8.2 INTERVIEWS CONDUCTED BY CLIENT
Research
Objectives & Preparation
The Interview
Questions You May Be Asked
The Most Difficult Questions
Questions to Ask
After the Interview
Essential Module Cross Reference
TOTAL CHECKS & tips: 131
REVEALED HERE: 28
Whenever you or anyone representing your Company, including third parties, need to go through an interview process conducted by the Client it must be taken very seriously and prepared for in the same way as if a permanent position was being applied for.
There are various reasons why the Client may require an interview process including covering for an absent member of staff, a specific assignment, a particular service or product, vetting your Company's credentials, evaluating whether an individual or your Company are compatible with the Client's own organisation, etc.
In addition to comprehensive research and preparation, it is vital that there are rehearsals in the form of role plays which focus not only on the credentials required to carry out the actual work or provide the service, personnel or product, etc. but also style, manner and cultural fit. A devil's advocate approach should also be taken as Client interviews can sometimes be difficult and awkward even though the work, service, people placement or product is eventually commissioned.
It's assumed that the Client will have already been made aware of the individual's and/or your own Company's credentials and is sufficiently satisfied/interested to move on to the interview stage.
A sample of checks, tips and questions is given below and a further 103 are provided when the module is purchased.
Essential cross references to other key-related modules are also given to ensure watertight coverage of the Client.
Research
Current Client/Active Prospect
read the Client Account File (4.2) - your focus will obviously depend on the specific purpose of the interview in question. However, as an absolute minimum, the Account Snapshot Summary (4.1) must be read
particular attention should also be paid to the sections on Rolling 12 Month Delivery and the Detailed Client Profiles on Business, People & Third Parties
2 more available
No Client Account File/Client Snapshot Summary
read the Company’s Annual Report & Accounts (incl. the Chairman & Chief Executive Statements regarding performance, strategy, future direction, etc.)
where do they stand in the market/industry, are they well regarded, who are their Competitors, where do they rank?
2 more available
Objectives & Preparation
Your objective is to convince the Interviewer(s) that you &/or your Company
understand the key aspects of the Client requirement
are fully capable of undertaking whatever’s required
will fit in with Client staff and any third parties involved
8 more available
The Interview
ask if it’s OK to jot down the odd note/question (even when the interviewer is talking because you won’t remember if you don’t!).
have some key words already written down as prompts for your most important questions.
have a verbal summary of yourself & your Company prepared & rehearsed (including you as a person, married/children, interests/hobbies, work experience/career summary, etc.)
be prepared to summarise your understanding of the requirement, Client business, what the interviewer has said, etc.
13 more available
Questions You May Be Asked
what do you know about the market we operate in?
what is the most important lesson you've learnt?
why should we take you on?
30 more available
The Most Difficult Questions
what was the one question you didn't want me to ask?
what do you find are the most difficult decisions to make?
what do people criticise most about you?
13 more available
Questions To Ask
outcomes and benefits sought
current issues & problem/sensitive areas
working practices & procedures to be followed
26 more available
After The Interview
Questions to Ask Yourself
did you like who you met, could you &/or your Company work with them?
did they make a good impression?
did you have a good feel about the Company, offices & location?
is the work within your own &/or your Company's capability?
Client Contact Record
The interview will need to be written up in a Client Contact Record as soon as it’s over and cover such areas as:
position, status, background & competency of Interviewer(s)
technical & personal questions you were asked
difficult areas discussed
any concerns/reservations you had and/or still have
9 more available
Essential Module Cross Reference - Inputs
Essential Module Cross Reference - Actions
“NEVER CUT CORNERS WHEN PREPARING to meet ANY CLIENT CONTACT, AT ANY LEVEL, AT ANY TIME”
ANOTHER 103 CHECKS, TIPS & QUESTIONS AVAILABLE
75% PRICE DISCOUNT FOR LIMITED PERIOD
‘ASPIRE’ (How To Manage Any Client) ™
Account Management & Development
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