Many things have changed about interviewing in the last few years, but nothing more then the use of a screening telephone interview. It saves time, money and office space. For anyone looking for a job today, one out of every 6 interviews will begin with a telephone screening.
A phone interview sounds like a dream way to get a job, doesn't it? You don't have to get dressed in your best interview attire, travel to a company's office, or interview one-on-one with a hiring manager. Instead, you're interviewing on the phone from the comfort of home and can even be in your PJs while you do it.
Don’t be fooled, it's not as easy as it seems. You can blow a telephone interview just as easily as you can blow an in-person interview, in fact, it much easier to do. Dropped calls, phone batteries not charged, background noise, not having anything to write with; not knowing about the company, and especially not being prepared to respond to interview questions can knock you out of contention for a job because they have nothing to base their first impression of you on except a voice over the phone.
Review these tips for how to conduct a phone interview and what not to do when you're interviewing via the telephone to make sure your phone interviews get you to the next step in the hiring process.
Phone Interview Do's and Don'ts
Create a checklist. Review the job posting and make a list of how your qualifications match the hiring criteria. Have the list available so you can glance at it during the interview. Also have a copy of your resume in clear view, so you don't have to remember what you did when.
Research the job and the company. Take some time to research the job and the company. The more prepared you are for the interview, the smoother it will go.
Prepare for phone interview questions. Review answers to typical phone interview questions and think about how you're going to respond. Below are some various types of questions to review and begin thinking of your answers ahead of time.
Phone interview questions (many are going over your resume so have it handy)
• What is the name of your company, your job title and job description? What are your dates of employment?
• What were your starting and final levels of compensation?
• What were your responsibilities?
• What major challenges and problems did you face? How did you handle them? Why are you leaving your job?
• What are your salary expectations?
• What interests you about this job?
• Why do you want this job?
• What applicable attributes / experience do you have?
• What can you do for this company?
• What do you know about this company?
• Why do you want to work here?
• What challenges are you looking for in a position?
• What can you contribute to this company?
• Is there anything I haven't told you about the job or company that you would like to know?
• What are you looking for in your next job? What is important to you?
• What is your greatest weakness?
• What is your greatest strength?
• Describe a typical work week.
• How would you describe the pace at which you work?
• How do you handle stress and pressure?
• What motivates you?
• Tell me about yourself?
When you are invited for a phone interview, in addition to reviewing the typical phone interview questions you'll be asked, it's important to have a list of questions ready to ask the interviewer.
Phone Interview Questions to Ask:
• How would you describe the responsibilities of the position?
• What qualities are you looking for in the person you hire to join this company?
• If I was hired, how would I be interacting with you and your department, what would be your expectations, and your measures for success?
• How would I get feedback about how well my work meets the expectations?
• What do you view as the most challenging part of this job?
• Why is the last person who held this position leaving?
• Who does this position report to?
• How would you describe the company culture?
• What is the typical work week? Is overtime expected? How about travel?
• What are the opportunities for advancement with the company?
• Is there anything else can I tell you about my qualifications?
• Could I schedule an in-person interview at your convenience?
• How soon would you like someone to begin the position?
• When can I expect to hear from you?
• Are there any other questions I can answer for you?
Keys to a successful phone interview:
Use a land line. Unless your cell phone service is 100% all the time, use a land line instead of a cell phone. That way you won't have to worry about dropped calls and getting disconnected.
Turn off call waiting. If you have call waiting turn it off. The beep of an incoming call is distracting and can make you lose your focus.
Get rid of the distractions. Interview in a private space with no intercoms, musak or the positional to be interrupted; that means securing a babysitter if you have small children at home and kicking the dog, the cat, and the rest of the household members out of your interview space or coworkers, bosses and friends out of a conference room for phone closet.
Have a glass of water nearby. There isn't much worse than having a tickle in your throat or a cough starting when you need to talk on the phone. Have a glass of water handy so you can take a quick sip if your mouth gets dry or there's a catch in your throat.
Have 2 pens and paper to take notes. Pen one will always die on you and it's hard to remember what you discussed after the fact, so take brief notes during the interview.
I hope this information helps and that you will get an in person interview out of it. That is you goal!
Brian Steffan
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Thursday, December 15, 2011
What not to do at a Holiday Work Party
1) List All The Ways You Hate Your Job
Do prepare an elevator pitch. Do not detail everything that's wrong with the company.
2) Show Too Much Skin
Do try to look nice. Do not mistake vulgar for sexy.
3) Get Sloppy Drunk
Do relax and have fun. Do not drink more than you can handle.
