To secure your next opportunity it is important to win each interaction with the hiring organization. This begins with a strong, effective resume, through to a professional negotiation of an offer. Candidates should take advantage of support, professional or otherwise to increase the likelihood of success.
As an executive recruiter and an executive coach, I see multiple sides of the organization/candidate interactions. During the four or more touch points, a candidate can help advance their candidacy. Importantly, each contact is an opportunity to impress the organization.
The following are five areas to stand out as a candidate:
„« Get an independent review of your resume from a professional. While there are many FREE services, some of which are good, can you afford to put your career in the hands of an amateur? More importantly, get input from someone who will review your document thoroughly, has experience with professionals at your level and will suggest improvements.

„« Provide prompt, well written correspondence. This begins by including a cover letter with each resume that you send out to prospective employers, recruiters or on-line applications. Additionally, each contact with the organization merits a written follow up, ideally within 24 hours. For the follow up letters after interviews, they should be specific to each person.

„« Prepare at least eight meaningful questions for your interview. You never know how much time you will get in an interview. One of my clients had an interview extended by a half hour. The CFO asked her, ¡§What other questions do you have?¡¨ Fortunately, she was well prepared with additional questions beyond those already covered in the first hour. Make certain that you are also prepared.

„« Give each interviewer the information they need to best evaluate your candidacy. Each interviewer has their own interests in the candidate. Some will be interested in technical skills, others will probe cultural fit and others will probe both areas. Their interest may also vary based on their relationship with the position.

Thus, it is worthwhile to learn very early in the interview what that person is most interested in for the ¡§right¡¨ candidate. Learn this information and skew your answers to address their interests.

„« Negotiate promptly and in earnest. Follow up on a written offer within 48 hours. Waiting too long or having ill defined ¡§concerns¡¨ about the offer are potential deal breakers. Once you respond to the offer, provide a balanced response with an emphasis on the positives prior to sharing the 1-3 areas that you¡¦d like to revisit.
Those candidates who work hard at each level have the greatest likelihood of presenting themselves well, differentiating themselves from the crowd and advancing to the job offer.