Retail Marketing Manager- Midwest (Salary up to 70K + bonus)

Posted on February 17, 2012 by admin

Work for a medium sized company, in a team environment, where employees share in each success and work together to accomplish their goals. This employer prides itself on low employee turnover. If this environment sounds like a fit, this company is looking for you.

Summary:

Responsible for managing timeline, budget and resources required for the Retail Store marketing programs. Manage the delivery of targeted marketing and sales events within retail stores.

Job Description:

· Work collaboratively with Marketing and ecommerce Marketing Manager to support and promote the brand to end consumers

· Develop annual retail store and outlet store marketing strategies, tactics and measurements

· Direct and measure the effectiveness of retail store email and print marketing campaigns

· Develop and maintain media schedule and ensure execution for all marketing campaigns

· Assist in the development and measurement of the Retail store email marketing campaigns

· Manage relationships with the brand mall locations and store managers to deliver localized marketing events

· Maintain media schedule and ensure execution for all marketing campaigns

· Ensure marketing events are executed in Brand Channels (retail stores and outlet stores)

· Work with Business intelligence team to understand and measure the impact of all marketing activities

· Ensure consistency between, Corporate campaigns, social media channels and web marketing campaigns to maximize marketing opportunities for the retail stores

· Identify and engage opportunities with new partners to drive traffic

· Work with the creative team to support retail store marketing efforts

· Assist in developing annual retail store marketing strategies, tactics and measurements

· Stay abreast of changes in the marketing environment to maximize brand profitability

Qualifications:

· High School Graduate, Bachelor’s Degree in Internet Marketing, Advertising or related field preferred

· 4-6 years marketing, retail or ecommerce experience

· Ability to think creatively and strategically to understand business issues and link results to Retail Store marketing program goals

· Detail oriented with the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously

· Excellent organization and follow through skills

· Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills

· Presentation skills

· Ability to build and maintain good rapport with internal and external customers and handle situations with confidence, tact and resourcefulness

· Flexible, adaptable with the ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines in a fast paced office environment

· Strong computer skills

· Strong team player

 

TO APPLY:

Send your resume with salary requirements to Sue at Midwest Personnel Resource, LLC:

e mail: sue@mpresource.com

phone: 262.681.3727

Please include Job Code RMM-MPR0112 in subject line on all e-mails.     

 
 

Posted in Marketing, Midwest, Open Positions | Leave a comment

Sr. Merchandise Planner- Midwest

Posted on February 17, 2012 by admin

Work for a medium sized company, in a team environment, where employees share in each success and work together to accomplish their goals. This employer prides itself on low employee turnover. If this environment sounds like a fit, this company is looking for you.

Summary:

Responsible for managing analytical functions relating to inventory forecasting across all distribution channels for assigned product category, utilizing historical and forward-looking market research data, assortment evaluation (including SKU count and price distribution within assigned product category), and marketing plans that will affect sales velocity. Based on resulting analysis, provide recommendations that result in actionable decisions to optimize sales through all sales channels.

Job Description:

· Collaborate with Channel Forecasting Managers in assigned product division regarding assortment plans, pricing strategies and projected selling at each level of the hierarchy

· Manage top-down product demand forecast based on OTB and FPA strategic direction that maximize sales and maintain desired inventory targets

· Develop and manage advanced, efficient processes for forecasting sales at style/color level across all sales distribution channels within the forecasting system. Work closely with Channel Forecasting Managers to ensure that demand for respective divisions is being met through management of inventory segmentation process

· Analyze merchandise mix, daily demand activity, economic and business factors, seasonal selling peaks, historical trends and related product performance, resulting in weekly forecast updates that will manage manufacturing capacity, building inventory and projecting end-of-life inventory levels of assigned product category

· Establish and maintain department, class and channel-level open-to-buy processes to identify need for forecast adjustments and proactively identify risks within the inventory

