Making the Interview Process a Success

Once your Pinnacle Search Professional recruiter has finalized an interview for you, it's up to you to present yourself to the prospective employer. As a result of your thorough preparation, you should feel prepared and confident for your interview presentation.

Here are a few things to keep in mind before and during the interview

• Your physical appearance is important because it makes a first impression. Dress conservatively, but attractively, check with your Pinnacle Search recruiter if you are unsure about what is appropriate.
• Do your research, know the company's products and services, visit the website and study the job description, information is a tool, use it.
• Be punctual. Arriving five or ten minutes early is fine, but no earlier. If possible, make a test run to the interview location beforehand. Check out the parking facilities, building location, etc. If your interview is during rush hour, allow for extra travel time.
• When the interviewer greets you, offer a smile, a firm handshake look her/him in the eye. Making eye contact helps establish your confidence.
• Sell your skills, once you secure an interview, you should take advantage of the opportunity to demonstrate your skills, accomplishments and experience during the interview. Say enough to get your point across but try not to over-answer.
• Don't inquire about salary and benefits (benefit plan, vacation time, bonuses, holidays, etc.) during the first interview. The interviewer will mention benefits when she/he feels it is appropriate.

Send A Follow-up Letter Immediately

After your interview, follow up that evening or the next morning with an e-mail thank you note to the interviewer(s). This serves to strengthen your position in terms of professionalism. The letter should convey thanks for the opportunity to interview, plus emphasize your enthusiasm for the position and the company. Include any thoughts about the position's responsibilities and what contributions you can make that may or may not have been discussed during the interview. Close your correspondence by stating that you look forward to further discussion about the opportunity.

In addition to composing your thank you note, it is important to contact your Pinnacle Search recruiter to provide feedback on “how the interview went”. This will give your Pinnacle Search recruiter an accurate summary to help strategize a follow-up approach with the hiring manager. Your Pinnacle Search recruiter will continue to coordinate the hiring process by arranging any additional interviews, salary negotiation, establishing a potential start date and address any questions on either side of the process.

You're now ready to engage in the interview process. The key is preparation so you can demonstrate your greatest strengths and assets. At Pinnacle Search we handle the opening and the closing, but you are the only person who can provide the fine details that matter the most to the potential employer. Enjoy the moment, be confident and have fun.