The edge: finding the job you want and the skills to land it. (Career Intelligence).

Many experienced professionals are once again facing a shifting economy. Some suggest that the economy is not necessarily slowing down so much as it is changing. That leaves the average middle- to senior-level professional who became accustomed to the ample income and job security in the '90s facing the job market for the first time in 10 years. Perhaps this is you, or you fear it may be soon. Or perhaps, like many others, you're reassessing what is important in your life -- seeking something more fulfilling.

Regardless of what situation you face, you are by no means alone. The unusual dynamic of the economy (and the needs of many professionals in the same situation) has brought with it the emergence of successful niche recruiting firms. Toronto-based Controllers-On-Call, a recruiting firm specializing in the placement of mid-to senior-level finance professionals in the Greater Toronto Area, is one of those niche firms.

Tali Nizic, president and CEO of Controllers-On-Call, was recently keynote speaker at a networking seminar for finance professionals. She provided her unique insight as an experienced recruiter, discussing what employers are looking for right now and how best to deal with job interviews to gain an edge.

She indicates that corporate needs in turbulent times are such that short-term contract work is becoming quite commonplace. Those who stand to benefit most from this are the mid-to senior-level professionals willing to adapt. So if you have the talent -- dynamism and experience -- you can potentially surpass your peers by loading up your resume with even more experience, perhaps in multiple industries.

This economic uncertainty cuts both ways. Nizic indicates that corporations are finding there is a shortage of talent because many experienced professionals are staying put due to fears created by the shifting economy. This will give those in the market the chance to pick and choose their opportunities. To beat the competition that does exist and get the job you really want, Nizic offered up some choice research and interviewing advice.

Be thorough with your research. Do you know everything about the company? Are you aware of the culture of the company? Find out who is conducting the interview if possible (an FIR interview will be different from one with management). Make sure you prepare your own intelligent questions.

Prepare honest answers to the following:

Research & preparation

* What are your short-term goals?

* How well did you work with your last supervisor?

* How did you resolve 'teamwork' difficulties in the past?

* Where do you see yourself five years from now?

Adjust your resume slightly to reflect the desired position, emphasizing applicable experiences. And make sure you really want this job. Realize that if it is offered and you're not sure you want it, it's better to be honest with yourself and turn it down than quit three months down the road. Trust your instincts.

Etiquette & conduct

Ask if the person to whom you are going to report will be present at the interview if you are interviewing with HR.

Always feel comfortable to be comfortable. Ask for water if you have a tendency to be dry, otherwise your discomfort will show. And ask to start again if things do not seem to be going well. We are all human. Honesty is admirable, and most people will not hold it against you.

Remember the tried and true interview etiquette. Use a firm handshake, make direct eye contact with the interviewer, and wait to be invited to sit down. Dress appropriately, according to the culture of the company, but never completely casual, even if the interviewer is wearing jeans. Use proper intonation and be aware of your body language and adjust yours if necessary. Be open, direct, pleasant and relaxed. Be sure to thank the interviewers for their time.

First impressions

Most people make up their minds about someone within the first 30 seconds. However, this can change as the interview progresses. Evaluate the interviewer as a potential employer as well. This is a two-way street. You got yourself there, so you have as much right to have the confidence to do this. Respect your first impressions as well. How do you feel about the office and the interviewer?

Conversation

Maintain conversation and look around the office for clues to what they are interested in to melt the ice, if it isn't happening naturally. Be aware of the body language of the interviewer and adjust yours slightly to mirror theirs. If they are soft-spoken, be softer... but never be false. Once you've established a rapport, feel free to be enthusiastic if you feel the job suits you. You'll know how the interview is going by how many questions you are asked. If the questions stop, you should be ready with a few yourself.

Sell you

Do not be afraid to ask for the job if you want it at the end of the interview. This can give you an edge on other employees. This is an art. Demonstrate how you can uniquely make a difference with the organization. Discuss how you fill a need for them that you can deliver on. Sell them on your talent. Ask them how they see your fit within the organization

Nizic notes that most people don't understand the interview process as well as they could, as they have never been interviewers. She emphasizes the value of mirroring and matching in closing the gap between interviewer and interviewee -- establishing rapport through the mirroring and matching of posture, tone, gestures, and even breathing patterns. This may go a little deeper than necessary for creating common ground, but she feels that it's useful for handling the awkwardness that often exists while those crucial first impressions are made.

Nizic repeatedly emphasized the importance in seeking work that suits your values to prevent the familiar change of heart three months down the road -- something she has seen too often. For most professionals, money was what historically addressed this satisfactorily, and was usually deemed top priority. However, many are discovering job satisfaction goes much deeper than that. Many are finding personality compatibility with management, a responsible company culture, or a comfortable work environment, for example, are as important.

Whether you have lost your job or decided to make a change, this economy might provide the opportunity to discover what you have been seeking all along. Now all you have to do is land the interview.

Adam Basquill is a Toronto-based freelance writer.