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5 Tips For a Knockout Phone Interview

SavvySugar — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 08:30:11 -0700

You know that a firm handshake, the right outfit, and appropriate eye contact are key to a good first impression in an interview - but what if your prospective employer can't even see you? We've talked about what kinds of questions you might be asked in a phone interview, but this increasingly popular hiring tool also comes with its own bag of tricks.

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Favorite Tips of 2009: 5 Tips For a Knockout Phone Interview

SavvySugar — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 12:00:52 -0800

We're counting down to the new year by taking a look back at the very Best of 2009, and that includes your favorite guides and tips for managing your career and money.

You know that a firm handshake, the right outfit, and appropriate eye contact are key to a good first impression in an interview - but what if your prospective employer can't even see you? Check out this 5 Tips For a Knockout Phone Interview guide for helpful suggestions.

What else wowed us this year? Check out some of the biggest headlines of 2009 and cast your votes in my Best of 2009 polls!

10 Questions You Might Be Asked in a Phone Interview

SavvySugar — Wed, 06 May 2009 06:30:00 -0700

Some memories just stick with you. I remember explicitly years ago when an old roommate had her first phone interview, and the tears that followed when she hung up. The disaster she experienced had me forever scared to go through an interview over the phone - but knowledge is always the fastest cure for fear. Phone interviews are not much different than in-person interviews, so you need to prepare to make the best possible first impression.

A friend of mine is on the job hunt and had a couple of phone interviews recently - they're being used more and more to whittle down candidate pools before calling in applicants for in-person meetings. I asked him to recall the questions he'd been asked. Take it from his experience, you might be asked these ten questions during a phone interview.

The dreaded "tell me about yourself" question.
What is one thing from your career that you are particularly proud of?
What is one thing from your career that you aren't particularly happy with?
What is your leadership style like?

To see six more questions that a potential employer might ask over the phone, read more.

What is an area that you feel you need to improve on professionally?
Where do you see your career progression heading?
Why did you leave your last position?
What are you looking for or to get out of your next position?
What is it about a company like ours that makes you want to work here?
Do you have any questions for me?

Source

Have You Ever Been on a Phone Interview?

SavvySugar — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 07:15:40 -0800

Employers are dealing with larger applicant pools these days and holding more rounds of interviews than ever, so to make efficient use of their time many are utilizing the round one phone interview. These can be tricky if you're not prepared - have you ever been on one end of a phone interview?

Source

Ask Savvy: My Interview With a Plastic Surgeon Ended Abruptly

SavvySugar — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 06:00:32 -0800

Dear Savvy,

I applied for a receptionist job at a plastic surgeon's office (I have experience in this field). Yesterday, I was called back and interviewed on the phone for about 15 or 20 minutes with the office manager. She asked if I'd come in to be interviewed by the doctor. I went in this morning for my interview. I met and spoke with the doctor for a while before he called the office manager and other receptionist to come and speak to me.

It seemed to be going well until the doctor came in and asked to speak to the office manager. I could hear them in the hallway saying something about "she's here early." They came back in and said, "I'm sorry, but I have to cut this interview short. We'll get back to you (or we'll be in touch, I can't remember verbatim)." So, I went and got my coat from the closet. As I was walking out, the doctor and office manager were greeting what seemed to be an important patient - judging from her Chanel jacket. The receptionist was even rushing coffee over to her.

Now, I'm confused. The interview seemed to be going well and I'd understand if something came up, but it seemed very odd and that I was being abruptly shuttled out. I'm not sure if it was just the circumstances or if I was being brushed off. If it was a brush off, it was a very unprofessional way to go about it. I'm disappointed because I felt a good vibe coming in and they were initially very nice. I just wrote and sent out a thank you note, I guess it's all I can do. Any insight into the situation?

To see my answer, read more.

Savvy says: Now I'm dying to know the identity of the woman in the Chanel jacket! Kidding, kidding. But important client or not, the interviewers handled the situation unprofessionally. How could you not leave asking yourself, "What just happened?" Your seemingly positive interview was cut off without explanation except for the small pieces you could put together, and it's just enough to leave you both frustrated and confused.

From your description of the way events played out, it doesn't seem like you were simply brushed off, but I can't say for sure. I think you did the right thing by sending them a note right away, and hopefully you included something along the lines of, "I really enjoyed speaking with you and our interview was unfortunately cut short; if there's anything else you'd like to know about me please feel free to ask." You've left the door open, and now it's in the employer's hands to knock again.

Have a question for me? Ask away by posting your questions in my Ask Savvy group.

Ask Savvy: How Do I Follow Up on a Job I Want?

SavvySugar — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 06:00:31 -0700

Dear Savvy,

I have a question about a job I applied for earlier this month (Oct. 4). I got a reply the following morning because my resume didn't download, and I replied with an apology and another attachment a few hours later. I didn't hear back and wasn't sure what to do.

On Oct. 14 I got an email saying that they still had some part-time positions available if I was still looking for employment, to which I answered, yes, I was available and still interested. I asked for a phone number and if I could call, and offered to come in to discuss details or interview. I ended by saying that I looked forward to meeting with her and thanked her. I haven't gotten a reply since.

I really need a job and this one is in my hometown. How do I proceed? Should I look up the business phone number, call the career center, or follow up with another email? What would I say in an email? I'm not sure what to do - do you have any advice?

Savvy says: Job searching etiquette can be such a guessing game. To see my advice, read more.

