Czaro Strategic Communications

Finding work in this recession takes determination, perseverance and solid interview skills.

Due to the large number of people competing for fewer jobs, companies are turning to telephone interviews to narrow their candidate pool. These candidate screenings allow the employer to determine if the candidate’s experience, qualifications and salary expectations are a good match for the position and the company. This process saves time by screening out applicants.

As a job seeker, your goal is to successfully answer the screening questions and earn a face-to-face meeting. Follow these six steps and you’ll improve your chances for a second interview.

• Environment. You are in control of where the interview takes place – so make sure you’re really in control. If you want to appear to be professional instead of interviewing from a boarding kennel, put the dogs outside or in another room. If you have family, make sure they know that you’re not to be disturbed during your interview. Find a quiet space – preferable not your car.
• Prepare. Read the job description to determine what the company is specifically seeking in their ideal candidate. Match up your skills and accomplishments with the job description. You need to be able to demonstrate that what you offer exactly what they’re looking for. And it doesn’t hurt to tell the recruiter that you’re a good match, but tie it back to the job description.
• Organize. Have your resume and the job description close at hand. You can also have bulleted lists ready to aid you in answering questions. If you have everything laid out in front of you, then you can avoid any uncomfortable pauses while you think about how to answer the question.
• Listen carefully. You have to really concentrate on phone interviews because you don’t get to see clues from body language. That’s why you have to pay attention to the interviewer’s voice. Your voice is equally important. Sound upbeat and excited about the opportunity to interview. It might help to stand while you’re interviewing or look at yourself in the mirror.
• Summarize. If you get a question that requires a long answer, be sure to summarize before moving on to the next question. This gives you the opportunity to reaffirm your interest in the position and hit the highpoints that match up with the job description. If you think of some things to add to your answers throughout the interview, jot them down and state them at the end.
• Contact. Before you end the call, get the interviewer’s name (spelling too), phone number and e-mail address. You’ll want to send them a written or e-mail thank you expressing your desire to work for the company.

Phone interviews aren’t “get to know me” sessions, they’re selection tests. If you’re not prepared for the interview, the chances are they’ll be no second chance.