job interview – it‟s prepared including a clean copy of
your resume and use good posture
okay to go in dressed and diction. Generally, recruiters are
working on un-advertised positions
less than your that are „prime‟ in nature, and great
best, slouch during your next steps for a career oriented
candidate. How you “come across” to
meeting, and be sure to the recruiter may have a great
say, “I would never say influence on your career prospects. It
that during a „real‟ job can be through this assignment, future
assignments the recruiter works on, or
interview.” referral of you to his recruiter
colleagues.

4. A far saner position is to
2. Be defensive or unprepared
answer a question in a
when asked a question. A top clear, concise manner and follow
notch Executive Recruiter up with a question like, “Have I
generally asks pointed, direct made myself clear on that now
or would you like me to go
questions to ascertain your skills
on?” Never, never, refer to your
and accomplishments. A great resume other than to use as a
way to be sure they don‟t find reference tool. This approach
out about the real you is to requires a great deal of personal
preparation starting with an
evade the question or tell them
inventory of your skills and a list
to refer to your resume. After of things you have done, during
all, it took you 2 hours to your career, of which you are
prepare it and it‟s all there! most proud.

5. Keep in mind that it is a no-
Don‟t‟ hesitate to fudge on
3.
no to exaggerate on your
your resume. After all, it‟s resume and could even be
common knowledge that cause for job termination later
on down the line. Tell it like it
everyone does. Some good
is. Be conservative rather than
way to do this are: Show you liberal. Resumes are marketing
have an advanced degree tools, and you must be able to
back up what it says to enhance
(even though you never
your credibility. It is also and
finished your thesis); take full excellent idea to get
credit for those professional counseling on
preparation of this marketing
accomplishments even though
tool.
you were only part of the team;
or be liberal with employment
dates.

6. • Rule #1: Be focused on
What do you got –
4. what you do best, and don’t
I can do that! After be too nosey! Executive
Recruiters work on a pre-
all, I need a job and qualifying as well as
confidential basis – with both
the Executive
client company and
Recruiter wants to fill candidate. Generally he will
not identify either the client
it. Just tell him to get company or the candidate
you the interview and until he is sure there is a good
match. Be patient, you will
you‟ll do the rest. find out all the details when
and if the time is right.

7. Don‟t‟ be realistic about
5. Don‟t take the chance of blowing yourself out of
the water by not being realistic. If your background
your salary, next job title, and skills warrant the money, title, and responsibility
and responsibility – you will get it. It is in everybody‟s best interest. If
you are unrealistic, the recruiter could legitimately
requirements. After all, question your judgment.
don‟t we want the most
money, best job title, and Experienced recruiters can be an invaluable
resource for a candidate – but first they have to be
responsibilities? Does it sold on you. Your credibility says a lot for them with
really matter that the money their client companies. Generally the recruiter is
very knowledgeable of the industry/discipline he
you require is well above works. On a month to month basis, they may
what a superstar with a evaluate and prioritize from any number of
candidates with similar
proven track record could skills, experience, education, and references. It‟s
generally command? up to them to determine which candidates get to
meet with their client.
How you present yourself will determine their
interest.

8. Mark Fierle Prior to his career in
executive search he was CEO of a large
Service Company. President of two
National Trade Associations, and
Treasury Executive in two Fortune 50
companies and an International Trading
Company. He acquired a bachelor’s
degree in Business Administration from
Gannon University in Eric,
Pennsylvania.