You got lucky when the employer reached out and asked for your resume when it didn't work the first time. Many would move on to the next one without blinking. You lucked out again when they followed up with you to see if you had interest in part-time opportunities, and you did the right thing by responding promptly. The two week gap after they reached out to you makes me think things have changed on their end, but you'll never know unless you ask.

Because they contacted you via email and you haven't spoken before, use email to get in touch with them now. When you do email your contact, say that you'd been alerted of job opportunities a couple weeks ago and are following up to see if that's still the case. Be friendly, say something kind regarding the company, and keep it short.

If this job doesn't work out in your favor, keep chugging with your job search and learn from your mistakes next time around. Triple check any attachments you send to a hiring manger, making sure they are the proper attachments and they open correctly. Good luck!

Have a question for me? Ask away by posting your questions in my Ask Savvy group.

Savvy Week in Review

SavvySugar — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 04:30:45 -0700

We got down with OPP and snooped in other people's purses.
If you had to misplace one, would you rather lose your wallet or your cell phone?
I'm curious, what time does your alarm go off on weekdays?
Mimic habits of successful job hunters to land an interview.
Stay classy by brushing up on email etiquette.
9/09/09 introduced a phenomenon I thought impossible - $0.99 weddings.
Guess which one of John Mayer's exes said it?
Check out my suggestions for where to travel every month of the year.

9 Ways You Might Be Messing Up Your Job Interview

SavvySugar — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 10:30:40 -0700

It's easy to commit an interview don't when one of them is considered arriving too early to reception, but showing up more than 10 or 15 minutes early might be the least of your problems. Gearing up for a job interview is stressful regardless of your work experience, and for new grads, the anticipation can be downright draining.

Learning the interview dos and don'ts is the best way to reduce the butterflies, and CareerBuilder surveyed employers on the biggest mistakes they've seen recent college graduates make in the application and interview process. Even if you don't qualify as a recent grad, you aren't immune from making the following mistakes, so review them and make sure you're among the not guilty. To see nine ways you might be messing up your job interview, read more.

Acting bored or cocky
Not dressing appropriately
Coming to the interview with no knowledge of the company
Not turning off cell phones or electronic devices
Not asking good questions during the interview
Asking what the pay is before the company considered them for the job
Spamming employers with the same résumé and/or cover letter
Failure to remove unprofessional photos/content on social networking pages, webpages, blogs, etc.
Not sending a thank-you note after the interview

Source

Ask Savvy: Should I Make Follow-Up Calls?

SavvySugar — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 09:30:01 -0700

Dear Savvy,

Almost every job site I visit mentions how important it is to follow up a job application with a phone call. I have made a couple and feel like nothing came of them. I think the theory is to show employers that you are excited about the opportunity, but most simply confirm receipt of the application through a secretary. There are also a lot of job postings that don't want phone calls at all.

If I want to make one of these phone calls, what can I say to help the employer understand that I am at least a good candidate to interview? (I am entry-level and am worried that what experience/knowledge I do have doesn't come across through my resume or my carefully-crafted cover letters.) What else is there to say other than "I'm calling to check on the status of my application"? (On most of the sites I use, anyway, you can check the status online yourself.) And if they say not to call, is it okay to call anyway?

Thanks so much - all those sites that mention how important it is to make these calls never tell what to say in them!

To see my suggestions, read more.

Dear Reader,

This question couldn't be more relevant considering the current job market and how hard it can be to get your foot in the door! We only get a few chances to make an impression on a potential employer before an interview, so my first suggestion is to put ample time into crafting, editing and proofing your resume and writing a convincing cover letter. You may fear your experience and knowledge don't come across on paper, but it's safe to assume everyone else applying for the position has the same anxiety. Keep your resume concise and include any leadership positions you have held outside of work to pad your experience. If there's an option to include a letter of recommendation ask your former employer, teacher, professor or adviser to speak for your skills.

When it comes to picking up the phone you have to make a judgment call based on the company. If the job listing included a contact phone number it's perfectly reasonable for you to call to inquire about the status of your application once. Call during business hours on a lower stress day of the week like Tuesday or Wednesday and plan what you will say in advance. Chances you will call the person in charge of hiring are slim, so be prepared to list the position title and don't feel like you have to express 30 reasons why you should be called back for an interview.

That being said, you mentioned most of the positions you applied for allow you to check your status online. Do not call if the job listing doesn't include a contact number or specifically says "no calls" or "email only." The person on the other end of the call will not be impressed with your Googling skills, and will be agitated you reached out when the listing advised against it. If you've applied electronically it's appropriate to reach out via a short email after a week to express your continued interest in the position. Make sure to forward the chain that includes your resume and cover letter so it is clear you have already applied.

Once you do get the interview I suggest following it up with a sincere handwritten thank-you note instead of a call.

Best of luck!

Source

Requesting Resumes Via Text Message: Brilliant or Baffling?

SavvySugar — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 04:30:46 -0700

If you've been tracking your whereabouts in 140 characters on Twitter, then you'd have no problem detailing why you're the best person for a job in 160, right? British mobile phone content provider Teimlo is hiring by text, requesting that potential candidates send a 160-character text message selling themselves as the first step in the application process.

If the company is impressed with the text, candidates will have to go through more traditional hiring steps like sending a full resume and interviewing in person. What do you think of the tactic, is it brilliant or baffling?