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"The combination of T.J.'s business acumen, career/life counseling, and long-term vision are invaluable in this economic climate. T.J. is the type of teacher, advisor, and business partner that every business professional needs." M.S. Director of Operations and Finance — Industrial Manufacturing
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"I have been very impressed with the professionalism and expertise of Centennial, in the way they listen to their clients needs and have the ability to find the type of talent my organization is seeking. I have rarely come across talent searchers that genuinely want to understand the needs of the clients through a series of well prepared questions and can convert that into win-win results. Mike Jr. is enjoyable and sociable individual and I would not think twice about asking Mike and his firm to do more searches for us." R.C. Vice President of Sales — Consumer Package Goods
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"It's really simple...Trust, Integrity and Expertise. Whenever there is a recruiting, search, talent or business adviser needed, I personally turn to Mike at Centennial because I trust him, he is a man of integrity and has exceptional expertise." D.D. President — Marketing Communications
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"From the initial contact throughout the entire process, Centennial was top-notch in identifying our needs and then meeting them. The process and interactions were consistently positive, professional and enjoyable. Consequently, the next search assignment will begin with Mike & Centennial." D.B. Human Resources Director — Consumer Package Goods
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"As Vice President of Supply Chain, I have had the pleasure of working with Mike Sipple Jr. on several assignments that required professionalism, compassion, and confidentiality. Mike and team have exceeded our expectations in all categories. Mike has proven to be a great resource and partner when called on for general questions regarding topics related to human resource trends." M.L. Vice President of Supply Chain — Distribution
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"Mike is a detailed professional recruiter and talent coach. Mike communicates clearly and timely, and maintains a high degree of patience with his clients as they identify the right candidate for the position to be filled. Mike maintains a high level of ethics and professionalism." D.C. President — Industrial Manufacturing
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"I've worked with Mike in several capacities, most recently when he recruited me into a new marketing management position at my current company. Very professional, open, and helpful; good sounding-board. I highly recommend him. Additionally, I've had a mutually beneficial professional relationship with Centennial (not as an employee) for nearly 15 years." B.P. Marketing Manager — Transportation Services
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"Centennial's genuine interest in both candidate and employer, and ensuring a good match between them shines through. It does not end with job placement. Three years later, Mike Sipple Jr. and the team still display an active interest in my career and personal growth. I regard the Centennial team as friends and partners." B.D. Director Corporate Services — Global Communications
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"Centennial has always impressed us as a creative hard working partner of clients AND as an organization of impeccable character. It is rare for one to work w/ persons who have a level of conscientious and humble attitude AND gifted talent for their profession. I would trust the Team @ Centennial with any aspect of my business or life as well as hire their organization for any mission critical talent acquisition issue or opportunity." M.F. Chief Executive Officer — Corporate Consulting
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"I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your guidance and leadership throughout my career transition. I admit I was apprehensive when first introduced to the idea of using a career coach, but after our first session I knew that I had made the right decision. I needed a person that could give me direction, coaching and accountability, but most of all needed to know that someone was on my side. I not only accomplished my goal of a career in a new field, I also feel that I gained a friend."
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"I would recommend to anyone who is struggling in their job campaign to enlist the help of you and your associates. You are very knowledgeable and up-to-date about the job market; you are professional, yet personable; and you are patient and understanding towards the frustrations we deal with as job seekers. If I had to do it over again, I would have called you sooner…much sooner!"
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"The challenge you helped me most with involved showing myself in the broadest terms possible. As a professional pilot and manager of aviation operations, I had difficulty communicating the breadth of my experience and allowing others to see me in a way that would be valuable to their organizations. Once you identified my strengths and experience in information technology, team leadership, process improvement and training, a whole world of opportunities emerged. Your coaching during the offer/negotiation process enabled me to leverage this opportunity to maximum financial compensation."
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"The point you make of networking to find the unadvertised positions is right on track. Developing a target list of companies and than utilizing a methodical approach to network into these organizations really works. I will always be grateful for your assistance and could not have succeeded without it."
