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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?

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 Rachel Schneider|2020-05-28T12:00:56-05:00May 28th, 2020|Job Interview, Job Search, Uncategorized|Comments Off

Why You Need a Perfect Elevator Pitch

The Incredible Power of an Elevator Pitch

The holidays are upon us. As we begin to gather with family and friends, are you confident sharing your elevator pitch? Will they understand what you do or will their eyes glaze over?

If you can’t explain what you do for a living in 30-60 seconds and have people walk away with a very clear understanding, you need to perfect your pitch.

This skill is essential in business and in your personal life as you network and meet new people. The people you know and meet along the way need to have a very clear understanding of what you do in order to drive business and new opportunities your way.

Take Action Now:
Click here for tips and tricks on how to perfect your elevator pitch.

By Rachel Schneider|2015-12-08T14:15:16-06:00December 8th, 2015|Elevator Pitch, Uncategorized|Comments Off

How to Create the Perfect Elevator Pitch

When thinking about how to formulate your perfect elevator pitch, consider what will peak someone’s interest and cause them to them take action. The truth is, it’s how you make people feel that makes you memorable.

Does your current elevator pitch inspire action? Here’s how to put together a new elevator pitch that sparks some interest and feeling…

“So, what do you do?”

“I’m a… (insert your job title)”.

“Officially, my job is to… (insert your job description clearly, i.e. market to investors, refine my client’s job searching skills, save company’s money with their health insurance, etc).”

“Which is a fancy way of saying… (insert your emotional job description, i.e. find wealthy people and encourage them to fall in love with our properties, help people land their dream careers, navigate through the health insurance mess so companies don’t have to, etc.)”

Keys to creating a job description that people will actually want to hear:
– Use phrases that get straight to the emotional core of what you do.
– Sneak in a little of your own personality to peak some interest.

Examples of those phrases include:
“Which is a fancy way of saying…”
“Which really means…”
“More simply put…”

Suggestion:
Put together a few scenarios and try them out. See which ones make the biggest impact and go from there.

Want some more help?
We can help you formulate your elevator pitch. Schedule a session with Career Find before your next event.

By Rachel Schneider|2015-12-08T14:10:03-06:00December 8th, 2015|career consultation services, Elevator Pitch, Uncategorized|Comments Off

Have a Job Interview Obstacle? Be Strategic

What to do when you realize you’re overqualified for a job

when you are in a

Job Interview…

You’ve applied for a few jobs and receive a call back for an interview. While you’re in the interview you quickly realize you are overqualified for the position being offered. What do you do? Most people cut the interview short, but before you thank the interviewer for their time, try these tips to make the interview worthwhile.

Why Were You Asked to Interview? – If you realized you were overqualified, most likely the hiring manager knew it as well. Don’t be afraid to bring it up. Ask if there is potential to move up from the position to better utilize your skills and experience? They may have a bigger plan

for you in their company.

Opportunity to Learn– If you are interviewing for a different industry than you came from, a position you are overqualified for may be the best level for you to come into in the industry. You will be able to shine in your position and learn the ins and outs of this new industry.

Is their potential? – If you see an opportunity, offer a commitment. Companies spend thousands of dollars going through the hiring and training processes. With employee turnover at an all time high, companies are looking for loyal employees. Don’t be afraid to offer a commitment of at least two years. With a commitment, you show dedication and loyalty to your potential future employer.

By Rachel Schneider|2013-10-22T10:40:14-05:00October 22nd, 2013|Interview Prep, Job Search, Uncategorized|Comments Off

Are You Neglecting Your Network of Professional Contacts?

Active job-hunters know social networking sites can be some of the best tools for finding employment because it is easy to network with other professionals, friends, family, co-workers and new contacts. But if you are happy in your job, you forget to continue to update your LinkedIn profile with new accomplishments and connect with new co-workers and industry contacts you’ve recently met. While we don’t think you need to be always looking for the next best thing, we do think that you need to be prepared for when life throws you a curve ball. In other words, you never know when you may need to utilize your resume and contacts again. Here are three tips to help you stay on track with your resume and professional contacts…

Stay in Touch – Carve out time each week to go through your business cards of new connections and get LinkedIn with them. It’s an easy way to say “it was nice to meet you” and that you would like to stay in touch.
Help Others – If you see a professional contact, friend or family member who is looking for a job and you can help, don’t hesitate. Getting recommended for an interview gives that job-seeker a leg up on the competition. You also never know where that person may be able to help you out in the future
Show Off – When you further your education by taking some classes, get promoted or land a big client, don’t be afraid to add that to your LinkedIn profile. As your job changes and grows so should your resume. The easiest way to update your resume is through your LinkedIn profile where co-workers, clients and even your boss can comment on a job well done.

Job Search Strategy isn’t something you should only think about when you are Actively looking for a new job. It’s what you do BEFORE you start looking for a new job that’s equally important. Are you neglecting your network of professional contacts? We can help you keep your job search strategy in play even before you need it. Contact a Career Specialist for more information!

By Rachel Schneider|2013-10-08T13:19:50-05:00October 8th, 2013|Job Search, Professional Contacts, Uncategorized|Comments Off

Is the Grass Really Greener on the other side?

How to Job Seek Out of Your Industry…

Are you dreaming of another career? Maybe a move into a high-tech industry, healthcare or oil and gas would make you happier. At times a complete industry switch is necessary. A shocking statistic from a recent Yahoo! Finance article stated almost 60 percent of Americans would choose a different career if given the chance to do it all over again.

If you think you’re ready to take the leap into the unknown, you need to know this first…

Learn From Industry Pros – No one knows an industry better than the people who have been working in it for years. Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask questions. Someone may be able to give you the inside knowledge you need in order to move on to a new job.
Network – Go to networking events in the industry you are interested in. You will receive real insight and may be surprised to see what you like and don’t like about the work required to make it in that industry.
Further Your Education – Is there a class you can take that would help familiarize yourself with the job you are seeking. What about software training that other candidates may already have?
Change Up Your Materials – Since job seeking outside of your industry can be tricky, it is extremely important to tailor your resume and other materials to showcase the skills you have that can translate to the job you are seeking.

Keep in mind the grass is always greener on the other side. Take the time to evaluate and make sure you are making a move for the right reasons. At Career Find we work with people who make industry moves all of the time. If you are ready to make a change and want to put your best face forward, we can help.

By Rachel Schneider|2013-09-17T12:56:15-05:00September 17th, 2013|career search, Job Search, Uncategorized|Comments Off

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