· Work with Planning team to establish and maintain style-level ladder plans to proactively adjust forecasts and identify need for forecast adjustments and identify risks within the inventory, and communicate to dependent departments

· Identify outliers in large data sets, and make recommendations based on these findings to optimize the merchandise forecast

· Collaborate and manage with Merchant team the seasonal marketing plans

· Execute Forecasting and Inventory management initiatives and strategies as well as developing recommendations

· Ensure that critical forecasting and inventory planning inputs and parameters are updated and utilized in forecasting process

· Establish forecast accuracy metrics by analyzing forecast to demand variances and making adjustments as necessary in the process to reduce such variances over time (inventory levels, forecast deviation, inventory turns, shortages, service levels)

· Facilitate weekly meetings with Operations for assigned product category to discuss issues regarding product availability, shipping, sourcing, quality and manufacturing of signature product

· Maintain reporting activities on key analytics and work with Business Intelligence team to optimize reporting

· Provide as needed, ad hoc category analysis to Executive team to support special projects and initiatives

· Manage and develop Merchandise Planning Coordinators

Qualifications:

· Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing or related field preferred or equivalent experience.

· 5+ years merchandise planning, forecasting, and buying experience

· Strong background in retail math, forecasting and data analysis, with emphasis on retail inventory planning

· Understanding of multiple distribution channels, including indirect (wholesale) sales, e-commerce and brick-and-mortar retail stores

· Proficiency utilizing Microsoft Office software including a high level of expertise in Excel

· Proficiency with SAP or other ERP/Forecasting software platform required

· Experience in Open-to-Buy process preferred

· Process oriented with the ability to identify and implement process improvements

· Detail oriented with the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously

· Excellent organization and follow through skills

· Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills and presentation skills

· Flexible, adaptable with the ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines in a fast paced environment

· Strong team player who is comfortable working with multiple functional areas

 

TO APPLY:

Send your resume with salary requirements to Sue at Midwest Personnel Resource, LLC:

e mail: sue@mpresource.com

phone: 262.681.3727 

Please include Job Code SMP- MPR0112 in subject line on all e-mails.
 

Posted in Midwest, Open Positions, Planning | Leave a comment

Fabric Developers- 1- Knit’s & 1-Woven’s- Midwest

Posted on October 27, 2011 by admin

If you are interested in working for a top retailer, have a desire to have unparalleled career growth, welcome the opportunity to go to work in business causal attire and thrive in a fast paced environment our client is looking for you.

Due to continued growth and a need for product differentiation at the retail level, our retail client is looking for a fabric developers who can:

Job Description:

• Manage fabric development across all brands

• Interpret design vision into fabric trend development

• Work w/mills to create fabric recipes and then review fabric submits

• Conduct fabric trend research via working w/mills, trade shows, etc.

• Make presentations for design and merchandising teams on new fabric trends and technology

• Strategize with sourcing, merchandising and design on costing initiatives

• Assist Raw Materials department with identifying, researching and reporting on new material innovations and select appropriate materials for each product category

• Track and manage department fabric submits

• Maintain data and tracking charts using PLM and organize any other administrative paperwork necessary for department records

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Textile Technology, Textile Design or related field.

• Minimum 3 years’ experience in material development, material testing or material sourcing role

• Thorough working knowledge of textiles at each stage of development

• Previous experience working with fabric mills; international travel experience plus

• Understanding of different fabric qualities and ability to instruct vendors on how to change or improve desired materials

• Strong analytical and problem solving skills; able to track and maintain complex data

• Effective communication skills while working with a variety of personalities and cultures

• Passion for developing highest quality product while achieving cost and timing targets

• Ability to think and react in a fast-paced, high energy work environment

• Self starter, able to drive projects to conclusion and handle significant responsibility

• Demonstrate a collaborative work style with successful partnerships with cross-functional team members

 

Our client is offering competitive compensation, a great benefits package and unmatched career growth!

