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Interim Management
- Introduction to Interim Management
- What is Interim Management
- The evolution of Interim Management
- The role of the Interim Manager
- What makes a good Interim?
- MORI Poll
- Interims for Management roles UK & Worldwide - Interims V Consultants
- Crisis management
- Sudden departure
- Managing Change or Transition
- MBO's and IPO's
- Mergers and Acquisitions
- Project Management
- Family-owned Businesses
- The Corporate Environment
- The Venture Capital Industry
- Finding the right Interim Manager
- The Selection Process
- Questions to ask
- Interim Management as part of an HR Strategy
- Research
- Information for Interims
- Order your CBI Guides
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Interim management links:
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Why choose BIE?
What's New?Information for Interims
Pre-Interview Impressions
Interviews are an opportunity for candidates to showcase their skills. But before a person even reaches the interview room, they will have made an impression on any other members of the organisation that they have come into contact with, including the secretary who arranges the appointment and the receptionist who greets them on arrival. And these people inevitably get asked “So, what’s he/she like?”
We canvassed staff, who arrange interviews on a daily basis and are usually the first to meet candidates, to find out what strikes the right or wrong chord with them. The following are their 10 Top Tips for getting it right.
- Be flexible and helpful when setting up the appointment. Checking the company website for instructions before you call, being clear about which dates you can and cannot make and accommodating the wishes of the company as far as possible will demonstrate enthusiasm and make a positive impression. The less time and effort it takes the company to set up your appointment, the better.
- Carefully read any instructions you are sent regarding attending an interview. This will ensure you arrive with any requisite documentation and reduce the chances of your getting lost. It is also advisable to take a map of the area with you. Any errors might indicate a lack of attention to detail.
- Arrive on time. Although delays cannot always be avoided, it is wise to build in a margin for error (and transport problems). If you know you are going to be unavoidably late, giving as much warning as possible minimises the inconvenience to the other person. An apology is certainly in order.
- Do not arrive too early. Although getting there early indicates that you have made an effort to be on time, it may inconvenience the person you are visiting as much as being late. If the offices are small, there may not be anywhere to sit in the meantime and you may end up having to go away again, which causes awkwardness for everyone.
- Courtesy. Be as polite to administrative staff (either on the phone or in person) as to the person you are meeting.
- Manner. Being charming is fine; being flirtatious is risky!
- Remain calm if there is a ‘hitch’. On occasions there may be a delay being seen or there may even have been a mix-up with the time / date. The wise candidate will use the opportunity to display their patience and flexibility.
- Firm handshake. Everybody has experienced weak, floppy handshakes and no one likes them!
- Eye-contact. Holding eye-contact is perceived as friendly and helps to establish a connection between the people involved.
- Grooming. Well trimmed hair, nails (and beards or moustaches for gentlemen) all contribute to a good first impression.
Personal Presentation at Interview
Grooming is, of course, part of a wider subject for consideration when meeting a potential employer. Research amongst FTSE 500 companies indicates that the second most important criterion for making decisions about candidates at interview is personal presentation. Image Consultant, Sarah Brummitt, offers some practical advice on how to maximise your impact quickly.
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| Ask about dress code as part of your research for the assignment. | Assume business casual is acceptable – even if it’s the norm. It’s not the right look for interviews. |
| Choose a darker suit or jacket and team it with a light shirt or top to create sharp colour contrast. This colour combination is perceived to represent credibility and authority. | Wear lots of bright colours or too many patterns. |
| Choose clothes that are structured, preferably in plain, closely-woven fabrics and a smooth finish. | For ladies : wear tops that are too silky, lacy or feminine, or that reveal too much flesh. |
| Button your jacket, polish your shoes and carry a smart, polished bag or briefcase. | Carry too much – either in pockets or overstuffed handbags, briefcases and laptop bags. |
| Aim for a sleek, well-groomed look. Make-up for ladies should be subtle but immaculate. | Over-do grooming - hair gel or aftershave for gentlemen, cosmetics or perfume for ladies. |
If you are interested in becoming a BIE Interim Executive, visit our Candidates page