CannibaL Central Headhunters, Inc

HAPPY HUNTING HINTS

It's a jungle out there. Be Prepared

HUNTING WITH CANNIBAL CENTRAL HEADHUNTERS

Cannibal Central Headhunters are contracted by the hiring company. The hiring company supplies Cannibal Central Headhunters with a "Job Description" which contains all the pertinent information regarding the open position and they pay all fees.

By providing Cannibal Central Headhunters with your resume, you open the door to the possibility of being matched with a prospective new position. Our headhunters will contact you when your background fits an opening, now or in the future. Though you may not be interested in some current opportunities, your resume will be kept on file and you never know what the future will bring. Your resume and relating information will be kept confidential.

Be honest with your headhunter. When your headhunter notifies you of an opportunity, reply in a timely manner. Be clear in your response. You can benefit from the sound advice of your headhunter, listen to him/her. Your headhunter is familiar with the hiring company and understands the criteria to be met. He/She can guide you through the process.

Your time is important. So is your reputation. If you intend to work with a headhunter in hopes that it will make you seem more appealing to your present company/employer, you run the risk of damaging your reputation. You can be wasting your time, the headhunter's and that of the prospective new employer. You may also damage your current position.

PREPARING A RESUME THAT'S HEADS ABOVE THE CROWD

A good resume is a door opener. It will be your first contact between you and a company. Your resume can land you an interview when your experience matches the criteria of a hiring company. Here are some proven guide lines for preparing a winning resume.

-Neat, well organized and free of grammar and spelling mistakes.

-Be brief and concise. One to two pages preferred.

-An objective statement is not necessary but can be helpful. You may include a cover letter if you are targeting a certain opportunity. This prevents you from being overlooked for similar or relating positions.

-Use reverse chronological order, present your most recent job first, and list employment backwards.

-When listing employment, include the employer's full name, your ending position and the dates you held the position. Write a few sentences describing the company. Include the major aspects of your job description, responsibilities and any pertinent statistics.

-Include major accomplishments! The employer wants to know what are you going to do for them: how are you going to make them money, save them money, ease their work load, ease their liability etc. Talk in specifics such as percentages and dollars.

-The further back in your career you go, the briefer you should get. Also, if you include history not related to your current field, it should only be one or two summarized statements.

-Time breaks in your history will be noticed. Be prepared to address this honestly.

-Report all your education and licenses with dates.

-Your family status can be included at your discretion but is not necessary.

TO REFERENCE OR NOT TO REFERENCE

Never jeopardize your present position by providing references too early. Ask your headhunter for assistance and intervention regarding current references.

References are generally given to the prospective employer after you have been interviewed and he is ready to make you an offer. Be prepared to provide at least three references from places you have worked. Remember not to include your present employer. It is recommended that you let your references know that they may be contacted by a prospective employer and your headhunter. Remind them that you are presently employed and wish the information to be kept confidential.

If you are unemployed at the time, add your last employer to the list of references. Understand that if you are not employed, it is customary for the prospective employer to contact other sources not on your list.

GET YOUR HEAD INTO THE INTERVIEW - BE PREPARED

Learn the company culture and all the information you can about the company you will be interviewing with. Know what the position is and as much about it as you can. Ask your headhunter for information, company literature and a job description if possible. If time allows, you can call the company directly and ask for company literature and sales brochures. Study the company's website. Take the time to learn about the company and you will make a great first impression during your interview.

THE PHONE INTERVIEW

You may be matched with a potential opportunity that is not local. Your headhunter may set up an initial phone interview. Most likely, the headhunter will ask you to call the employer, permitting you to select a time when you can proceed without interruptions. A phone interview is a great first step and can lead to an interview in person.

-Introduce yourself and then let the employer lead the discussion.

-Listen carefully and take notes.

-Be very familiar with your resume. An employer will often ask a question directly related to the resume and it is extremely important that your reply mirrors and expounds on your resume. Be confident but not boastful. Answer the questions directly and honestly. Stay calm.

-Never ask about compensation during the phone interview. You should already have the information from your headhunter. You do not want the interviewer to get the wrong impression.

-Show interest. Ask some questions about the company and position.

-If you are interested in pursuing this position further, let the interviewer know. Tell him why you believe you are qualified for this position.

THE HEAD TO HEAD INTERVIEW

-Try to meet the employer on the date that is initially requested.

-Be prepared. Know the information your headhunter gave you regarding the position. Read all the literature you can about the company. Have some questions ready and points to discuss with the interviewer.

-Bring extra copies of your resumes, three is recommended. (Cannibal Central Headhunters prefers to provide you with a modified version of your resume for you to print out and take to the interview.) You may be introduced to others during the interview process.

