How to handle a telephone interview
How to handle a telephone interview
Q: I don’t do telephone screening interviews. I want to speak face to face or not at all. How can I convince employers to skip small talk and phone calls and just invite me to an interview, size me up, hire me or throw me out?
A: You can try, but you’ll have to convince them first, by phone. Like it or not, telephone screening calls are part of the interview process and will be for the foreseeable future. They save themselves, and you, time and money while providing you opportunities to showcase your respective strengths and to speak to a greater number of people about a variety of possibilities. If you want to pass “go” and advance to face-to-face meetings, you’ll need to make a solid case for your candidacy. Employers take these calls seriously. If you want to stay in the game, you should, too.
Q: What questions are they most likely to ask?
A: They’ll ask the same questions they’d ask in person, just not as many of them. Here are a few you can count on:
• “Tell me about yourself.” (Code for: Can you succinctly describe your strengths and how they drive revenues or generate cost savings?)
• “Why are you interested in working for us?” (Code for: Have you done your homework? Do you know what we do, what we make, and whom we serve?)
• “Why should we be interested in hiring you?” (Code for: Do you know what distinguishes you from your competition?)
Q: How long do the calls typically last?
A: The conversation can take 10 minutes to an hour, depending on the interviewer’s time and interest, the job’s responsibilities, how you respond and the questions you ask.
Q: What kinds of questions should I ask?
A: Ask positive, open-ended questions that invite interviewers to showcase their companies while providing you important insights about them. A few to ask:
• “What has made your company successful?”
• “What do your current employees value most about working for you?”
• “How have you been able to retain your best talent?”
Q: I’m not strong on paper when I have to go head-to-head with people with more years of experience than I. I’ve not been in the work force long enough for my résumé to scream, “Hire this guy!” I have drive and tenacity. I honestly believe I can accomplish just about anything I set my mind to achieving. Do I have a chance against people who have better résumés than mine?
A: Yes, you can compete against people with more experience if you communicate that positive can-do attitude and energy through your word choices and the tone of your voice. There’s more to interviewing, in person or by phone, than what your résumé says about you. You have to sell what’s on that piece of paper. And if there’s less than more, you have to sell the interviewer on your potential.
Q: What separates good telephone interviewees from the also-rans?
A: Successful interviewees project energy and optimism. They are self-aware, authentic, organized and respectful. They do honest self-assessments, know what they do well and enjoy doing. They research the company and the role they can play in advancing it. They’re curious, open to new information and want to succeed.
Q: What should I do if an interviewer calls and wants to talk right then, without giving me time to prepare?
A: As soon as you begin your job search you should be ready for opportunity that presents itself announced or unannounced. Having said that, you can always ask to reschedule an unplanned interview call so you can find a quiet place to think, talk, listen and take notes.
Joyce Richman is a speaker and career coach conducting seminars and workshops throughout the United States, and the author of “Roads, Routes & Ruts: A Guidebook for Career Success.” You can reach her at 288-1799 or JERichman@aol.com. Watch Richman’s latest career advice Wednesdays at 6:35 a.m. during “The Good Morning Show” on WFMY News 2 at http://www.digtriad.com/business/columnists/career_minute/. You can find this column online by visiting TriadCareers.com and clicking on “News & Tips.”
