The
Biggest First Step—the Phone Interview
Don
Schmitz/Human Resource Staffing
More
than ever today, the first contact for most open positions
will probably be a phone interview. Many recruiters today
are not paid by the hour but by results; thus the reason for
more and more phone interviews. Unlike an in-person interview
the purpose of the phone screen is black and white. Do you
meet the requirements of the position or not.
Your
purpose as a candidate is to get an in-person interview. It
is not a time to time to determine your interest in the company.
The
recruiter's goal is to verify information they have gathered
and ask further questions that will help them determine if
you are a good fit for the position. Specifically, the recruiter
will examine your communication skills, ability to listen
and your professionalism. In addition the recruiter will attempt
to determine why you are applying and if you have realistic
goals for the position.
Do's
and don't to prepare for the phone interview
- Do prepare
for the phone interview the same way you would prepare for
an in-person interview
- Do have a
quiet place planned away from outside interruptions
- Learn everything
you can about the company and the interviewer
- Don't assume
you know the pronunciation of a last name
- Role play
for the interview with someone you trust and ask for feedback.
- Do have notes
prepared including a minimum of three questions you hope
to ask
- Be ready for
the call five minutes ahead of time
You
will never run out of answers as long as you come prepared.
Interviewers aren't always the best listeners but don't get
caught repeating yourself. Be prepared to offer examples of
any points you make on your resume.
During
the interview be sure to use your best tone quality. You can
accomplish this by clearing your throat three times and taking
a drink of water. You are now prepared to speak in your normal
tone.
Be
courteous and be yourself; don't be soft-spoken. Show the
interviewer you are interested in this particular position
and why. Listen carefully to each question. Take your time
when responding to the question. If you don't know if you
should elaborate further on a particular question, ask the
interviewer if for permission to give an example. Sell yourself;
don't overlook an opportunity to ask questions.
Always
close your interview by expressing your interest in the position.
The interviewer will most likely inform you of what to expect
as far as a timeline but if not, ask. Be sure to get the contact
information for the interviewer in order to send a thank you.
After
your interview, write down your thoughts and create an action
plan for follow up. Be patient with the process. It always
seems to take longer than what you think. Don't beat yourself
up about any mistakes you have made and remain optimistic
about your chances. Finally, don't close the door on additional
opportunities.
Back to the library
Reproduction
of this article cannot be accomplished without the expressed
consent of Human Resource Staffing. Don Schmitz is a popular
speaker and writer on all aspects of HR and CEO of Human Resource
Staffing. Don holds graduate degrees in Education, Administration
and Human Development.
Contact Don@HumanResourceStaffingInc.com
952 854 6040