 

TO APPLY:

Send your resume with salary requirements to Sue at Midwest Personnel Resource, LLC:

e mail: sue@mpresource.com

phone: 262.681.3727

Please include Job Code FD-MPR0411 in subject line on all e-mails.

Posted in Fabric/Trim Development, Midwest, Open Positions, Quality | Leave a comment

Sr. or Technical Designer- intimate apparel Salary range mid 80’s + bonus (for Sr.)- Midwest

Posted on September 13, 2011 by admin

Working for our manufacturing client (who has proudly earned strong brand recognition), you will enjoy a business casual dress code, summer hours, flexible start time, 15+ social events per year and a family oriented culture.

If you are a take charge individual, have a strong technical design, patternmaking & contractor management background and long for an excellent work environment we need to talk!

Job Description:

• Lead the technical development of collections each season. Collaborate with Designers on fit direction.

• Prepare first pattern and technical specification for all new style developments.

• Compile, analyze, and input information into project management system to deliver a comprehensive technical pack including measurement charts, sewing specifications, and costing.

• Create base size patterns, using established blocks where available. Ensure consistency of fit across all collections.

• Build relationships with vendors to understand and support their technical capabilities.

• Ensure through project management system, timelines are met for all sealing samples and wearer trials.

• Determine grade rules for all styles.

• Prepare tech packs in collaboration with Product Development and be the technical link between the vendor and Design.

• Analyze and evaluate garments for construction, quality, and measurement.

• Ensure fit and quality standards are established and communicated to Design, Sourcing, QC, and PE teams for all products.

• Partner with the Fabric Team to understand fabric properties for designs.

• Be responsible for fit consistency of all products.

• Travel overseas and to local vendors.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Technical Design and Pattern Grading or equivalent experience. 

• 8-10 years of pattern making, grading, and construction experience in form fitting garments, dancewear or intimate apparel. 

• Solid working knowledge of sewing techniques, stitch properties, and overall garment detail.  

• Knowledge of garment fit and ability to instruct a contractor on the garment manufacturability. 

• Good interpretive skills and visually literate.  

• Able to interpret design intent and create alternative solutions. 

• Strong communication, detail orientation, and follow through skills. Proven ability to manage mass amounts of finite detail. 

• Working knowledge of a computerized pattern making system. 

• Knowledge of Gerber Accumark.  Working knowledge of MS Office (Word, Excel). 

• Knowledge of PLM system is a plus.

TO APPLY:

Send your resume with salary requirements to Sue at Midwest Personnel Resource, LLC:

e mail: sue@mpresource.com

phone: 262.681.3727

Please include Job Code STD- MPR0311 in subject line on all e-mails.

  

 

Posted in Midwest, Open Positions, Technical Design | Leave a comment

Divisional Merchandise Planning Manager- Midwest

Posted on August 28, 2011 by admin

Our client has a strong brand presence and a flat organizational structure. Be a part of a great team oriented work environment. Be a key strategic liaison between design and product development to ensure a trend right product mix that will maximize sales!

 

Summary:

Manage the inventory forecasting function for assigned business channel.

 

Job Description:

• Collaborate with Merchant and Allocation teams in assigned division regarding assortment plans, pricing strategies and projected selling at each level of the hierarchy

• Operate as cross check to inventory planning team, ensuring that inventory forecasts tie out at both hierarchy level and channel level based on financial sales targets

• Accountable for achieving channel sales, margin, and inventory targets through effective merchandise planning, forecasting and channel segmentation

• Manage receipts to assigned division based on forecasted needs at the Dept, Class & Subclass hierarchy’s as well as SKU level ladder plans.

• Optimize merchandise plans by making appropriate in-season adjustments as necessary in conjunction with the Inventory Planning and Allocation teams to secure required Division inventory.

