Step One – Success!

Your resume did the trick! It impressed the Recruiter enough to call you. There are two more steps in the process. The second one is the critical telephone interview. The third is the face to face interview. Telephone interviews have strong advantages if you are the least bit nervous about interviews in that you can have your documentation in front of you and the Recruiter will not know it. However, you still must prepare for this very important interview in order to be successful. Here are some tips to think about.

• When you are called or emailed for a telephone interview, ask if you can schedule it for a convenient time when you can be at your best. Suggest alternate times. If you pick up the phone and they want to interview right away, unless you are ready ask to schedule it for another time. You don’t want to be unprepared for this opportunity.
• Research as much about the company your being interviewed for as you can. This is part of being prepared.
• Have a pen and paper handy for taking notes.
• Make sure you have no interruptions, – this includes using a land line if you may get static or troubled reception on your cell phone, make sure there are no outside noises or distractions (close windows and doors, tell family members not to disturb, ensure pets are quiet, turn music or TV off). You must portray a professional image and distractions take away from that.
• Keep your resume in clear view so it’s at your fingertips when you need to answer questions. – know its contents well.
• Make sure you can speak to your SAR (situation, action, result) statements – the ones on your resume that didn’t make it on to your resume
• Like any interview, keep your answers in SAR format. Remember, answers should be no more than approximately 2 minutes. If you think you are wandering in your response, just remember S-A-R and where you are in your answer, then bring it back to your R – result.
• Practice interviewing prior to a telephone interview

During the Phone Interview

• Listen for your voice – proper language, tone, listen for “ums”. Remember to smile and speak in a clear tone – not too rushed. Your smile will radiate through the phone and project a positive image. The Recruiter is listening for things they can’t see. Positive image is very important to them.
• Have a glass of water handy, in case you need it.
• Don’t chew gum, eat or smoke. You must have a polished presentation in all respects.
• Ask the person how they would like to be addressed – (first name or Mr./Ms. and last name)
• Listen to their questions carefully and fully before you respond – don’t interrupt
• It’s ok to take your time and collect your thoughts – do not think you must respond immediately.
• When you are coming to the end of the interview, thank the person for their time and ask what the next steps are in the process. Let them know you would appreciate meeting them in person to discuss your qualifications in more detail.

After the Interview

• Write a debrief on the interview. Jot down the questions you were asked and your response. You may be asked similar questions in face to face interviews and Interviewers will be looking for consistency in answers.
• Send a follow up thank you. A hand written card still is the best but if it’s not possible an email will demonstrate your continued interest in the job.

Closing Thoughts

Our work is a critical aspect of our lives. No one wants a job that they will be unhappy in. Regardless of how much you want a job, you must also consider your interests. Therefore, when you interview with the clear thought that you are interviewing as well as being interviewed, it shifts your thinking and mindset into one of more control and authority during the interview. This translates to  confidence. Confidence is clear over the phone lines and may be the key to the successful third step!

Best of Luck!