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"This letter is to express my sincere thanks and appreciation to Mike Lynch for his tremendous contribution to the success of my campaign. His dedication, professionalism, knowledge, and encouragement were a constant source of positive reinforcement, which always managed to keep me focused on the objective. Mike’s logical approach to career search challenges and friendly, professional coaching enabled me to establish a solid foundation of incremental successes on which to build. It was these successes that validated the effectiveness of Mike’s methods and served as the motivating force in my campaign. This week I accepted a new management level position in a completely unrelated industry, with a salary increase of nearly 25%. Thank you Mike!"
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"I want to take a few moments to thank you for your assistance in my job campaign. It is like a jungle out there, and, fortunately, you were my guide. I soon realized that working hard in your career search does not always mean quick and definite results. It depends on what you know about today’s job market and of the proven tactics that will make a difference. That’s where you came in, Mike. The tools you gave me made the difference."
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Mike Sipple, Sr. President
Centennial, Inc.
Q: What are the top three challenges facing leaders today?
View his answer >
Mike Sipple, Sr. President
Centennial, Inc.
Q: What's next after we get good candidates in the door?
View his answer >
Mike Sipple, Sr. President
Centennial, Inc.
Q: How do we attract the best talent that will be successful in our company?
View his answer >
Mike Sipple, Sr. President
Centennial, Inc.
Q: What should be included in a job requisition to ensure that we get highly qualified applicants?
View his answer >
T.J. Bugg
Vice President
Centennial, Inc.
Q: What are the top three challenges facing leaders today?
View his answer >
T.J. Bugg
Vice President
Centennial, Inc.
Q: What's the best way to find the "needle in the haystack" when we get hundreds of resumes for every job posting?
View his answer >
T.J. Bugg
Vice President
Centennial, Inc.
Q: How can we ensure we're spending time with the "right" candidates?
View his answer >
T.J. Bugg
Vice President
Centennial, Inc.
Q: How can companies benefit from partnering with us, even with internal corporate recruiters?
View his answer >
T.J. Bugg
Vice President
Centennial, Inc.
Q: What are the top three challenges facing leaders today?
View his answer >
T.J. Bugg
Vice President
Centennial, Inc.
Q: As a job seeker, how can I differentiate from the masses?
View his answer >
T.J. Bugg
Vice President
Centennial, Inc.
Q: How can we attract people who will be successful in our company?
View his answer >
T.J. Bugg
Vice President
Centennial, Inc.
Q: When evaluating multiple job offers, how can I decipher which is the best one for me?
View his answer >
T.J. Bugg
Vice President
Centennial, Inc.
Q: What should be included in a job requisition to get highly qualified candidates?
View his answer >
T.J. Bugg
Vice President
Centennial, Inc.
Q: Should a job description double as the job requisition?
View his answer >
Mike Sipple, Jr.
Vice President
Centennial, Inc.
Q: What are the top three challenges facing leaders today?
View his answer >
Mike Sipple, Jr.
Vice President
Centennial, Inc.
Q: How can we find the "best" people for our company?
View his answer >
Mike Sipple, Jr.
Vice President
Centennial, Inc.
Q: How can we encourage "A" talent to choose our company?
View his answer >
Mike Sipple, Jr.
Vice President
Centennial, Inc.
Q: Should we try to hire talent on our own before engaging a recruitment firm?
View his answer >
Mike Sipple, Jr.
Vice President
Centennial, Inc.
Q: Why should you partner with a recruitment firm if you have in-house recruiting?
View his answer >
Mike Sipple, Jr.
Vice President
Centennial, Inc.
Q: As a job seeker, how can I differentiate myself from the masses?
View his answer >
Mike Sipple, Jr.
Vice President
Centennial, Inc.
Q: How can I be enthusiastic in my job search without appearing desperate?
View his answer >
Mike Sipple, Jr.
Vice President
Centennial, Inc.
Q: How can a Career Coach help me in my transition?
View his answer >
Mike Lynch
Vice President
Centennial, Inc.
Q: As a job seeker, how can I stand out from the crowd?