4) Make A Rambling, Incoherent Toast
Do make a toast to up your visibility. Do not ramble on and bore or offend those gathered.
5) Bring An Ill-Advised Date
Do bring your partner, if invited. Do not bring someone you don't trust to be professional.
6) Get Grabby On The Dance Floor
Do let your hair down. Do not make any outrageous displays on the dance floor.
7) Start A Fight
Do mingle. Do not throw any punches.
8) Do Your Comedy Routine
Do lighten the mood with calculated humor. Do not go into your late-night comedy routine.
9) Ask The Big Boss What they 'Really' Does All Day
Do introduce yourself to your boss's boss. Do not ask too-personal, critical or rude questions.
10) Be Creepy And Suggestive
Do try to network with those you don't often work with. Do not flirt, hit on or suggestively touch anyone.
Copied from Forbes Magazine.
Do prepare an elevator pitch. Do not detail everything that's wrong with the company.
2) Show Too Much Skin
Do try to look nice. Do not mistake vulgar for sexy.
3) Get Sloppy Drunk
Do relax and have fun. Do not drink more than you can handle.
4) Make A Rambling, Incoherent Toast
Do make a toast to up your visibility. Do not ramble on and bore or offend those gathered.
5) Bring An Ill-Advised Date
Do bring your partner, if invited. Do not bring someone you don't trust to be professional.
6) Get Grabby On The Dance Floor
Do let your hair down. Do not make any outrageous displays on the dance floor.
7) Start A Fight
Do mingle. Do not throw any punches.
8) Do Your Comedy Routine
Do lighten the mood with calculated humor. Do not go into your late-night comedy routine.
9) Ask The Big Boss What they 'Really' Does All Day
Do introduce yourself to your boss's boss. Do not ask too-personal, critical or rude questions.
10) Be Creepy And Suggestive
Do try to network with those you don't often work with. Do not flirt, hit on or suggestively touch anyone.
Copied from Forbes Magazine.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
I blew it!
Is there a worse feeling than leaving an interview knowing that you blew it? Especially in today’s economy, where good job opportunities seem to be running scarce.
Majority of the time, the interviewee will look back at a critical mistake as something they said to the interviewer, which could be true. The principal issue in many interviews is almost as basic as brushing your teeth: Candidates ignore how they are conveying themselves non-verbally. One wrong cue could stick out to an employer and ultimately have you cut from the hiring process. Follow these do’s and Don’ts before your next interview and you might leave with a job offer.
Don’ts
• Rub or touch your nose. Not only is it grotesque, many bosses have been trained that this is a lying technique.
• Slouch back in your seat. It seems like an obvious one, but if you are flowing with good verbal answers, sometimes your body gets too relaxed.
• Cross your legs and shake your foot. It shows that you are nervous and uncomfortable.
• Sit with your arms folded. That is the ultimate sign of hostility.
• Rub the back of your head or neck. Some interviewers take this as a sign of disinterest.
Do’s
• Sit up straight and slightly lean forward. The lean shows admiration and agreement with the interviewer and suggests that you are willing to interact.
• Make thorough eye contact. It shows you are confident. If there are multiple people in the room, make sure to spread the wealth.
• Nod and make positive gestures. It shows enthusiasm.
• Limit your use of cologne and/or perfume. It could cause a headache and some people are allergic to it.
• Smile while standing up, even on a phone interview. Studies show that standing leads to your level of attentiveness.
Majority of the time, the interviewee will look back at a critical mistake as something they said to the interviewer, which could be true. The principal issue in many interviews is almost as basic as brushing your teeth: Candidates ignore how they are conveying themselves non-verbally. One wrong cue could stick out to an employer and ultimately have you cut from the hiring process. Follow these do’s and Don’ts before your next interview and you might leave with a job offer.
Don’ts
• Rub or touch your nose. Not only is it grotesque, many bosses have been trained that this is a lying technique.
• Slouch back in your seat. It seems like an obvious one, but if you are flowing with good verbal answers, sometimes your body gets too relaxed.
• Cross your legs and shake your foot. It shows that you are nervous and uncomfortable.
• Sit with your arms folded. That is the ultimate sign of hostility.
• Rub the back of your head or neck. Some interviewers take this as a sign of disinterest.
Do’s
• Sit up straight and slightly lean forward. The lean shows admiration and agreement with the interviewer and suggests that you are willing to interact.
• Make thorough eye contact. It shows you are confident. If there are multiple people in the room, make sure to spread the wealth.
• Nod and make positive gestures. It shows enthusiasm.
• Limit your use of cologne and/or perfume. It could cause a headache and some people are allergic to it.