- Dress for success. Dress to impress. A conservative suit and tie is recommended for senior level positions. A jacket or blazer and a conservative shirt and tie are recommended for middle management positions. For women, a conservative business suit with a knee length skirt and modest heels are recommended. Remember to polish your shoes.

-Shake hands firmly to extend a strong, sincere first impression. Shake a woman's hand just like you shake a man's hand.

-Keep good eye contact. Be attentive and listen. The employer will lead the interview and you will have a chance to speak.

-Sit up straight and do not fidget. Exude confidence, not nervousness.

-Smile. Have a positive attitude and relay to the interviewer that you have the experience and qualifications they need.

-Should the subject of promotions arise, state that you will excel in the job and if an opportunity of a promotion arises and you are qualified you would like to be considered for it within their company. Portray yourself as a keeper.

-When it is time for you to ask questions, concentrate on the company, the position, the job description and the hierarchy. Laugh at their jokes and make them laugh. The old saying is if you can make them laugh 3 times the job is yours.

-If applicable, bring a portfolio of your work, letters of recommendations, awards etc. Do not bore the employer with it but have it and offer them the opportunity to review it. If you do not have a portfolio (everyone should) offer to send them samples of your work.

-Do NOT bring any drinks or food to interview. Do not smoke or chew gum during interview. Decline if offered.

-Do NOT bad mouth your past or present employers.

-Do NOT talk about your personal problems (nasty divorce, bankruptcy etc.)

-Do NOT bring up the subject of compensation. Your headhunter should discuss with you before hand how to handle this. Depending on the hiring company, the headhunter may do the negotiating for you once you have finished the interview process. If the interviewer does bring it up be prepared. You should stay within the range of compensation that your headhunter has already told you regarding this position. Don't be surprised if the employer knows or asks about your past earnings.

-Last but not least - relax and be yourself. They're going to meet the real you the first day of work anyway!

QUESTIONS TO ASK DURING THE INTERVIEW

-How would you explain your company's culture?

-What are the primary strengths and assets you need?

-What do you consider the top priority for this new employee?

-Why and when did this position become available?

-What is your background and what brought you to the company?

-What are the short and long term goals of the company?

-Who is your competition?

-What is your employee retention rate?

-Does the company place a higher value on its employees or its customers?

-What are the company's ethics?

-Has the company ever deliberately taken a loss on a contract or walked away from business because it was the right thing to do?

-Is there anything about myself and/or my experience that I can explain for you in more detail?

-What is the next step.

FOLLOW UP AND FOLLOW THROUGH

Send your interviewer a thank you letter the day after the interview. Express your interest in the position. Include that you are looking forward to coming onboard.

THE OFFER

You will be contacted with an offer by either the prospective employer or your headhunter. Employers are advised to offer their most appealing offer first. Do not negotiate at this time. Evaluate the offer, consider the long term. If the offer is still not satisfactory to you, contact your headhunter and ask for intervention. Your headhunter can negotiate for you and help maintain a good relationship on your behalf.

Employment contracts are usually only given to very senior positions. You will most likely receive a letter highlighting the verbal offer key points and welcoming you to the company. Because not all companies do this, we recommend that if you do not receive a letter, send a letter. Let the employer know that you are looking forward to joining his company and reiterate the verbal offer in your letter. These letters are not legal documents but may be useful in the future and should be kept on file.

RESIGNING WITHOUT LOSING YOUR HEAD

After you have accepted an offer, get ready to make your move to the new company as quickly as possible. Two weeks notice is acceptable, no more than three. During this transition period you may feel uncomfortable at your old company. Despite how you may feel at this time, maintain a pleasant and professional attitude. Keep your current employer as an ally; do not burn your bridges. Maintain a professional relationship so you will have him/her as a future reference. Do not ruin your own reputation. Your current employer may not be expecting your resignation. Do not hedge, be firm and professional. Assure him that he/she will have your cooperation during the transition period.

Some companies may ask you for more time than two weeks for a transition and to fill your position. Stick to your guns, you have a commitment with the new company now. Assure your employer again that you plan to cooperate during the next two weeks to make the transition as smooth as possible. Some companies have a policy to end your employment immediately upon accepting your resignation. Be ready for this and do not take it personally. Use the time to prepare yourself for your new position.

If your current employer insists on asking questions about your decision and your new offer, keep it brief and professional. Assure him you took everything into consideration and made the best decision for yourself and your family. If your current employer offers you a promotion or a counter offer, resist the temptation. You are obligated to your new position and you do not want to damage your reputation. Also, your loyalty will always be a consideration if you accepted the counter offer and stayed. Do not forget what drove you to seek the change in the first place.

RELOCATING WITHOUT LOSING YOUR HEAD

Accepting a position that requires relocating yourself and your family is a difficult and stressful decision. Analyze all areas before you consider this. Once you have decided that this move is right for you, get prepared. Ask your future company for referrals and services to assist you in the move. Make the move swift and with as little stress as possible.



