| Phone interviews can be deceptively casual to some | | | | However they ask this question, they're looking to see |
| medical sales and health care sales job | | | | if you have the skills and/or education to be successful |
| seekers--maybe because it doesn't feel like the "real | | | | at this job. In medical sales, you'll need a science |
| thing"...and they can't see you anyway. But not taking | | | | degree, or at least some science classes if you've got |
| the phone interview very seriously is a huge mistake. | | | | a strong sales record. |
| If they called you, they like you, and they are screening | | | | Are you in the right location? Is relocation going to be |
| their top candidates to decide who deserves the time | | | | an issue for you? Are you willing to move? It could |
| and expense of a face-to-face interview. They're | | | | be a factor when deciding between candidates. |
| looking for a reason not to like you. Don't let them | | | | What's your greatest weakness? It's OK to admit to a |
| screen you out. | | | | real weakness, as long as you can turn it into a |
| Beyond the basic phone interview survival tips of | | | | positive for the job. "Perfectionism" is overdone, |
| dressing professionally (it's an attitude thing), reducing | | | | though. |
| distractions, smiling, and keeping your resume and | | | | How do you handle conflict? This is a great place to |
| notes in front of you (hey, you might as well take | | | | use a story. The STAR technique--the Situation you |
| advantage of the one benefit of phone interviews), | | | | faced, the Task at hand, the Approach you took, and |
| you should prepare for it just like you would prepare | | | | the Results you got--is a fantastic way to answer this |
| for a face-to-face. Research the company | | | | question. |
| thoroughly. Think about what questions you might be | | | | Who would serve as your references? If they ask this, |
| asked, and practice your answers so that you're | | | | they'll probably check them before they call you in. |
| smooth and confident. | | | | Choose great references like past managers or other |
| What are some typical phone interview questions? | | | | high-level execs who can speak to your work skills, |
| Since this is really the first step in the hiring process, | | | | and prep them before they're called. |
| they are essentially the same questions you might | | | | One more thing: Never hang up without asking a few |
| hear in a normal interview. Like these: | | | | questions of your own, just as you would in a normal |
| Tell me about yourself. Don't fall into the trap of thinking | | | | interview. Clarify, ask questions about the company, |
| it's a social question to break the ice. It isn't. All your | | | | and ask for next steps. Active, engaged |
| answers should relate to the job. | | | | conversation and questions make a great impression |
| Why are you interested in this job? Relate it to your | | | | on the interviewer. Prepare well and you'll be on your |
| skills and what you can do for them. | | | | way to acing the phone interview and getting to the |
| Do you have the right educational/work background? | | | | face-to-face. |