The Do's And Don'ts Of Interviewing For Careers In Computers 

The first and perhaps only hard-and-fast rule of interviewing is: "Never Forget You're Interviewing."

And we advise our candidates to start applying this rule before they're actually at the interview. In this day of casual dress, flex time, health days instead of sick days, it can seem like all the old rules have gone by the wayside. Not true. While you should "be yourself" you should be your Best Self. You may find that the following ideas are just common sense, but you'd be surprised how many candidates don't follow these simple guidelines:

• Remember that the interview is about determining if this position and this company are the right fit for you and for them. But don't forget that you're on the employer's turf...it's their show. Probe issues that relate to the work, the environment and the people, not your needs, or money issues...all that will come later if there's a good match.
• A prime example is Dress Code. Even in the most casual of business environments where no one has ever worn a coat and tie, men should wear a coat and tie to the interview and women should wear a business suit.
• Don't be late. If you're late for something as important as an interview, the prospective employer can only assume you will be habitually late.
• Talk to your recruiter BEFORE and AFTER your interview. BEFORE: make sure you have a pre-interview prep session with your recruiter; your recruiter's insight is invaluable. AFTER: Call your recruiter immediately after your interview. Timely follow-up can be critical in taking matters to the next step.
• Be careful with humor. While it is a legitimate purpose of the interview to establish rapport with the interviewer, selecting a candidate is serious business.
• Put yourself in the interviewers place; predict the questions most likely to be asked and prepare yourself to answer them.
• Good personal grooming is a must for a first impression. Arrive at the interview destination in time to get yourself together before you sit down at the interview.

• Listen to your recruiter before the interview. Your recruiter won't "give you the right answers" but he will identify the issues that are important to the prospective employer
• After the interview, follow up immediately with the recruiter to debrief him.
• It is most appropriate for you to send a letter to the prospective employer you met with, thanking them for the opportunity and clarifying any questions unanswered during the interview.
• When it comes time to talk about money and a potential offer, follow your recruiters lead here. Your recruiter does this every day and knows what will fly and what won't.

Here's what you'll experience with Lloyd, Martin and Associates:

• As a member of the Missouri Association of Personnel Services and the National Association of Personnel Services, we are pledged to adhere to a strict Code Of Ethics that governs how we do business.
• We were among the very first recruiters in St. Louis to specialize in the information systems field. With over two decades of experience in this market, we know the territory: Who's Who, What's Hot, and What's Not. No one can surpass our in-depth knowledge of the employers and candidates in our field.
• We take the long view: We nurture on-going established client and candidate relationships based on trust. We do the right thing today for both client and candidate.
• We have created two unique programs: Our Preferred Client Program and Our Preferred Candidate Program. These flagship programs are unmatched in the industry in their ability to address the quantitative and qualitative needs of our clients and our candidates.

• Your Lifestyle Requirements
• The Factors You Consider Which Favor a Particular Position...or Not
• Your Career Goals
• Your Personal Growth Goals
• Your Personal Needs or Restrictions
• Income and Advancement Desires
• Your Orientation Towards Technology: The Extent to Which You Want To Explore New Areas
• Your Workstyle/Lifestyle Compatibility Requirements: Conditions, Hours, Travel, etc
• Your Business/Corporate Environment Preferences

Our Preferred Candidate Program is unique: it's a career Win-Win for both you and your prospective employer.

Q: Is there a cost or commitment involved? Do I have to sign anything?
A: No. The LM&A Preferred Candidate Program is a process of gathering information and getting acquainted with you. Our employer clients pay any and all fees when career choice is finalized.

Q. Do I have to be looking for a job or career change right now in order to register?
A. Not at all. In fact, we encourage everyone to register with us, whether they're "looking" or not. It's not about "finding a job" ...it's about building and shaping your career path so that you get what you want. But we can't help you now or in the future if we don't know who you are or what you want.

Q. Is the program confidential? I wouldn't want my present employer to hear about this at all.
A: Absolutely. We contact no one without your express permission.

Q. I hear from recruiters all the time. Why do I need you?
A. You've answered your own question! While it may be somewhat flattering to have a number of recruiters calling you, many are "taking a shot in the dark" by presenting you with job opportunities that may or may not be anywhere near what you're looking for to satisfy your career goals. Our approach is clearly different: we identify what your needs are beforehand, then present you with opportunities that we know you will at least want to hear about and consider.