• In conjunction with FP&A develop and manage a channel-level Open to Buy process and be accountable for overall channel receipts and units to sales plan service levels

• Operate as interface to executive team members of assigned division to review inventory needs in relation to sales targets, identify any unique product needs, and convert to merchandise plans that support the sales targets of the assigned channel

• Collaborate with Inventory Planning Analysts to ensure right product mix is being delivered on time to maximize sales in assigned division, identify outliers and communicate issues to appropriate business segments

• Manage marketing and sales support collateral forecasting process for assigned division

• Analyze merchandise mix and related product performance and recommend adjustments to support division business trends and seasonal selling peaks

• Maintain reporting activities on key analytics and work with Business Intelligence team to optimize reporting

• Actively participate and facilitate weekly cross-functional business meetings (i.e. S&OP, I-Team)

• Act as Subject Matter Expert and Power User within internal business systems (i.e. SAP)

• Travel to Direct brick & mortar locations for frontline intelligence of consumer behavior, market conditions and relationship building.

 

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing or related field preferred or equivalent experience

• 5 years merchandise planning, forecasting, and buying experience

• Strong background in retail math, forecasting and data analysis, with emphasis on retail inventory planning

• Understanding of both Internet and brick-and-mortar retail channels, as well consumer trends

• Proficiency utilizing Microsoft Office software required. High level of expertise in Excel is required

• Proficiency with SAP or other ERP/Forecasting software platform required

• Experience managing an Open-to-Buy process

• Process oriented with the ability to determine and implement process improvements

• Detail oriented with the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously

• Excellent organization and follow through skills

• Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills

• Flexible, adaptable with the ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines in a fast paced environment

• Strong team player who is comfortable working with multiple functional areas

 

TO APPLY:

Send your resume with salary requirements to Sue at Midwest Personnel Resource, LLC:

e mail: sue@mpresource.com

phone: 262.681.3727

Please include Job Code PFM – MPR0311on all emails/faxes.


							

	
			

									
						Posted in Inventory, Merchandising -Buying, Midwest, Open Positions, Planning/Forecasting					
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Sourcing Planner- Midwest


			

				Posted on August 28, 2011 by admin			


				

				
Enjoy a team atmosphere where everyone rolls up their sleeves to get the job done. Our client has a strong brand presence and a flat organizational structure that will allow you to play an integral part in the development process.  


Summary:  


Assist Global Sourcing Department in all duties. Support management in supplier sourcing, evaluation and selection. Close communication with potential new suppliers to disseminate their capabilities in meeting company best in class initiative.  Maintain sourcing matrix and correspondence as directed by Global Sourcing Manager will be vital in managing supplier relationships so they stay current with new product development.   


Job Description:  


• Aid in the source development and execution of strategies and tactics related to the successful management of all product categories. 


• Collaborate within a cross-functional, team-oriented process involving Merchandise Management, Product Development, Purchasing, Quality and other stakeholders. 


• Support all cost and pricing elements related to the specific product categories. 


• Participate in supplier sourcing, evaluation and selection. 


• Ensure source matrix and any additional reporting tools are maintained to reflect current and new sources, costing, lead-time, quotas and duty assignments. 


• Coordinate seasonal bidding process, samples, and milestone tracking. 


• Enter and maintain data in Flex PLM system. 


• Negotiate cost, conduct cost analyses and risk assessment of suppliers. 


• Coordinate submittals, approvals, communication and follow up between factories and fabric mills. 


• Place, monitor and track seasonal sample purchase orders for raw materials and finished goods. 


• Monitor and communicate as needed all sourcing department metrics. Focus on improving these metrics. 


• Generate reports and analysis as directed. 


• Identify, lead and participate in continuous improvement projects. 


• Communicate regularly with China office. 


• Coordinate and participate in supplier visits. 


• Track & maintain supplier performance system. 


• Maintain records, files and physical inventory of samples. 


• Prepare & send international parcels. 


• Provide backup for co-workers. 


