| As the workplace becomes more intense, with more | | | | done for any in-person interview. |
| challenges to complete in a shorter amount of time, | | | | She researched the company and her strategy in |
| companies are looking for faster approaches to sifting | | | | answering various interview questions. She thought |
| through the volumes of resumes received for each | | | | through how she would talk about the needs of the |
| recruited position. They have found one way to do | | | | interviewer as well as her own needs. Sarah made |
| that with the phone interview. After reviewing the | | | | sure her answers and examples were short and |
| resume for the minimum requirements, they set up a | | | | concise. She wanted to get right to the point since she |
| phone interview to eliminate additional candidates and | | | | did not always know how much time she would have |
| bring the group to a manageable size. And, this is the | | | | to prove she was the right candidate. |
| intent...to eliminate candidates. So how do you stay in | | | | Phone Interview Tip #2 - Because she was at home |
| the running? | | | | for a phone interview, Sarah made sure her |
| Sarah had not been in the job market for seven years | | | | surroundings were quiet. |
| when a re-organization eliminated her position. She | | | | She eliminated any distracting background noise such |
| was not prepared to begin a career search. She could | | | | as children playing, dogs barking, or neighbors mowing |
| not even begin to think through how to engage in an | | | | their lawn by closing herself off in a quiet interior room. |
| interview or sell herself to another employer. She was | | | | She also turned off her cell phone so it would not |
| a bit distraught because she had been exposed to | | | | interrupt the interview. |
| several phone interviews, but nothing seemed to be | | | | Phone Interview Tip #3 - During the interview, Sarah |
| working. | | | | kept her focus on what was being said and how she |
| At first, Sarah found phone interviews easy. She did | | | | answered each question. |
| not have to dress professionally to meet with the | | | | She listened intently to the question being asked to be |
| interviewer and she did not have to drive to their | | | | sure that she addressed it without getting distracted on |
| location. Also, she found that she could work on other | | | | another subject or idea. Sarah identified work habits |
| things while she talked with the interviewer. On one | | | | and characteristics that set her apart from other |
| occasion she even had a sick child at home, and, | | | | candidates and communicated them to the interviewer. |
| although that was a little distracting, she thought she | | | | She knew it was important to relate her relevance to |
| handled the interview well. However, she never | | | | the company and their needs early on. |
| received a call back. Sarah knew she had to approach | | | | Phone Interview Tip #4 - When Sarah communicated |
| this important interview differently, but just did not | | | | with the interviewer, she showed enthusiasm in her |
| know how to get started. | | | | voice when talking about the job, their company or the |
| To begin, Sarah had to understand that the interviewer | | | | industry. |
| had already looked at her technical abilities and specific | | | | Sometimes Sarah would walk around the room during |
| skill sets. Without meeting those minimum qualifications, | | | | the interview to keep her energy up. Initially, when she |
| Sarah would not have been invited to participate in a | | | | was too relaxed, she would talk about information that |
| telephone interview. Sarah's challenge now was to | | | | was not always relevant - about failure or |
| tackle the interviewer's emotion and judgment about | | | | weaknesses. So staying enthusiastic and keeping her |
| her fit to their culture. She needed to express how she | | | | focus on her contribution to the position was key. |
| fit by giving examples of her work ethic, habits and | | | | Sarah also learned to brag a little about her |
| behaviors. Although it is hard to sell ourselves and get | | | | accomplishments and show the interviewer that she |
| the interviewer to "like" us when we are not in front of | | | | was a good fit for their culture. |
| them, it is not impossible to verbally show them charm, | | | | Preparing for each telephone interview as you would |
| professionalism and how we can contribute. | | | | an in-person interview will show polish and |
| Here are several tips that helped Sarah and can help | | | | professionalism. Keeping your focus on the questions |
| you to make a good impression during the next phone | | | | and how you fit the position will make you stand out |
| interview: | | | | from other candidates. Be prepared...your first |
| Phone Interview Tip #1 - First, Sarah prepared and | | | | impression, even if only a verbal one, is still a lasting |
| practiced for each interview just as she would have | | | | impression. |