Character Statements

Timothy C. PappasPrincipal

Pappas Delaney, LLCExecutive search

Mission StatementI need your help

A story told consistently over time is the truth-whether it is or not!

A character statement is what you believe to be true and necessary in order for you

to thrive in an organization

Time: 3-5 minutes for development◦ Acknowledge bias when interview begins◦ Central theme◦ What you have consistently guided by

Base material for character statement on:◦ What you believe in (cultural issues, organizational &

individual values) Discuss past employers relative to your character

statement

Stories work at another level Interview: A string of stories about your

professional life Beginning, Middle, End and a Moral…

Every Interviewer is lazy or incompetent and probably both!

◦Take control of the image, not the interview

◦Provide information they need to know◦Interviewee must work harder than interviewer

◦Reinforce central theme/character statement

“Bashing” a former employer can be a positive action!

Stories must reinforce characterImportance of admitting mistakes

relative to character statementConsistency is key

Tim PappasPappas DeLaney, LLC

414-271-1975tpappas@pappasdelaney.com