View his answer >
Mike Lynch
Vice President
Centennial, Inc.
Q: Networking. Everyone is doing it. Do you know how to be strategic about it?
View his answer >
Mike Lynch
Vice President
Centennial, Inc.
Q: What are some effective resume tips that will help get me noticed?
View his answer >
Mike Lynch
Vice President
Centennial, Inc.
Q: When evaluating multiple job offers, how can I decipher which is the best choice for me?
View his answer >
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Career Management Resources
Top 10 Interviewing Tips
Remember you are selling an Overall Package: "Yourself". For you to be successful you need to know "Who You Are", "What Skill Sets Are Important", and "Why a Company should hire YOU." Put together what we call a two-minute talk about yourself so it is fresh for the interview. You will want to relay this information to the Interviewer smoothly and concisely.
1. Be Prepared
Interview preparation is one of the most important aspects of a successful job search. Before each interview, Centennial, Inc. will provide you with coaching and detailed information on the company and the available position. However, you should also be prepared to:
- Conduct your own research on the company. Utilize the Internet, get the URL (Web-Site) of the company and study them thoroughly. Understand the history, products and services offered, competition, mission statement, financial performance, recent press releases, etc.
- Think over your accomplishments, skills and experience and how they will benefit the company. Write these down, make some notes, and know what you want to say.
- Be able to explain you're past career moves and why you are interested in making another change. Make sure your career-move explanations show foresight and planning.
- Avoid making negative remarks about your previous job(s) or manager(s). This will only hurt your chances of getting hired. Don't be bitter. Be professional.
2. Make a Good First Impression
- Our research shows that initial impressions are made within the first minute of an employment interview. You can make a positive first impression if you:
- Bring a fresh copy(s) of your resume. Your resume should be outstanding.
- Bring a smart attaché case or a professional binder and a fine quality pen. By all means, take notes during the interview.
- Start the interview with good eye contact and maintain it throughout the interview. Eye contact is key. You will benefit greatly from looking them in the eye.
- Wear professional business attire, preferably a dark blue, gray or black suit with understated accessories and jewelry. Use good judgment if corporate dress code is business casual. When in doubt - ask what's appropriate.
- Make sure your clothing is meticulously clean and color coordinated. Shoes polished.
- Create a more polished appearance by being well groomed with neat hair and nails (go ahead and treat yourself to a haircut or a manicure before the interview).
- Make sure you have a firm handshake.
3. Be Enthusiastic and Confident in Your Abilities
Being enthusiastic about your work, the company and its projects shows the interviewer that you are a viable candidate. During the interview:
- Be confident about your abilities but not egotistical. The "I can do everything" approach will not score you any points.
- Don't be afraid to give detailed information about HOW you can contribute when responding to questions. Make sure you answer with more than just a yes or no. Respond to a question with information or possibly a follow up question.
- Whenever possible, anticipate questions and be ready with answers. Some examples of this are: (Know that these are coming...)
Q: Tell me about yourself?
A: Very open-ended question so try and find out more what the interviewer wants to discuss, then touch upon points that emphasize your background. Should include interest, hobbies, and kind of work you enjoy. Keep it 2 minutes max. If you are prepared you will be able to do this smoothly and concisely.
Q: Why are you looking to change jobs? and Why should we consider you for the job?
A: Make sure you have logical business reasons why you are making a change and why you left your previous employers. (More $$ doesn't cut it). Ideally to advance your skills or position. Note: When you claim a skill, back it up with on-the-job examples by "how" you did it and be persuasive.
4. Emphasize your Strengths
Almost every interview follows a basic pattern with the person conducting the interview trying to determine your strengths and weaknesses. You'll want to: Talk about your strengths in terms of teamwork and projects you are proud to have worked on. Bring up your biggest accomplishments and where you have made the greatest impact, but most importantly explain HOW you did it.
- Project strength of character and strong work ethics (i.e.: goal oriented, flexible, committed, persistent, self-motivated, ambitious, hardworking, finish projects on time and on budget, good listener, dedicated, intelligent, multi-tasking, work-well under pressure).
