How to Master a Phone Interview in 5 Easy Steps

With the state of the world, a phone interview is more common than ever. With hundreds of candidates applying for a single job, it might sound and seem intimidating when you think of making a great impression with a phone interview.  How in the world will you do that?

PHone Interview

Don’t panic, We’ve got your back!

5 Tips for Mastering the Phone Interview

According to a post on Zety.com, “On average, each corporate job offer attracts 250 resumes. Of those candidates, 4 to 6 will get called for an interview, and only one will get the job.”  These 5 tips will help you master your phone interview and stand out from the crowd.

1. Prepare 

Prepare the same way you would for an in-person interview. It’s crucial to spend just as much time prepping for your phone interview as you would an in-person interview.

Come up with a list of your strengths, the skills you bring to the table, and why you are interested in that specific job.

2.  Set A Time

If the call comes out of the blue, without warning, ask to set a time to talk. Let them know you’re thrilled to talk but ask to speak later and suggest a time.

Even if it is just for later that day, you need time to gather your thoughts, take a deep breath and find a quiet place to talk with a good connection where you won’t be interrupted.

3. Smile and Make Eye Contact

Try standing and smiling while talking. Standing boosts your energy level and smiling while looking at yourself in the mirror, affects your tone of voice and will make a more favorable impression.

4. Don’t Over-talk 

Don’t over-talk and listen closely. A phone call makes it difficult to read nonverbal cues that indicate the interviewer is about to speak.

Talk slowly, pause, and ask if more detail would be useful.

Take notes on what the interviewer is asking. This will help you write a personalized thank you letter, which you MUST do post-interview.

5. Ask About the Next Step 

Ask about the next step in the hiring process and then follow up. Before you hang up the phone, tell the interviewer how excited and appreciative you are for this opportunity and ask what the next step in the process will be.

Use the notes you took during the interview to incorporate specific details in your thank you note. It is also important to include specific ways you would contribute to the company.

Mastering a phone interview can seem overwhelming, but by following these 5 simple steps, you can make the impression you want and help you land that important job.

Do You Need Help?

If you would like to practice or hone your phone interviewing skills, contact Career Coach Rachel Schneider for an appointment.

By |2020-05-28T12:00:56-05:00May 28th, 2020|Job Interview, Job Search, Uncategorized|Comments Off on How to Master a Phone Interview in 5 Easy Steps
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Job Hunting During an Economic Downturn

Unemployment is stressful, but job-hunting during an economic downturn can significantly increase that stress. According to Blogs.IMF.org, we are in the greatest economic downturn since the Great Depression. There are fewer jobs available, and the ones that are, have a reduced salary. Or are those ideas just myths?

News Flash…While there may be fewer jobs available in some industries, others are thriving. And the ones that are thriving, are paying higher salaries for quality employees.

Job Hunting during economic downturn

What You Need To Know During an Economic Downturn

If you know where to look and how to approach the job market, an economic downturn might be the best time for you to be job hunting. Here’s what you need to know:

Focus on Growth Industries

When the economy is struggling, there are always a few industries that are thriving because they’re needed more. Think about what people are using more of, what their habits are, what kind of businesses are they frequenting. This will give you some insight into the types of companies that are thriving and looking for help.

Target Companies

Instead of emailing your resume to every job opening you find, choose a few select companies you’d like to work for and focus on pursuing them. Even if they don’t have any current openings available, they will need to keep your resume on file and you could be the first to know about a new opening, even before it’s posted in some cases.

Talk to People

Your friends, your family, your former co-workers, even your former clients. They all know people and those people know people. It’s much easier to find a job through your network of connections. Tell people about your experience, skills, and past positions. This will help them to make quality connections for you.

Start Freelancing

If a job is not available in your field or there’s a possibility your current field might not fully recover, consider freelancing. Start your own company focusing on your area of expertise. Since you don’t have the overhead and payroll of your past employer, you can charge a lower fee.  Just don’t make your rates too low, you have expenses you have to cover as well and your time is valuable.

Consider a Temporary Position

While it’s not ideal, a temporary position can help you get through an economic downturn until you can find a better position. Some larger corporations offer temporary positions that later convert to permanent ones. Or take a job in another industry. Even if it’s not what you want to do, you’ll learn new skills and earn a paycheck.

Stay Positive

Keeping a positive attitude can be the hardest thing to do, but it will help you get through this challenging time. And, that positive attitude will shine during interviews and give you a leg up above other applicants. Stay focused on the positive things in your life and the things you have control over. Everything else, you can’t worry about it. Even when there’s a 10% unemployment rate, that means there’s 90% employment. You just have to find the right opportunity for you.

It’s stressful to be job hunting during an economic downturn, no doubt, but staying positive, keeping your options open, and thinking outside the box will help you survive and thrive.

If You Need Help

If you need help updating your resume or practicing for an interview during these hard times, consider reaching out to me, Rachel at Career Find to assist you.

