Regardless of the market, positioning yourself as a semi-interested candidate will never improve the likelihood of an offer. Comments like “I’m not really looking but this seemed interesting” are a poor choice of words.  “I am happy where I am, but always opened to new and exciting opportunities” conveys the same “situation” without the person interviewing thinking this is a waste of time. 

Let’s face it; at this level everyone knows it has to be the right career choice.  The resources to be successful in the role have to exist and you have to agree on the strategy and market position before you accept an offer. But, if you portray an aloof approach in the first interview, you’ll never get the chance to ask the important questions.  And until an offer is made you can’t decline one. 

If you are taking the time to interview it’s clear you have an interest in the company and the position and vice versa.  So act that way, show a level of enthusiasm, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t ask questions regarding your concerns but if you want to get to the next round, palying hard to get isn’t going to get you there.

It's amazing how many variations of the “interview process” there are. For purposes of this post, remove the content of each interview and focus on the process and ask yourself these questions:

1. Has there been clear communication about what the process is?

2. Is there a master of ceremonies responsible for moving it along?

3. Are they thinking about the details?

4. If it's relocation,  was your visit thought out?

Often I review an interveiw process flow chart that details the steps, from first conversation to start date. There are an amazing number of touch points each candidate has from start to finish and plenty of room for disconnect.

As a candidate, there are tactics to help you through process if your potential employer is having trouble defining theirs.

1. Ask the question about process, if you can't get the full picture, break it down and at least get next steps.

2. If they haven't assigned you one, find an internal coach.

3. Ask for all the details, cell phone numbers, alternative contacts and definitely, contact information for assistants with access to schedules.

4. Be thorough with your planning if you are traveling for an interview. It's common for companies not to think through the details. Unfortunately, many companies don't think of themselves as recruiters and the current market has only supported the lack of recruiting. So if you are going to a new region and they don't offer to take you to dinner or tour the area, set it up for yourself.

In my experience, the absence of process and detail IS NOT reliable information to evaluate the company or it's culture. It just means that they aren't very good at the hiring process.

Most of the focus during an agency review process is on the agencies and how well they are doing at each stage.  The reality is that the review process also needs an involved client.  So, what makes a good client during a review process?  Here are a few thoughts:

1. Be engaged throughout the process.  The client will get the most out of the agencies if they are committed to the process and involved thoroughly at the key touchpoints.  
2. The client must be willing to interact with each agency as if they were their agency.  Our process has a few workshops to allow the client to see what it would be like to work with each agency.  The client has to be willing to put in the time to do that.
3. Give honest feedback throughout the process.  It doesn’t help the client or the agency to not share concerns or issues.  Agencies appreciate the feedback.  They welcome to make changes during the process rather than waiting until the final round.

In writing, it looks pretty simple and straightforward, but it’s easy to forget once the process gets started.