Monday, May 01, 2006
What's With the Phone Interview?
My daughter recently had a phone interview for the most competitive job gig in town... pharmaceutical sales. She did it from my location and while she made the cut to the face-to-face interview it wasn't a slam dunk. Here's what I learned:
You May Be Interviewed by a Hired Gun – Neither the company, its recruiter, nor an external recruiter interviewed Brooke. Though we were unaware, they had hired a service, much like a credit or reference checking service to do their phone interviews. The interviewer seemed disengaged, impatient and even slightly combative. Remember it's your job to deliver your message… not the interviewer's job to make it comfortable for you to do it...
Use a Land Line - Don't risk the hazards of a cell phone. Not only do you count on your voice to make the impression, but it's bad judgment to take a chance on such nebulous technology. While its fun to text message your friends and convenient to check on your kids, at best your reception may be weak and the interviewer may not be able to hear you. Or worse, the interview may end prematurely if your battery goes dead. It happens far too often.
Come across as a formidable contributor. Whatever you do avoid one or two word answers, use specific examples from your experience to substantiate a point and have some questions of your own for the interviewer that demonstrates your knowledge of his company. Under no circumstances should you introduce the subject of money and if asked, simply state that the compensation you require totally depends on the nature of the position and growth potential. If pressed, don't be afraid to offer a range.
Traditionally one can identify the end of an interview by when the candidate is asked if there are any questions. This is the time to take the initiative to inquire as to the next steps. Once this is accomplished it is alo recommended that the candidate inquire as to his compatibility with the job specs. Some phone interviewers may shed light on applicant performance and the applicant will be admired for implementing closing measures.
You May Be Interviewed by a Hired Gun – Neither the company, its recruiter, nor an external recruiter interviewed Brooke. Though we were unaware, they had hired a service, much like a credit or reference checking service to do their phone interviews. The interviewer seemed disengaged, impatient and even slightly combative. Remember it's your job to deliver your message… not the interviewer's job to make it comfortable for you to do it...
Use a Land Line - Don't risk the hazards of a cell phone. Not only do you count on your voice to make the impression, but it's bad judgment to take a chance on such nebulous technology. While its fun to text message your friends and convenient to check on your kids, at best your reception may be weak and the interviewer may not be able to hear you. Or worse, the interview may end prematurely if your battery goes dead. It happens far too often.
Come across as a formidable contributor. Whatever you do avoid one or two word answers, use specific examples from your experience to substantiate a point and have some questions of your own for the interviewer that demonstrates your knowledge of his company. Under no circumstances should you introduce the subject of money and if asked, simply state that the compensation you require totally depends on the nature of the position and growth potential. If pressed, don't be afraid to offer a range.
Traditionally one can identify the end of an interview by when the candidate is asked if there are any questions. This is the time to take the initiative to inquire as to the next steps. Once this is accomplished it is alo recommended that the candidate inquire as to his compatibility with the job specs. Some phone interviewers may shed light on applicant performance and the applicant will be admired for implementing closing measures.
