1. Have a clear career game plan and job-changing mindset before you get the call. (This includes always having an up-to-date CV).
2. Be open but cautious.
3. Ask questions to help you determine the recruiter's legitimacy, credibility, reputation and modus operandi (i.e. contingency or retainer, exclusive assignment or not, professional affiliations, office location).
4. Never stretch the truth: about job experience, education, income, etc.
5. Bow out early if you're really not interested: offer to be a resource if not a candidate.
6. Do your homework on the client organization, once identified. (The recruiter should provide basic material, but go beyond to web searches, clippings, trade publication stories, etc).
7. Don't play hard to get. Keep appointments, return calls and cooperate.
8. Sign the reference-checking authorization if presented: it proves you have nothing to hide.
9. Cover yourself at work: despite all precautions and confidentiality, slip-ups sometimes occur. Tell your superiors you're always getting calls from recruiters, but that it doesn't mean you're looking.
10. Don't cultivate an offer just to get leverage where you are: such short-term, self-serving strategy usually backfires.
11. Let the recruiter run interference for you on salary and benefits and perks. While compensated by the hiring organization, the search consultant can be your advocate, too, and has a stake in your success.
12. Of 200 "suspects" uncovered in initial research, perhaps 50 will make the first cut, five will be finalists, and one will get the job. Don't take it personally: the search process aims for a perfect fit, and it's probably in your best interests anyway.
13. Don't burn your bridges: with the recruiter or with your present employer.

• Will I be able to work productively with this executive?"
• "Is this the best person for the job?"
• "Will she/he work well with the rest of the team?"

Equally, you need the answers to questions such as:

• "Will this job provide me with what I am looking for from employment?"
• "Will I be able to work productively for this manager?"
• "Will I get on with other members of the team?"

1. One of the most critical issues is to come well prepared. Find out as much as possible about the company as you can. In addition to the information you get from the search consultant, check the websites, newspaper articles and annual reports. If you know someone that works for the company, or in the industry, get in touch with him or her.
   
   
2. Remember, the more you know, the easier it becomes to probe with relevant questions. You should not hesitate to ask questions to make sure you fully understand the company and your expected role. Above all, think in terms of what you can do for the company, don't just probe on what the company can do for you! If you limit your discussion to what you want from the relationship, it will not help.
   
   
3. Listen carefully to every question and be sure you understand it before answering. Rephrase and ask for clarification if needed. When you ask a question, listen to the answer. There is a danger that you start thinking about the next question, or how you should have answered one just asked, instead of really listening.
   
   
4. Your body language can convey a great deal about you. Your posture should reflect enthusiasm, warmth, sincerity and respect. Don't fidget, distract the interviewer by playing with pens, glasses and so on. Try to maintain eye contact with the person you are talking to most of the time, but remember not to ignore other people in the meeting.
   
   
5. Get ready for questions like these:
   • "What are the things you enjoy doing and what do you dislike?" (Don't just respond with a list, but give concrete examples. "I like working in teams because...")
   • "How would your boss describe you? Why?"
   • "What was your favorite/least favorite position? Why?"
   • "What do you see yourself doing 3 years from now?"
   • "What makes you stand out among your peers?"
   • "What have you done to improve business results?"
   • "Overall, what has been your main achievement?"
   • "On reflection, if you could change things, what would you do differently?"
   • "Why do you want to join this organization?"
   • "What will you do for us and when should we expect to see tangible results?"