I know some prospective employers use a phone interview as
their first point of contact. I suppose it is a way to do a first
screening. How should I handle phone interviews? In other words, how
much information do I volunteer? What things should I say to get in the
door for a face-to-face interview?
I am a candidate for a job in an association and have been told to expect
a group interview. How should I prepare and then behave during the interview?
As with all interviews, attitude and preparation are most important.
Research. What do you know about the employer? The interviewer(s)? The
employer‘s needs? The position? The decision-making process necessary
to make the hire? Which of your skills, abilities, experiences and personal
traits are most likely to be sought by the employer? What are their hot
buttons? The more you know about the answers to these questions, the better
prepared you will be to do well in your interviews.
Have a strong opening statement that aligns your experience and abilities
with their needs. Be prepared to state examples of your work that demonstrate
needed skills and competencies. Have good questions to ask.
Phone Interviewing
Good phone ability
is a requirement of almost every job at all levels. This is a chance to
demonstrate your phone communications skills.
Face-to-face communication consists of three elements: words, tone of
voice and body language. But when communicating by telephone, there is
no physical contact, no observable body language. So what you say (the
words you use) and your tone of voice become much more important, as does
your ability to listen and respond. The words you use on the telephone
should be positive.
Use words like " challenge, solution, success, we, I, our, your, opportunity,
can, good, between assignments." Avoid words like "can‘t, won‘t, don‘t,
haven‘t, unsuccessful, failure, problem, bad, unemployed, retired, fired."
Stand while doing a phone interview. Smile into the phone. The tone of
your voice should be clear and enthusiastic. Don‘t sound disinterested,
mumble words or be monotonous in your tone. Don‘t chew gum, smoke or eat
during phone interview.
Group Interview
Group interviews are more
likely in associations, academic and other not-for-profit organizations
that use a board of directors or peer selection committee. Group
interviews are most ususally arranged for senior executives and
professionals. At this level, most position requirements include
presentation skills, so this is a chance to demonstrate those skills.
Group interviewers tend to ask tough questions (e.g. "you don‘t have experience
in our fields; why should we select you over candidates who do?" "You‘ve
had a lot of jobs, wouldn‘t you say?" "Why haven‘t you secured a new position
yet?") Be prepared to address such questions.
Speak directly to the person who asked the question. Maintain eye contact
with the person who asked the question but don‘t ignore the others. If
panel members have differences, avoid taking sides. Get business cards
of panelists so you can send follow-up letters. Express interest in the
position and confirm the next steps in the process.
(Note to the interviewers: If you are conducting a panel interview there
are several things you can do to make interviewees more comfortable and
demonstrate your organization‘s consideration for its employees. Make
sure the interviewee has a comfortable chair with a table in front of
it, preferably one with a courtesy panel. Provide a pitcher of water and
clean glasses. Offer coffee. Greet the interviewees personally when they
arrive; introduce each member of the panel and say what their position
/ relation to the position is. Have tent name cards (with large type)
in front of each interviewer. Designate a lead interviewer to manage the
process. Provide business cards for each interviewer. Let the interviewee
know what the next steps in the process will be. And most importantly
let the interviewees know before the interview that it will be
a group / panel interview.)
Tips for Phone Interviews
- Be in a private location, free from intrusions.
- Select a comfortable place, preferably with a nice view.
- Wash your face with cold water before the call.
- Get positive; review the pluses in your resume.
- Have good questions to ask.
- Have pen, pad, resume, references, ad/position description and an
updated calendar (to set next steps) at hand.
- Make note card reminders to yourself (e.g. "Answer the questions
asked." "Don‘t ramble." "Smile into the phone."
"Be enthusiastic.")
- Listen to what is said and asked. Ask for clarification if needed.
- Don‘t mumble. Be articulate. Push one foot to the floor while talking;
better, stand while talking.
- Don‘t ramble; answer the questions that are asked.
- Find out what the next steps are so you can follow-up appropriately.
Say you would like to meet personally.
- Send a letter after the interview.
- Remember to smile and be enthusiastic.
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