Job Seekers: Be Ready at all Times

COMICS BY: JASON LI @
www.iheartrecession.com/.../ihr_051.jpg

Telephone interviews. We’ve all had them, either as the interviewer or the interviewee. And so, we all know that a phone interview is as important as an actual face-to-face interview. Many times employers use phone interviews as a way to identify and recruit candidates, pre-screen for an actual in office interview, or as a means to lower costs for out-of-town candidates. No matter the reason of the phone interview, it is important that you are just as prepared as if you were doing a formal interview.

When preparing for a phone interview, use the same methods that you would if you were preparing for an actual in person interview. Be aware that as a job seeker with applications out there, it is very likely you will receive a call and need to speak with no notice.

Here are a few basic tips to help you prepare for a phone interview. If you have an in- home office this is the best place to conduct your phone interview as well as a great place to keep all of your job seeking material. See my blog on Job Seekers: Create an Office Area for the Job Search Process.

• Have your resume available at all times. Put it in a place where you more than likely will be taking the call for the interview.

• Have a list of accomplishments ready list to the interviewer rather than stumbling to remember because you are caught off guard.

• Keep a pen and paper in an area where it will be easily accessed and ready to use.

• Clear the room. Make sure that you are in an area that is quiet and free from any distractions.

• Use a landline. If your only choice is a cell phone, make sure you are in an area that receives uninterrupted reception.

• While on the phone DO NOT smoke, chew gum, eat, or drink. However, keep a glass of water nearby in case your throat gets dry or scratchy. Just remember to only use it if you are seriously in need.

• Smile. Studies show that smiling injects charisma and warmth into your voice.

• Speak slowly and enunciate all words.

• Make sure that when addressing the interviewer you use their correct title unless instructed otherwise.

• NEVER interrupt the interviewer!

• Give short and to the point answers.

• Take your time to collect your thoughts.

• DO ALL THAT YOU CAN TO IMPRESS THE INTERVIEWER. REMEMBER, THIS COULD MEAN THAT GETTING THAT FACE-TO-FACE INTERVIEW AND THAT MEANS THAT YOU ARE ONE STEP CLOSER TO LANDING THAT JOB!

Have you ever had an interview over the phone? How did it go? Do you prefer phone interviews over face-to-face interviews or just the opposite? Leave your comments so other readers can take a look.
Carly Sabato