• Maintain a safe and organized work environment.


Qualifications:  


• Bachelor’s degree in Business or related field plus 1-2 years manufacturing experience preferred. 


• Good understanding of the principles of product development, sourcing, purchasing, and quality. 


• Demonstrated commodity or consumer goods (i.e. accessories, handbags, hard lines) management expertise. 


• Textile/fabric expertise strongly preferred 


• Strong, effective, and proven negotiating skills with strong decision making ability. 


• Strong analytical and problem solving skills. 


• Good understanding of business mathematics. 


• Strong team player with excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills. 


• Engagement and lead cross functional teams. 


• Analytical, data driven approach with an attention to detail, well organized. 


• Ability to multi-task and coordinate multiple projects across many suppliers adhering to time sensitive responses.


• Results oriented. Must be goal driven, take the initiative and be independent. 


• Positive attitude, ethics, and international values which support core values, and a healthy, high performance culture 


• Windows based PC experience with strong skills in Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook including advanced skills in spreadsheet, database and graphing applications, SAP and 


• PLM experience preferred. 


• Candidate must have the capability and willingness for advancement. 


• International communication experience with Asia preferred. 


• Valid driver’s license with clear motor vehicle record.








TO APPLY:  


Send your resume with salary requirements to Sue at Midwest Personnel Resource, LLC:  


  


e mail: sue@mpresource.com  


phone: 262.681.3727  


  


Please include Job Code SP – MPR0311 on all emails/faxes.

							

	
			

									
						Posted in Midwest, Open Positions, Production, Sourcing					
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Global Supplier Quality Analyst – Soft lines/Accessories- Midwest


			

				Posted on June 27, 2011 by admin			


				

				
(Salary up to 70K + bonus)


Our client has a strong brand presence and a flat organizational structure. Excellent, collaborative work environment.


Be a key liaison between design, technical design, merchandising , product development and sourcing to ensure quality integrity of all products!


 


Must have branded soft lines or accessories category experience.


Summary:


Lead and coordinate the quality process to assure raw and finished goods product quality standards are met both domestically and internationally.


Job Description: 


• Direct responsibility for product returns and assigned personnel


• Provide dotted line support and direction to staff in offshore offices


• Establish and maintain supplier requirements internationally


• Evaluate suppliers internationally for conformance to established brand requirements.


• Work closely with international office general manager to provide tools for quality staff.


• Provide supplier qualifications, material issue resolution, drive supplier corrective actions


• Establish and maintain acceptable quality standards for raw materials and finished goods


• Insure consistency of on-going product receipts with original samples/standards from suppliers


• Log and follow-up on quality complaints as reported by customers


• Provide necessary quality reporting for effective supplier selection and product assignments


• Track, analyze, and report on quality performance and trends


• BOM/component validation and maintenance of approved supplier/parts lists


• Drive quality with assigned suppliers and accelerate improvements in supplier quality and delivery of value


• Drive supplier selection through qualification process


• Drive corrective and preventive action program, from initiation to resolution of items; collect and analyze data to track the improvements


• Develop positive relationships and work closely with Purchasing Departments (Domestic and International) to manage and implement supplier engineering changes, and part introductions


• Deliver results as measured by key metrics such as defect rates, total supplier cost and corrective action closure


• Drive improvement through supplier auditing and supplier scorecards


• Understand and drive Lean supply chain internally and with suppliers; ensure that all purchased part documentation and products meet quality system requirements


• Develop and implement plans of action/systems to continually improve the quality of raw and finished goods


• Lead identification, communication and resolution of product quality issues


• Coordinate the receipt, tracking and disposition of returned products


• Maintain current and historical files on raw and finished product specifications, returns and all other quality issues


• Document and maintain Quality procedures


Qualifications: 


• Bachelor’s Degree in business or related field or equivalent experience


• 3-5 years supplier quality experience


• Strong team player


• Strong data analysis, problem solving and project management skills


• Must be comfortable with rapidly changing priorities


• Experience in a Lean Manufacturing environment is highly desirable


• Must be detail oriented and possess excellent time management and organizational skills


• Excellent interpersonal skills to interact with diverse individuals and groups at all levels Excellent verbal and written communication skills


• Must be able to work independently in a fast paced, rapidly changing environment.