	HAPPY HUNTING HINTS It's a jungle out there. Be Prepared HUNTING WITH CANNIBAL CENTRAL HEADHUNTERS Cannibal Central Headhunters are contracted by the hiring company. The hiring company supplies Cannibal Central Headhunters with a "Job Description" which contains all the pertinent information regarding the open position and they pay all fees. By providing Cannibal Central Headhunters with your resume, you open the door to the possibility of being matched with a prospective new position. Our headhunters will contact you when your background fits an opening, now or in the future. Though you may not be interested in some current opportunities, your resume will be kept on file and you never know what the future will bring. Your resume and relating information will be kept confidential. Be honest with your headhunter. When your headhunter notifies you of an opportunity, reply in a timely manner. Be clear in your response. You can benefit from the sound advice of your headhunter, listen to him/her. Your headhunter is familiar with the hiring company and understands the criteria to be met. He/She can guide you through the process. Your time is important. So is your reputation. If you intend to work with a headhunter in hopes that it will make you seem more appealing to your present company/employer, you run the risk of damaging your reputation. You can be wasting your time, the headhunter's and that of the prospective new employer. You may also damage your current position. PREPARING A RESUME THAT'S HEADS ABOVE THE CROWD A good resume is a door opener. It will be your first contact between you and a company. Your resume can land you an interview when your experience matches the criteria of a hiring company. Here are some proven guide lines for preparing a winning resume. -Neat, well organized and free of grammar and spelling mistakes. -Be brief and concise. One to two pages preferred. -An objective statement is not necessary but can be helpful. You may include a cover letter if you are targeting a certain opportunity. This prevents you from being overlooked for similar or relating positions. -Use reverse chronological order, present your most recent job first, and list employment backwards. -When listing employment, include the employer's full name, your ending position and the dates you held the position. Write a few sentences describing the company. Include the major aspects of your job description, responsibilities and any pertinent statistics. -Include major accomplishments! The employer wants to know what are you going to do for them: how are you going to make them money, save them money, ease their work load, ease their liability etc. Talk in specifics such as percentages and dollars. -The further back in your career you go, the briefer you should get. Also, if you include history not related to your current field, it should only be one or two summarized statements. -Time breaks in your history will be noticed. Be prepared to address this honestly. -Report all your education and licenses with dates. -Your family status can be included at your discretion but is not necessary. TO REFERENCE OR NOT TO REFERENCE Never jeopardize your present position by providing references too early. Ask your headhunter for assistance and intervention regarding current references. References are generally given to the prospective employer after you have been interviewed and he is ready to make you an offer. Be prepared to provide at least three references from places you have worked. Remember not to include your present employer. It is recommended that you let your references know that they may be contacted by a prospective employer and your headhunter. Remind them that you are presently employed and wish the information to be kept confidential. If you are unemployed at the time, add your last employer to the list of references. Understand that if you are not employed, it is customary for the prospective employer to contact other sources not on your list. GET YOUR HEAD INTO THE INTERVIEW - BE PREPARED Learn the company culture and all the information you can about the company you will be interviewing with. Know what the position is and as much about it as you can. Ask your headhunter for information, company literature and a job description if possible. If time allows, you can call the company directly and ask for company literature and sales brochures. Study the company's website. Take the time to learn about the company and you will make a great first impression during your interview. THE PHONE INTERVIEW You may be matched with a potential opportunity that is not local. Your headhunter may set up an initial phone interview. Most likely, the headhunter will ask you to call the employer, permitting you to select a time when you can proceed without interruptions. A phone interview is a great first step and can lead to an interview in person. -Introduce yourself and then let the employer lead the discussion. -Listen carefully and take notes. -Be very familiar with your resume. An employer will often ask a question directly related to the resume and it is extremely important that your reply mirrors and expounds on your resume. Be confident but not boastful. Answer the questions directly and honestly. Stay calm. -Never ask about compensation during the phone interview. You should already have the information from your headhunter. You do not want the interviewer to get the wrong impression. -Show interest. Ask some questions about the company and position. -If you are interested in pursuing this position further, let the interviewer know. Tell him why you believe you are qualified for this position. THE HEAD TO HEAD INTERVIEW -Try to meet the employer on the date that is initially requested. -Be prepared. Know the information your headhunter gave you regarding the position. Read all the literature you can about the company. Have some questions ready and points to discuss with the interviewer. -Bring extra copies of your resumes, three is recommended. (Cannibal Central Headhunters prefers to provide you with a modified version of your resume for you to print out and take to the interview.) You may be introduced to others during the interview process. - Dress for success. Dress to impress. A conservative suit and tie is recommended for senior level