• Smile while standing up, even on a phone interview. Studies show that standing leads to your level of attentiveness.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
4 Ways To Get The Most Out Of Your Network
How many times do you hear the phrase ‘It is not about what you know, but who you know.’ A few people take that phrase to heart when they are jobless, seeking out everyone and anyone. In the mean time, most of the unemployed sector ends up scouring online for jobs for hours at a time, and usually have their resumes thrown on the bottom of a pile. It is time for you to take charge of your job search and follow these four networking tips.
1) You Know More People Than You Think
Just contacting your immediate connections isn’t good enough if you are truly serious about finding the right job. Neighbors, old friends from high school and college, your church, the gym, your sibling’s best friends, even your old friendly landlord. Everyone needs to be taken into consideration. Facebook and LinkedIn can be used as tools to organize a list. Even if these people aren’t directly in your desired field, more often than not, they will know of someone who may be able to help you out. Don’t be embarrassed to reach out either. Most people like helping out and giving advice; it makes them feel important.
2) Get Your References In Check
Never ever use a friend as a reference. Employers will laugh at your feeble attempt to get a person to say something good about you. A professional reference should be someone who enjoys your personality but can also vouch on your resume, abilities and track record. Explain to them your current situation, your new goals and ask them for their support. Many times these references are the ones who end up finding you a gig. It is your responsibility to keep them informed on any potential interviews and/or phone calls they may receive. Even if you go on an interview and don’t land the job, still thank your references.
3) The Fun Part: Reaching Out
After you have organized and compiled your list, it is time to start putting your network into action. Before contacting anyone you need to set clear goals as to what kind of job you are looking for. And also don’t rush into your ‘job need’ with a contact. Take the adequate time whether it is in person or over email to do the proper catching up. Once you start networking never utter the phrase “Let me know if you hear of anything.” That is too generic of a request and people in your network will forget about you. Tell the said person that you are looking for a position, be detailed on the kind of job you want and finally ask them if they know anyone in your chosen field.
4) Maintain These Relationships
Your brother’s old co-worker may now be one of your top job networkers if you say the right things to him. Now the trick is to keep him thinking about how he can help you. You don’t want your contacts to feel ambushed by your requests, so ask them for insight at first. Most times that exchange can lead to much more on your behalf. Don’t be a hit-and-run networker either. Even if you don’t get what you want from a contact at this current time, check back with them a few months later. It is worth the shot. Finally, be genuine; meaning just be yourself. Pursue a job you want. If you hide the true person you are, you could find yourself unemployed much longer than you anticipated.
How many times do you hear the phrase ‘It is not about what you know, but who you know.’ A few people take that phrase to heart when they are jobless, seeking out everyone and anyone. In the mean time, most of the unemployed sector ends up scouring online for jobs for hours at a time, and usually have their resumes thrown on the bottom of a pile. It is time for you to take charge of your job search and follow these four networking tips.
1) You Know More People Than You Think
Just contacting your immediate connections isn’t good enough if you are truly serious about finding the right job. Neighbors, old friends from high school and college, your church, the gym, your sibling’s best friends, even your old friendly landlord. Everyone needs to be taken into consideration. Facebook and LinkedIn can be used as tools to organize a list. Even if these people aren’t directly in your desired field, more often than not, they will know of someone who may be able to help you out. Don’t be embarrassed to reach out either. Most people like helping out and giving advice; it makes them feel important.
2) Get Your References In Check
Never ever use a friend as a reference. Employers will laugh at your feeble attempt to get a person to say something good about you. A professional reference should be someone who enjoys your personality but can also vouch on your resume, abilities and track record. Explain to them your current situation, your new goals and ask them for their support. Many times these references are the ones who end up finding you a gig. It is your responsibility to keep them informed on any potential interviews and/or phone calls they may receive. Even if you go on an interview and don’t land the job, still thank your references.
3) The Fun Part: Reaching Out
After you have organized and compiled your list, it is time to start putting your network into action. Before contacting anyone you need to set clear goals as to what kind of job you are looking for. And also don’t rush into your ‘job need’ with a contact. Take the adequate time whether it is in person or over email to do the proper catching up. Once you start networking never utter the phrase “Let me know if you hear of anything.” That is too generic of a request and people in your network will forget about you. Tell the said person that you are looking for a position, be detailed on the kind of job you want and finally ask them if they know anyone in your chosen field.