• Thorough understanding of MS Office applications including Word and Outlook, and strong skills in Excel.


• Ability to read product specifications


• Flexible, adaptable with the ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines in a fast paced office environment


TO APPLY:


Send your resume with salary requirements to Sue at Midwest Personnel Resource, LLC:


e mail: sue@mpresource.com


phone: 262.681.3727


Job Code:


Please include Job Code QE – MPR0311 in the subject line of all emails.

							

	
			

									
						Posted in Midwest, Open Positions, Quality					
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Why work with an employment agency?


			

				Posted on February 19, 2010 by admin			


				

				
Why should a company work with an agency?


    

  • An agency typically has a broader reaching network and an on-going pulse on who is confidentially looking. They also have an understanding of your competition and which companies have happy/unhappy employees. Timing is everything. An agency can typically tap into qualified/employed candidates at critical times and entice them to make a change when the right opportunity comes along. Hint: It is critical that you work with an agency who values the candidate relationship and builds long term partnerships with their candidates.

  • An agency can actively market your opening(s) to a potential employee (often a company does not want to gain a reputation of stealing talent from their industry partners or competition- remember that golden rule: do on to others as U want done on to U)

  • An agency can get to the root of why an employee is really looking to make a change and define what is the next best career move for them

  • A good agency partners with the right candidate for your job to engage them in the process, gets them prepared to tell you why they are a good fit for your specific position, culture, company (what are they going to do for your company- help them successfully relay their value proposition to you).

  • An agency will work with you to understand the key skills/objectives that the right candidate needs to bring to the job/and expected accomplishments that will need to be met in the job

  • An agency will help you to close the deal. A good agency is partnering with you to understand your critical salary range. They are partnering with the final candidate from the beginning of the process to understand their salary history and future requirements, bonus/sign on needs, relocation expense expectations, benefits needs. The recruiter has on going conversations during each stage of the interview process to make sure the company needs and the candidate’s requirements are in line, thus ensuring acceptance of the offer by the candidate once an offer is extended. Additionally, the recruiter is gaining full visibility to other opportunities that the candidate is pursuing to determine the viability of your opportunity against your competition. A successful recruiter will help you to stop the candidate’s search process and accept your offer when the right fit/connection has been made!

  • An agency who understands your culture can find you the right talent before you have the need. This is often the best time to hire. Often a company waits until they have an opening (I understand the need to manage head count) and then they make a selection from the available candidate pool at the time. Is that really the best candidate for the position/organization or does the company settle based on a need to fill an urgent position so as to not continue to tax existing staff? A successful company will not miss the opportunity to hire the right culture fit/strong talent when they become motivated to make a change! The sweet spot!

  • An agency will expedite your hiring process and find you the right candidate for your specific needs! 
    • 



Why should a candidate work with an agency?


    

  • An agency can educate you on your marketability- do you know who you are competing with? Do you know what your strengths/weakness are compared to your competition? How valuable are you to an employer?

  • An agency can get your resume noticed and to the top of the pile. In a saturated market that is priceless!

  • An agency can get you prepared for an interview. We review our interview notes with the candidate, educate them on how to get themselves prepared for the interview so they can talk specifics relative to the company’s need and their skill set, we give them a sense for what to expect in the interview process, share candidate interview feedback and educate them on their monetary market value! 
    • 



How do you qualify an agency?


