You are interviewing for a consultant position. The fact there is an opening for a consultant and that you are being considered for the position means you have the know-how to, well, consult. So show up armed with exactly what you might tell someone else to prepare for in a consultation. Study every aspect of the position. If the position is in a psychologist’s office, you will have to know about psychology. For example, you need to know the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist (which, by the way is the medical degree; a psychiatrist is required to have a medical degree to write prescription whereas a psychologist cannot write prescriptions). Familiarize yourself with the psychologist. Where did he earn his degree? What does he specialize in (child psychology, couples counseling, etc.)? How long has he been practicing (is he a recent graduate or has he built his practice over the course of ten or more years)? This basic information is often what the determining factor is for two candidates who did well in their interviews. The devil’s in the details!
Dress appropriately. This sounds like common sense, but many will opt for a more casual look simply because they are interviewing for a part-time position. Pay attention to your socks—make sure they match. If you choose to wear them, make sure there are no runs in your stockings. These things seem obvious, but in today’s tight job market, tiny details that could have been overlooked a year ago are being closely scrutinized. Employers are faced with several likeable interviewers, so they are looking for the one imperfection that will serve as justification for choosing one likeable person from another.
After the interview has concluded, reiterate your appreciation for the opportunity. You might even consider a sincere acknowledgment that you know the interviewer probably had many resumes, but that you appreciate being called in. Something along the lines of, ''I can’t imagine how many responses you had for this position, but I truly appreciate being singled out for an interview.'' And if you are wondering, ''Should I follow up with a thank you note?'' the answer is yes. Absolutely, positively follow up with a thank you note! Again, it is a tight job market: any advantage you can afford yourself is advised. Don’t go overboard and don’t cross the line, but a gracious and simple thank you card is often very effective. On the flip side, refrain from bombarding the employer’s receptionist with calls every day requesting an update. That is a definite way to get a red line through your name on the list of possible candidates. After awhile, the receptionist will grow weary of having to hear your voice on the other end of the phone.
Marketing consulting jobs are becoming increasingly competitive. These jobs are necessary, even in times of recession, but the number of applicants with marketing degrees remains as steady now as five years ago. This means you must have that magical something that is going to grab an interviewer’s attention. Unfortunately, you have no idea what that something quantifies. It is foolhardy to not prepare.
Similarly, recruitment consulting jobs have precious few positions available, whether on a full-time or part-time basis. Often, employers will hire a candidate on a part-time basis with the intent of bringing them into a full-time position as soon as budgets allow or as soon as the part-time employee has shown what he can do. The rule of thumb is if a person takes his part-time position seriously and flourishes, even as those around him are enjoying paid vacations and personal days, then he is certainly a viable candidate for the next full-time opening. Taking pride in one’s work has never been more important than in today’s economy.
So you see, with a little pride in your appearance, a little homework into the position you’re interviewing for, and a little faith in better economic times, you might just have that magical formula employers are hoping will walk through their doors. The key is to assume nothing. What appears as a part-time position just might be the dream position you have been waiting for. It may just be in disguise.
