Great! You have gotten through the initial telephone conversation. The head-hunter thinks you might be right for the job and you’re open to explore. How can you proceed to ace the interview?

Remember firstly that the job is NEVER yours until you've signed the employment offer and started work! The face to face interview is just one of the many steps before you reach that stage. However, this could be possibly one of the most important stages.

Do take note that you’re meeting the head-hunter to further explore the opportunity in detail, to get as much information as you can about the role and to also gauge your comfort level with the headhunter. On the headhunter's side, their role is straightforward. Find people who can do the job with the right personality and cultural fit for their client whom they’ve the ability to present as a shortlist to their client. You’ll NEVER be the only one that the head-hunter presents. Be humble, but yet toot your own horn appropriately.

1) Be positive and friendly at the meeting. Smile, be energetic and give a positive impression. Even if you do not intend to move to the next stage, remember that its always good to leave a positive impression.

2) During the face to face meeting, it is important to “sell” yourself with respect to the role. Clarify your knowledge of the role first of all. Then show the relevant experience and track record you've in relation to the role. Be specific and give quantifiable numbers as much as possible. All these will assist in evaluating your suitability for the job.

3) Be friends with the head-hunter. It does not ALL have to be talk about work. You can have a informal chat, find out how more about the personal life about the head-hunter. Remember that you're using this face to face chance to build a relationship too with the headhunter. You could ask him more about the market, his view, views and find out more about your competitors through him.

4) Lastly, don't assume that you already know everything about the job from the headhunter. If it sounds interesting enough, go for the interview with the client if the head-hunter would consider you for his shortlist.

Great! Remember to stay in close communication thereafter, especially when moving on to interviews and final negotiations. Be straightforward, honest and keep the head-hunter updated on any issues which might crop out along the process.

The head-hunter is there to assist both their clients and yourself, so work together hand in hand with them.

Andy Tay – Your Insider ex-Headhunter has been headhunting middle and senior management for more than 4 years in Asia Pacific.

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