Phone Interviews
ecently, one of my clients might call and you are stepping
shared his experience with out of the shower, at your
a phone interview that he current job, or driving your
was thrilled to receive. As the child to the dentist. Especially
interview proceeded, Ben found he with our use of cell phones,
was talking to someone on a cell calls can find us just about
phone in rush hour traffic. The anywhere, anytime.
recruiter asked Ben to hold while
he avoided rear ending the A phone interview be unscheduled
vehicle in front of him. Yes, or not at the perfect time or
you never know who is on the place, but remember, a call is
other end of the call, so better than no call. Some of the
remember the Boy Scout motto and phone interviews will be
“be prepared.” scheduled in advance and allow
you to be composed. Other
Phone interviews are a common interviews might just pop up and
practice along recruiters as they you will have to be
save time and offer screening extemporaneous.
opportunities. So, it’s up to
the job searchers to prepare for Here are a few things to keep in
and execute the call presenting mind to “be prepared” for a phone
themselves in the best light. interview:
When you are job hunting, it’s a
lot like being “on call.” Being • Be organized with your
aware of the positions you have thoughts and know what your
applied for and anticipating resume says. If you are asked
calls from prospective employers about your prior experience or
is your responsibility. Knowing training, have a good handle of
this, you need to know how to who you are and what you have
handle a call when an employer done. This is basic because the
other questions can get more to you at their convenience and
difficult. may not want to call back later.
So now, you have to decide if
• Program your answering you’re up for it and ready to
machine or cell phone so the “think on your feet.” Some work
caller feels you are a serious environments might have a more
candidate. After you get the volatile pace or pressure cooker
job, you can get creative for atmosphere. This could be a test
your friends. to see if you are up for the
challenge.
• Have your calendar nearby
in case the caller wants to • If you have a phone
schedule a phone interview with interview scheduled using your
you. The phone interview may cell phone, remember to have your
take from 10 minutes to an hour, phone battery charged. At the
so allow yourself enough time and beginning of the interview, ask
make sure you will be in a quiet the caller if your voice is
place for the call. clear.
• A recruiter might call • Keep a call list. Record
you and ask if this is a good who called you, date, and notes
time to talk. If so, find a of the conversation.
quiet place to sit and be with
caller. The call requires your Phone interviews can be useful
complete attention. If it is not for you and recruiter. In the
a good time to be interviewed, end you both save time and each
you can ask if there’s a time for of you can get a sense of “is
you to return the call. This this a job fit for you.” Each
might be agreeable, but be aware time you interview, you always
that some recruiters want to talk get a little savvier so relax, be
yourself, and be professional.
Remember, you are saving gas Barbara Wulf MS, GCDF, CPCC
money and don’t have to dress up!
About the Author:
Barbara Wulf is a certified career/life coach and speaker who helps individuals redesign their career paths by supporting and inspiring them to stretch, seek, and achieve life/work success. Barbara holds a master's degree in counseling, is a global career development facilitator, is certified by The Coaches Training Institute and is an adjunct faculty member at Concordia University, St. Paul, MN. Barbara offers career assessments along with resume/cover letter writing and interviewing strategies for impact. Sign up for her monthly e-zine, OWN IT, WORK IT, LIVE IT at http://www.beckoncall-coach.com.
Published At: www.Isnare.com
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