4) Maintain These Relationships
Your brother’s old co-worker may now be one of your top job networkers if you say the right things to him. Now the trick is to keep him thinking about how he can help you. You don’t want your contacts to feel ambushed by your requests, so ask them for insight at first. Most times that exchange can lead to much more on your behalf. Don’t be a hit-and-run networker either. Even if you don’t get what you want from a contact at this current time, check back with them a few months later. It is worth the shot. Finally, be genuine; meaning just be yourself. Pursue a job you want. If you hide the true person you are, you could find yourself unemployed much longer than you anticipated.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
5 Ways to Keep your Best and Brightest Employees
Staying satisfied at the workplace, from both the employer and employee’s perspective, is becoming a daunting challenge in everyday America.
A 2010 Corporate Leadership Council survey detailed that more than 25 percent of employees were planning on changing jobs within the next 12 months. As if that statistic alone wasn’t alarming enough, more than half of the executives who participated in the survey agreed that their organizations are unsuccessful at retaining the top talent they’ve hired.
The growing problem in the workplace can be pinned on both parties, although the employer is responsible for taking charge in implementing a more suitable atmosphere. Check out the list of tips below.
1) Open Communication
Employees deserve the right to know where they stand on an impending promotion. Being dishonest or putting off a decision usually has worse ramifications than informing the employee of the bad news. Even so, as an employer you need to foster visibility. Employee’s exposure to you can be an essential ingredient to keeping them content with their future. In these meetings stress the value of developing leadership attributes.
2) Hold Employees Accountable
Research suggests that employees thrive when they are given real responsibilities, something that employers are reluctant to give. Employees that are frustrated usually feel like they aren’t being pushed enough and/or are getting too many general assignments. So show them that they matter. To keep these go-getters happy, employers should assign meaty projects. Then in turn the company is able to measure results.
3) Be Flexible
Handing over an inflexible assignment to an employee, such as relocation when the person has young children, can be a morale buster. You must compromise on the situation to make sure your employee isn’t disgruntled, or the odds are stacked against you. And that isn’t a scenario you want when you’ve just promoted someone.
4) Assign Mentors
You shouldn’t leave an employee hanging out to dry when they are first hired. Tap an effective mentor who fits their personality. Remember to occasionally sit down with that mentor and make sure they are there for encouragement and support/
5) Use A System
Having a ‘method to your madness’ as an employer shows that you provide fair and sustainable solutions to any problem an employee may have. George Penn, senior director of Corporate Leadership Council, says the key in a system is to “provide processes for creating criteria, assessing performance and controlling compliance in administration.”
Parting ways with an employee is a stressful situation that may cause harm to a company. By following these strategies effectively, satisfaction issues within your office will indeed be curbed.
A 2010 Corporate Leadership Council survey detailed that more than 25 percent of employees were planning on changing jobs within the next 12 months. As if that statistic alone wasn’t alarming enough, more than half of the executives who participated in the survey agreed that their organizations are unsuccessful at retaining the top talent they’ve hired.
The growing problem in the workplace can be pinned on both parties, although the employer is responsible for taking charge in implementing a more suitable atmosphere. Check out the list of tips below.
1) Open Communication
Employees deserve the right to know where they stand on an impending promotion. Being dishonest or putting off a decision usually has worse ramifications than informing the employee of the bad news. Even so, as an employer you need to foster visibility. Employee’s exposure to you can be an essential ingredient to keeping them content with their future. In these meetings stress the value of developing leadership attributes.
2) Hold Employees Accountable
Research suggests that employees thrive when they are given real responsibilities, something that employers are reluctant to give. Employees that are frustrated usually feel like they aren’t being pushed enough and/or are getting too many general assignments. So show them that they matter. To keep these go-getters happy, employers should assign meaty projects. Then in turn the company is able to measure results.
3) Be Flexible
Handing over an inflexible assignment to an employee, such as relocation when the person has young children, can be a morale buster. You must compromise on the situation to make sure your employee isn’t disgruntled, or the odds are stacked against you. And that isn’t a scenario you want when you’ve just promoted someone.
4) Assign Mentors
You shouldn’t leave an employee hanging out to dry when they are first hired. Tap an effective mentor who fits their personality. Remember to occasionally sit down with that mentor and make sure they are there for encouragement and support/
5) Use A System
Having a ‘method to your madness’ as an employer shows that you provide fair and sustainable solutions to any problem an employee may have. George Penn, senior director of Corporate Leadership Council, says the key in a system is to “provide processes for creating criteria, assessing performance and controlling compliance in administration.”
Parting ways with an employee is a stressful situation that may cause harm to a company. By following these strategies effectively, satisfaction issues within your office will indeed be curbed.
How to Get Fired in 12 Easy Steps
Now that the employment market is heating up again, I thought this might be a good time to add this great information to my blog. Through my extensive years in the employment industry I know there are a million articles on succeeding in the job market, but, very few about how to lose a job a few easy steps. Here is the best article you could ever read.
