Harper Hewes Blog » Interviewing

Are You Ready to Compete?

Debbie Harper — Wed, 18 May 2011 17:20:32 +0000

Dice.com saw a 35% increase in first quarter. eFinancialCareers was up 48%. Monster reported a 25% increase in bookings across all industries. What does this influx of job postings mean to you? It’s classic supply vs. demand. For the past several years companies could afford to be ultra choosy, often subjecting candidates to long and [...]

Since 1993 Harper Hewes Executive Search has been a trusted partner to companies ranging from startups to Fortune 500 corporations. We build high performance technology leadership, professional services, consulting and sales teams. Visit Us at: http://harpershewes.com

Hiring Mistakes – Vetting the Candidate

Debbie Harper — Wed, 04 May 2011 14:53:32 +0000

“But he was such a good fit on paper!” How many times have you heard that description of a failed hire? Unfortunately, the paper is only part of the story. It’s the person behind the paper that matters. The answers to three key questions will most often determine the success of a hire. CAN they [...]

The Rise of the Written Interview

Debbie Harper — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 05:10:27 +0000

You thought you were done writing essays when you graduated from school, didn’t you? Think again. More and more frequently our clients are requesting writing samples from all candidates, not just those being considered for a formal communications role.

Why You Didn’t Get the Job – Really

Debbie Harper — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 20:10:05 +0000

You interviewed for the perfect position. It was a perfect fit for you. You presented all of your qualifications in great detail. You told illuminating anecdotes that documented your achievements. You may even be the greatest candidate to have ever crossed their threshold. Yet you didn’t get the job. Why? The answer is simple - because it’s not about you. I know this sounds cold, but read on.

Oddball Interview Questions

Debbie Harper — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 22:19:33 +0000

The folks at glassdoor.com have compiled their list of 2009′s most unusual interview questions, and there are some doozies! My favorite is ”If you were a brick in a wall which brick would you be and why?” I’m fascinated with all the permutations of where and why. See all the questions at http://bit.ly/5Os9o8

26 Things To Do Before You Start Your Job Search

Debbie Harper — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 05:02:04 +0000

The New Year is traditionally a time of new beginnings, and if a rash of current surveys is to be believed, over 50% of the workforce - at all levels and across industries - will be seeking new career opportunities in the new year. Whether you’ll be actively looking or just want to be prepared when opportunity knocks, now is a great time to review the past year, document accomplishments and update your resume.

26 Things To Do Before You Start Your Job Search – #25

Debbie Harper — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 22:43:21 +0000

#25. Review stock options and 401K vesting schedules. Review / understand bonus and commission payout schedules. Whenever you leave a company you’ll leave some money on the table but your timing can minimize the impact.

26 Things To Do Before You Start Your Job Search – #23

Debbie Harper — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 23:02:36 +0000

#23. If you’ve been fired or let go prepare a one sentence explanation that is succinct and brief. Practice saying it out loud until you can state it clearly, without emotion or defensiveness. This is important. Nothing derails an interview faster than whining about how you've been mistreated.

26 Things To Do Before You Start Your Job Search – #22

Debbie Harper — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 22:43:16 +0000

#22. Brush up on interview techniques. Prepare and rehearse your answers to the perennial interview questions: “Tell me about yourself” “What are you looking for” “Why are you looking” “Why did you leave your last position?” “What are your salary requirements?”

26 Things To Do Before You Start Your Job Search – #21

Debbie Harper — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 02:04:21 +0000

#21. Practice your elevator speech.