- Address the interviewer's chief concerns (i.e.: if an HR Manager conducts the interview you might want to emphasize your interpersonal skills. On the other hand, if you are interviewed by a Technical Manager you might want to emphasize your technical skills).
5. Turn Weaknesses into Strengths
Employers look for people who know their own limitations and are interested in self-improvement. Mention a weakness and then stress its positive aspect, e.g., "I don't like to be over supervised, because I have a great deal of initiative, and I like to anticipate problems before they even arise."
6. Ask Great Questions
It is important for you to leave the interview with a good understanding of the position and company. You are interviewing them as much as they are interviewing you. Your goal is to make a good career decision. Therefore, make a list of great questions to ask during the interview, such as:
- What are the responsibilities of this position, and what are the most important?
- What are the top 3 critical objectives that need to be accomplished by the person in this position during the first 6 to 12 months?
- What are the limits of my responsibility and authority?
- What problems and opportunities are associated with this position?
- What are the goals of this company and department?
- What support is available for me to meet these goals?
- Are there any projects currently in motion?
What is their history and status?
- What type of training do you provide?
- Why is this position open? Replacement or expansion?
- What criteria are used for performance reviews?
7. Don't Discuss Salary
If you state a salary figure that is too low or too high, you may not be considered for the position at all. Let your recruiter negotiate the best possible compensation package for you, it is absolutely essential that you do not state salary requirements. Instead:
- Focus on the opportunity and say you prefer to leave the question of salary open for now.
- Tell them what you are currently earning and that you are negotiable. "I know you will make me a fair offer based on what ever the market will bear."
8. Ask for the Job
The close of the interview provides a chance to sum up your qualifications and ask for the job. You can use this opportunity to:
- Ask the interviewer how well your qualifications fit the company's needs. "How do my qualifications fit the position you are looking for?" This makes the employer evaluate your background right there and now. You can then cover anything missed.
- Address anything that was missed to reinforce your candidacy. Clear up any employer concerns or confusion before the end of the meeting.
- Express interest in the position and a desire to proceed to the next step of the hiring process. "I am very interested in this position because (try and mention some reasons) and I look forward to working with you in the future. Who else do I need to meet with to help with your decision?"
- You can get some instant feedback from the interviewer by asking, "How you rank with the other people they have already interviewed?" Be quiet, and listen to the response. In most cases, their answer will indicate how well you just did during the interview.
9. Write a Thank You Note After the Interview
Always write a thank you letter to everyone who interviews you. It should be sent as soon as possible after an interview. It is acceptable to email a thank you note, however, email is not a substitute for the original hard copy, which should be sent via U.S. Mail. Generally, a thank you letter has 3 basic parts and the biggest thing to remember is to keep it brief and well written.
- Start by thanking the interviewer for taking the time to talk with you. It is generally a good idea to include the actual date on which the interview occurred.
- Reaffirm your interest in the company by pointing out particular issues brought up during the interview that appeal to you. Try to personalize the letter by referring to the common interest, topics or corporate objectives you discussed during the interview. Resist the temptation to sell yourself by reiterating your resume strengths.
- Close the letter with another word of appreciation, an offer to provide more information and a statement that you look forward to hearing from them.
Important: Call your Centennial, Inc. contact with your feedback after the interview.
10. Read a Book.
In addition to these ten important tips, there are many good books to help you better understand the interview process and give you an edge over the competition. Here are a few of my favorites:
- "Headhunters Revealed!" by Darrell Gurney, CPC
- "Rites of Passage" by John Lucht
- "How to Turn An Interview Into A Job" by Jeffrey G. Allen
- "What Color Is Your Parachute" by Richard Bolles
- "Dress for Success" by Molloy
Hopefully these tips help you do a better job on your interviews. We cannot stress enough how important it is to be prepared and we want to help you do your best. Please pass these on to a friend. We know it will help.
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today to discuss how Centennial
can add value to your efforts.
Reach Centennial directly at 513.366.3760.
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