Oh, and if you want to stay employed, just do the opposite of everything below.
Arrive late for work
Being on time is for losers; get out of bed whenever you feel like it. Stop to run an errand on your way to the office and don’t call your supervisor.
Don't forget the coffee
No, not for your boss silly, for you! You're already late so why not stop for a cup of coffee on the way to work? Don't forget to get a muffin or a roll too and walk in holding both.
Eat at your desk
I mean your coffee and roll, not your lunch silly. Why would you want to work through lunch anyway? And even better, step out once you are settled in and grab a mid-morning snack, you're in no hurry to start working anyway.
Take a long lunch
only an hour for lunch? Are they crazy? There is no way that is enough time to get together with an old friend and run a few more errands. You know you can stretch it out for an extra 15 or 20 minutes
Have a cocktail
what is lunch without a Martini? Haven’t you watched MAD MEN? It'll relax you. So what if you smell like a brewery and act inappropriately?
Make personal phone calls
if you can't make your phone calls from the office, when else will you find the time? Oh, and use your cell phone with the crazy ringtone.
Speaking of chatting...
Let's not forget about the Internet or even better, the Intranet so you can chat any time of day, so why waste your precious personal time.
Send lots of email
Use those eight hours at work to take care of all that personal email. Oh and don't forget to use your work email address. Especially when sending out your resume to employment advertising.
Download and buy things online
your connection is much faster at work than on your home computer. And besides, there are some things you wouldn't want your significant other to see, now would you?
Make the customers/clients really mad
there are several ways to do this. If you deal with customers in person, ignore them while you talk to your co-workers. Don't have answers to their questions. If most of your contact is by phone, keep yours busy so clients can't get through. If they bother to leave a message, don't return their phone calls.
Don't ever go above or beyond your job description
even when a project is down to the wire and your help is desperately needed, just remember: "It's not your job." And you have waited 3 months to see the new twilight movie with your best friend.
Leave work early
who made that 5:30 pm rule anyway? If you leave 15 minutes early think of how much FASTER you can get ahead of rush hour traffic.
Oh, and if you want to stay employed, just do the opposite of everything below.
Arrive late for work
Being on time is for losers; get out of bed whenever you feel like it. Stop to run an errand on your way to the office and don’t call your supervisor.
Don't forget the coffee
No, not for your boss silly, for you! You're already late so why not stop for a cup of coffee on the way to work? Don't forget to get a muffin or a roll too and walk in holding both.
Eat at your desk
I mean your coffee and roll, not your lunch silly. Why would you want to work through lunch anyway? And even better, step out once you are settled in and grab a mid-morning snack, you're in no hurry to start working anyway.
Take a long lunch
only an hour for lunch? Are they crazy? There is no way that is enough time to get together with an old friend and run a few more errands. You know you can stretch it out for an extra 15 or 20 minutes
Have a cocktail
what is lunch without a Martini? Haven’t you watched MAD MEN? It'll relax you. So what if you smell like a brewery and act inappropriately?
Make personal phone calls
if you can't make your phone calls from the office, when else will you find the time? Oh, and use your cell phone with the crazy ringtone.
Speaking of chatting...
Let's not forget about the Internet or even better, the Intranet so you can chat any time of day, so why waste your precious personal time.
Send lots of email
Use those eight hours at work to take care of all that personal email. Oh and don't forget to use your work email address. Especially when sending out your resume to employment advertising.
Download and buy things online
your connection is much faster at work than on your home computer. And besides, there are some things you wouldn't want your significant other to see, now would you?
Make the customers/clients really mad
there are several ways to do this. If you deal with customers in person, ignore them while you talk to your co-workers. Don't have answers to their questions. If most of your contact is by phone, keep yours busy so clients can't get through. If they bother to leave a message, don't return their phone calls.
Don't ever go above or beyond your job description
even when a project is down to the wire and your help is desperately needed, just remember: "It's not your job." And you have waited 3 months to see the new twilight movie with your best friend.
Leave work early
who made that 5:30 pm rule anyway? If you leave 15 minutes early think of how much FASTER you can get ahead of rush hour traffic.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
How to prepare for a Hurricane
Hurricane Irene is supposed to make landfall on Saturday and Washington, DC has not seen a hurricane since Isabel in 2004. Please cut and paste the following into your address line: http://www2.sptimes.com/weather/SP.1.html
Be safe, stay dry and always be prepared.
Brian Steffan
Be safe, stay dry and always be prepared.
Brian Steffan
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