Got an interview lined up

[sider]

Wasn't particularly looking, but got called by a head-hunter at a bad time and sounded good, so for the first time in 4 years, going to go and 'have a chat' with a man about a job.

Quick few questions though, as seems a while, as last time i was interviewed, i was already good friends with the guy interviewing me so it was more of a chat.

1. Only basic rough idea of salary has been discussed - do i mention or await their offer?
2. Company car - do i ask what it will be? A 1st interviewer once told me a Mondeo, 2nd interviewer confirmed it would be a Ford Fusion. It's important to me though - if they're offering a Fiesta (no offence - they seem nice cars) i will buy my own, if they offer a Mondeo sized, then i'll take that thanks.
3. I've googled my interviewers name and found out he's been with said company 32 yrs. Do i mention as such to show i've done my homework/been a nosey git or do i ask 'so have you been here long'?
4. Do i take a copy of my CV??
5. Do i ask negative questions - i.e. 'what if i don't hit your goals/targets' etc etc??

Sorry, quite a few - just been a while!

[Matt UK]

1. Make them want you, then start negotiations if you want them. But no harm in asking them to scope out what the package looks like for the right candidate (I do feel though that a good head-hunter would be putting you in the picture from the first phone call)
2. See above, not really relevant on a first interview I don't think
3. Focus your research on the role / the company / the industry as a priority
4. Multiple copies in your case never does any harm
5. Not an issue per se, but just not as you have phrased it IMO, go with something like "what are the biggest challenges the business is facing and why?!

Good luck

[sider]

Thanks Matt.

Just to clarify - i've an idea on money. HH asked me my current package - to which i replied (adding the obligatory 10% as you do!) to which he said 'that's no problem' almost as if to say i was a bargain buy for them - so hoping for a good deal more than my current.

[sider]

Would i be unreasonable to say, when asked my the interviewer:

"Whats your current package?"

to reply

"Well, what i'm looking for is...."

or does that look too greedy?

Perhaps so, however answers the big question rather than beating about the bush!

[m0ssy]

Your HH should provide all the information to your questions along wih interview tips and preparation.

He/ she should also be able to give you an insight on to the potential interviewer(s) personality too.

Make them earn their fee!

[Matt UK]

http://www.michaelpage.co.uk/content/18113/career-...

Have a nose around the interview section for some tips

[sider]

m0ssy said:

Your HH should provide all the information to your questions along wih interview tips and preparation.

He/ she should also be able to give you an insight on to the potential interviewer(s) personality too.

Make them earn their fee!

It's an odd one.

Said HH used to work for a recruitment company owned by a larger group.

He moved then and i called him up a couple of yrs back when he'd moved to company he's at now - which is actually the company who are interviewing me.

So, he's not working for a recruitment company - he's a recruitment manager so a building company.

Normally, recruiters are fairly impartial and you can ask silly questions that go no further - just making sure i don't ask him too many of them now that may get relayed to my interviewer.

[sider]

Matt UK said:

http://www.michaelpage.co.uk/content/18113/career-...

Have a nose around the interview section for some tips

Thanks. Good page.

You reckon i'd be ok to take a bit of a crib sheet in with me to remind me of points?

Always managed to wing interviews so far - but that's been during 'good times' and have always come away with a job offer a day or so later - but times are tough in our game, as with most, and want to do ok with this one if i can.

[Matt UK]

sider said:

Thanks. Good page.

You reckon i'd be ok to take a bit of a crib sheet in with me to remind me of points?

In the past I have tended to have my own CV in front of me with some discreet notes / key words on it - useful to write any notes on as well during the interview.