By |2020-05-01T15:49:44-05:00May 4th, 2020|career search, Job Search|Comments Off on Job Hunting During an Economic Downturn
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Proper Ergonomics Can Help With Remote Work

With many of us adjusting to working remotely, setting up home offices, using the dining room table or some other makeshift desk, plus the stress of isolation, and fear of COVID-19, we are feeling pressure from many directions.   This crazy time can take a toll on your body. To prevent aches and pains, try your best to practice proper ergonomics while working from home.

Proper Ergonomics

Ergonomic Tips for Remote Work

Check Your Monitor

When you sit at your desk, make sure the center of your computer screen is slightly above eye level.  If you are constantly looking up or down, it can create neck and back problems.

Be Aware of Your Arms

Make sure your arms are parallel to the floor with your wrists supported and minimally bent.  Putting extra stress on your wrists will increase the chances of carpal tunnel syndrome.

Customize Your Chair

Desk and computer heightUse a desk chair with adjustable lumbar back support and customize it to your body.  You can also purchase separate back supports if you feel you need them.  I found this diagram of how high your desk and monitor should be on Pinterest.

Bend Your Knees

Your knees should be bent at a 90-degree angle.  If you are vertically challenged, you may need a small footrest so your feet are not dangling.

Keep Your Feet on the Floor

Your feet should be flat on the floor or on a footrest.  Do not cross your legs or your ankles.

Use a Headset

Instead of holding the phone with your shoulder, use a headset.

Get Up and Stretch

Take time to stretch your body and change your position during the day. It also gives your eyes a break from the computer screen.  It is recommended you move at least once every hour.  Stand up, stretch, take a walk, just move.

We rely heavily on our body and mind to help us reach our maximum potential in all aspects of life.  Take the time to take care of your body.  Proper ergonomics can help with remote work so your body can carry you wherever you’d like to take your career, whether that be back to your office when this is all over, or being a permanent remote worker.

 

By |2020-04-14T22:42:42-05:00April 14th, 2020|Career Success, Remote Work|Comments Off on Proper Ergonomics Can Help With Remote Work
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Top 5 Job Hunt Errors To Avoid

Hunting a job is never easy.  But there are common job hunt errors that people make without realizing it that hurt their employment chances.

Job Hunt Errors

Job Hunt Errors to Avoid

It is easy to make an error when preparing for your job hunt.  However, even little mistakes can be very costly, especially in a very competitive environment. Here are 5 common job search errors to avoid:

  • It’s Not All About You

While finding a job may seem all about you, it isn’t for the employer. Your potential employers are looking to grow their business with the right team that needs the least amount of training and can help improve the bottom line. Instead of focusing on the “why I need this job”, focus on how you can provide value to your potential employer.

  • You Have Blinders On

Job Hunt ErrorsWhen you are looking for a job, don’t be afraid to interview with several companies at once.  You can also let the interviewer know you are interested in other positions with the company.  Perhaps they will see a better fit in a different position.  Learn more in this post by ZipRecruiter.  This way, you can be ready for any opportunity and are able to brush off disappointments that come along in the job search process.

  • You Forget the Thank You Note 

If you are rejected for a job, you should still send a thank you note. What? Yes! By thanking the employer for the opportunity and wishing them well, you open yourself up for future opportunities within that company. Check out this post to learn more about the importance of a thank you note.

  • You Forgot to Double-check Your ‘Real’ Reputation

Only give out references that you’ve prescreened. Don’t forget to Google yourself occasionally because the person interviewing you will. Don’t forget to clean up any social media accounts that might have anything negative posted including pictures.  Lastly, use your personal email on your resume, not your current employer’s email account. It sends the wrong message.

  • You Don’t Have a Clear Strategy

When submitting resumes for several companies or industries, you need to tailor every submission like it is the most important. Have a plan of attack to help keep yourself organized and on schedule in order not to miss a step in the follow-up job search process.

We Can Help

If you need help updating your resume or practicing for an interview, consider reaching out to me, Rachel at Career Find to assist you.

By |2020-04-08T11:31:14-05:00April 8th, 2020|Interview Prep, Job Search|Comments Off on Top 5 Job Hunt Errors To Avoid
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9 Tips For Success When Working Remotely

With recent developments, many of you are being asked to work from home.  For some, it is a dream come true, but for many, it is a time of uncertainty and you might be unsure of how to be successful when working remotely.  I’d like to share a few tips to help you be successful in working from home.

Working Remotely

Tips for Working Remotely

  • Create an Office

Designate an area in your house that is going to be your temporary work office space. Working from the kitchen table in the middle of where everyone will be in and out is not a good idea.  Try to select something that is not in the middle of the life of your house.  If you need to get creative, perhaps you can carve out a piece of a quiet room, or use a big closet space.  Some people use a spare bedroom or the corner of their bedroom.  Even if it is a temporary thing,  it will help you be successful while you do have to work from home.