positions. A jacket or blazer and a conservative shirt and tie are recommended for middle management positions. For women, a conservative business suit with a knee length skirt and modest heels are recommended. Remember to polish your shoes. -Shake hands firmly to extend a strong, sincere first impression. Shake a woman's hand just like you shake a man's hand. -Keep good eye contact. Be attentive and listen. The employer will lead the interview and you will have a chance to speak. -Sit up straight and do not fidget. Exude confidence, not nervousness. -Smile. Have a positive attitude and relay to the interviewer that you have the experience and qualifications they need. -Should the subject of promotions arise, state that you will excel in the job and if an opportunity of a promotion arises and you are qualified you would like to be considered for it within their company. Portray yourself as a keeper. -When it is time for you to ask questions, concentrate on the company, the position, the job description and the hierarchy. Laugh at their jokes and make them laugh. The old saying is if you can make them laugh 3 times the job is yours. -If applicable, bring a portfolio of your work, letters of recommendations, awards etc. Do not bore the employer with it but have it and offer them the opportunity to review it. If you do not have a portfolio (everyone should) offer to send them samples of your work. -Do NOT bring any drinks or food to interview. Do not smoke or chew gum during interview. Decline if offered. -Do NOT bad mouth your past or present employers. -Do NOT talk about your personal problems (nasty divorce, bankruptcy etc.) -Do NOT bring up the subject of compensation. Your headhunter should discuss with you before hand how to handle this. Depending on the hiring company, the headhunter may do the negotiating for you once you have finished the interview process. If the interviewer does bring it up be prepared. You should stay within the range of compensation that your headhunter has already told you regarding this position. Don't be surprised if the employer knows or asks about your past earnings. -Last but not least - relax and be yourself. They're going to meet the real you the first day of work anyway! QUESTIONS TO ASK DURING THE INTERVIEW -How would you explain your company's culture? -What are the primary strengths and assets you need? -What do you consider the top priority for this new employee? -Why and when did this position become available? -What is your background and what brought you to the company? -What are the short and long term goals of the company? -Who is your competition? -What is your employee retention rate? -Does the company place a higher value on its employees or its customers? -What are the company's ethics? -Has the company ever deliberately taken a loss on a contract or walked away from business because it was the right thing to do? -Is there anything about myself and/or my experience that I can explain for you in more detail? -What is the next step. FOLLOW UP AND FOLLOW THROUGH Send your interviewer a thank you letter the day after the interview. Express your interest in the position. Include that you are looking forward to coming onboard. THE OFFER You will be contacted with an offer by either the prospective employer or your headhunter. Employers are advised to offer their most appealing offer first. Do not negotiate at this time. Evaluate the offer, consider the long term. If the offer is still not satisfactory to you, contact your headhunter and ask for intervention. Your headhunter can negotiate for you and help maintain a good relationship on your behalf. Employment contracts are usually only given to very senior positions. You will most likely receive a letter highlighting the verbal offer key points and welcoming you to the company. Because not all companies do this, we recommend that if you do not receive a letter, send a letter. Let the employer know that you are looking forward to joining his company and reiterate the verbal offer in your letter. These letters are not legal documents but may be useful in the future and should be kept on file. RESIGNING WITHOUT LOSING YOUR HEAD After you have accepted an offer, get ready to make your move to the new company as quickly as possible. Two weeks notice is acceptable, no more than three. During this transition period you may feel uncomfortable at your old company. Despite how you may feel at this time, maintain a pleasant and professional attitude. Keep your current employer as an ally; do not burn your bridges. Maintain a professional relationship so you will have him/her as a future reference. Do not ruin your own reputation. Your current employer may not be expecting your resignation. Do not hedge, be firm and professional. Assure him that he/she will have your cooperation during the transition period. Some companies may ask you for more time than two weeks for a transition and to fill your position. Stick to your guns, you have a commitment with the new company now. Assure your employer again that you plan to cooperate during the next two weeks to make the transition as smooth as possible. Some companies have a policy to end your employment immediately upon accepting your resignation. Be ready for this and do not take it personally. Use the time to prepare yourself for your new position. If your current employer insists on asking questions about your decision and your new offer, keep it brief and professional. Assure him you took everything into consideration and made the best decision for yourself and your family. If your current employer offers you a promotion or a counter offer, resist the temptation. You are obligated to your new position and you do not want to damage your reputation. Also, your loyalty will always be a consideration if you accepted the counter offer and stayed. Do not forget what drove you to seek the change in the first place. RELOCATING WITHOUT LOSING YOUR HEAD Accepting a position that requires relocating yourself and your family is a difficult and stressful decision. Analyze all areas before you consider this. Once you have decided that this move is right for you, get prepared. Ask your future company for referrals and services to assist you in the move. Make the move swift and with as little stress as possible.