Candidate FAQ

Q. I am a candidate looking for a new position. What are the key things that you would recommend me to do?

Answer

Here, as is so often the case, the answer may be summed up in one word - ‘preparation’. The following represent key areas where preparation should take place.

• Make sure you know what you want to achieve. Any move is about your career plan as well as about better financial prospects. There is no point in moving aimlessly between companies and positions if you want to achieve your potential.
• Ensure that you have at all times an up-to-date CV. This should be a document that you are happy with and that truly reflects your career and achievements. We have included a template and advice for you but this is in no way the only way to do it. As your ‘shop-window’, your CV should reflect you.
• It is surprising how many top-level executives do not know exactly what their package includes. It is essential that you know your current remuneration in detail, so that you can accurately weigh up potential offers and openings.
• When attending an interview make sure you know as much about the company and its competitors as you can. Visit stores, check web-sites, read the magazines and speak to people you know. Research thoroughly into financials, directors, strategy, operations and culture as this will form the basis of your questions. After all, an interview is a two-way process.
• Presentation is a key element of preparing for success. Think about the organisation that you want to join. What is their culture? How would they dress? Also think about the position that you are applying for and how this might effect how you present yourself for the meeting. Please find attached a copy of a presentation which may help you in this matter and talk to us if you need advice.

Be who you want to be whilst being yourself. There is no point trying too hard to be someone you clearly are not. Finally, if you are attending a meeting pre or post work and this will effect the way that you have to dress, let the company or your consultant know that this is the case.