  • Set Office Hours

Setting traditional office hours for yourself that are boundaries and keep you in work-mode even though you’re in the home.  If you don’t do this, you might find yourself not starting work till noon or not ending work at a reasonable time.   When you work from home it is easy to blur the lines between work and home life.  According to the Owl Labs 2019 State Of Remote Work report, US-based remote employees tend to work more than the standard 40 hours per week—that’s 43% more than on-site workers.  Setting regular hours and sticking to them will help to avoid working all the time.

  • Think About Ergonomics

Light, seating arrangements, the height of your desk and chair matter.  If you don’t take these things into consideration you will soon find yourself aching and they will take a toll on your body.  Your eyes should be in the middle of your computer screen when looking straight ahead.  Not looking down at a screen on the table.

  • Dress for Work

Working in PJ’s might sound enticing, but it really doesn’t lend itself to productivity.  It is important to get up in the morning and get dressed even though you are not going to the office.  There is something about the routine and being dressed that flips a mindset switch into work mode.  You don’t have to wear heels, etc. but dress so that if your boss would walk in you wouldn’t be embarrassed. After all, you may end up talking to him or coworkers through Zoom or Skype and you want to appear professional.

  • Stay Connected

Working remotely can make you more productive, but there is also a lot more isolation which for some people can lead to depression, overworking, and increased impostor syndrome episodes.  It is important to stay connected via email, chat, texting, facetime, and other means.   If there isn’t restrictions due to illness, make plans to meet people in person.  Meet for breakfast or lunch, or meet at the park and go for a walk.  People need people for emotional wellbeing and to live a longer, healthier life and when working remotely it is easy to just become a hermit.  So make an effort to stay connected.

  • Take Breaks

It is important to take breaks from your work and do other things.  When working remotely there is no one to turn off the lights and tell you to go home.  You need to do this for yourself.  Just as it is important to have start and stop times, you also need to schedule breaks.   Time to walk around the block, go for a run, read a book, watch a favorite TV show, cook a meal, spend time with the kids, etc.   Get outside and enjoy some fresh air.  Regular, moderate, exercise can be correlated to an increase in productivity, and according to Harvard Business Review, is a key factor in helping you achieve a better work-life balance.

  • Move Often

Schedule times to stand up, stretch, walk around and then to get back to work.  You need to move at least once every hour.  It is important to move but don’t get distracted by household things and end up taking a big break.  When you are being paid to work, you need to focus on work.

  • Eat Healthy Foods

It is easy to work through lunch or just eat a bag of chips or a cookie.  Make sure you are eating healthy meals so your brain functions properly. Keep fruits, celery, carrots, and other healthy snacks on hand.

  • Stay Hydrated

Remember to drink plenty of fluids.  Chances are, you might be sitting more and moving less, it is imperative that you stay hydrated for your health. Hydration helps regulate body temperature, deliver nutrients to cells, prevent infections, keep joints lubricated, and keep organs functioning properly. Being well-hydrated also improves sleep quality, cognition, and mood.

Whether your remote work is temporary or permanent, Taking these nine tips into consideration when you work remotely will increase your chances of success and help you get through the stressful times.

Other Posts of Interest

5 Easy Ways to Balance Your Work and Family Life

Does Your Resume Need an Update?

Is Working Remotely For You?

By |2020-03-17T15:15:49-05:00March 17th, 2020|Remote Work|Comments Off on 9 Tips For Success When Working Remotely
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Non-Verbal Cues of the Interviewer

So you survived your most recent job interview. Do you know what the hiring manager thought about you? Often people are so nervous and consumed with their own thoughts and feelings that they forget to pay attention to the non-verbal cues the hiring manager is putting off.

Non-verbal Communication

Non-Verbal Cues

While your non-verbal communication is important, so is the communication from the person doing the interview.  In the post, Examples of Non-Verbal Communication, it states we send and receive nonverbal communication cues whether we realize it or not.   Here are a few non-verbal cues to look for during an interview:

Posture

When the interviewer is interested in what you have to say their posture is relaxed and leaning forward to show engagement in the conversation. If the interviewer’s posture is stiff or is leaning back with crossed arms or legs, beware. These cues can signify anxiety or discomfort and could indicate that the interviewer has already made up their mind about you.

Eye Contact

Eye Contact

If the interviewer is engaged in conversation with you and truly listening they will be making eye contact. If the interviewer starts to look around the room or glance at their phone that may be a sign that you are rambling and the interviewer is ready to move on to the next question or they already have their mind made up about you.

Gestures

Positive gestures include taking notes, nodding “yes” and genuinely laughing at your funny stories. Cues to watch out for are a cocked head to one side with a raised eyebrow and a shaking head “no” while verbally responding “yes.”
Being aware of non-verbal cues will allow you to modify your behavior during the interview.  This will increase your chances of success. If you would like to learn more or perfect your interview skills, give us a call. We’d love to help you get to the next level of your career.

Other Posts Regarding Interviews

9 Interview Mistakes To Avoid

Getting Past the Gatekeepers to Get a Job Interview

Interview Skills to Land Your Dream Job

By |2020-03-09T21:23:01-05:00March 10th, 2020|Interview Prep|Comments Off on Non-Verbal Cues of the Interviewer
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