    

  • You need to find out what the agency’s process is. How do they screen their candidates? How do they build relationships with their candidate’s to ensure they are getting the true picture of their skill set/personality/capabilities? When and how are they reference checking their candidates? How detailed is the reference? Are they calling only the listed references or are they digging to talk to past supervisors/peers to get the real scoop. The quality agency is uncovering all the facts to ensure a LONG TERM placement!

  • What credentials do they have in the industry that they are recruiting for, from an HR perspective, how did they train/study to get good at what they do

  • Ask them for references of other satisfied clients

  • Ask them how much information they are going to provide on the candidates they submit. Warning, those agencies who are submitting an attached resume and limited information (only salary requirements and ability to relocate) have probably not thoroughly screened the candidate for your specific need!

  • Ask them why you should be working with them over another agency- do they know their strengths relative to their competition? 
    • 



I could continue on, but this gives you food for thought.
If you are a company you are paying a fee if you hire a candidate from an agency. Know what you are paying for. A good recruiter is worth their weight in gold, but you need to know who you are working with!
From a candidate perspective, you need to be working with an agency who values the candidate relationship as much as the company/client relationship.
If you are an apparel professional we would love to help you with your search!
If you are a company looking for quality apparel professionals we would welcome the opportunity to expedite your hiring process!

							

	
			

									
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Interesting article about finding the right culture fit- "Getting Creative to See if You Fit In"


			

				Posted on September 22, 2009 by admin			


				

				
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/09/19/AR2009091900800.html

							

	
			

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How to prepare for an interview!


			

				Posted on September 17, 2009 by admin			


				

				
Your frame of mind is really key to a successful interview. To put things in perspective: Think of the interview as a conversation. Nothing more. The interview is NOT a test, it is NOT an interrogation, it should NOT be a stress test, you do NOT pass or fail.


You are talking to the employer to learn more about their needs (relative to the position that they are trying to fill) and to determine if the position, location, environment and employees are a match with what you are looking for. The employer is doing the same thing! If the two align an offer is typically extended.


How do you best prepare for an interview?


Use the job description that they provided as a key reference point. The objective is to be able to relay to the employer how you can be of value based on their specific needs.


I recommend that you use the following strategy to best answer the employers questions. The concept is taken from the behavioral based interviewing method/model.


To divert for a minute: Behavioral based interview questions are questions that get specific examples of a candidate’s past experience so an employer can determine if the candidate can be successful in the position that they are trying to fill. The interviewee’s answers give the employer insight into how the candidate performed the process/job/responsibilities in a prior role.


I believe that the following strategy can be used by candidates to prepare for an interview. First review the job description. Second, review each action point on the job description and come up with the best 1 or 2 examples where you have done what the employer is looking for (use your past performance/job experience). Then apply the following tool to get your toughs in order prior to the interview:


On the right hand margin of the job description write BAR or STAR vertically and fill in the blanks horizontally. Think of the acronym BAR, B= Behavior, A= Action, R= Result
or STAR, S=Situation, T= Task, A= Action, R= Result.


EXAMPLE:


Job Description:


    

  • Work with Sales and Marketing to develop season’s themes, promotional items and marketing campaigns 
    • 



B= As Director of Men’s and Boys Product


A= I worked with Design, Sales, Marketing & Key Accounts to research and develop seasonal marketing strategies (which included: POS, GWP, promotional kits, packaging, hang tags and advertising spots)


R= I had full accountability for the revenue in my assigned categories. My efforts resulted in a 30% increase to sales year over year, a 5 pt margin increase and a successful launch (and line extension) for the Men’s and Boys product category.


This preparation should position you to communicate your strengths relative to the employer’s needs and ultimately land you the job providing you have the KSAA’s (knowledge, skills, ability, accomplishments) that they are looking for!


Update (10/16/09) -Here is another article that is consistent with some of my notes above:


http://community.ere.net/blogs/invested-innovative-brilliant-improving-the-recruiting-experience/2009/10/how-to-ace-the-interview-guest-blog-by-new-head2he/









							

	
			

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