Ring, Ring, You're on an Interview!

The minute you post your resume or send it out to a prospective employer, you need to be ready for the interview. The phone screen is generally the first step in the process and is designed to verify that you meet the basic criteria of the position. Your goal is to get the face-to-face interview.

Sometimes a phone screen is scheduled, in which case you can gather together a copy of the job posting (with key requirements highlighted), your resume (with key skills highlighted), pen, paper, the company website up on your computer, and a brief list of questions about the company. Find a quiet place and use a land line if possible. Sometimes there’s no advance warning and the screener may wish to speak with you right then and there. Don’t postpone lest you never hear back from them. If you don’t take the call chances are the interviewer will just move on down their list of applicants.

Write down the name, contact info (in case you are disconnected), and title of the caller. Let the interviewer lead. Since you cannot read or use body language, use your voice to convey interest and expertise. Speak clearly and slowly and listen for cues and silences. Smile when you speak and your positive attitude will come through on the phone. Ask for clarification and verification that you’ve answered the questions to the caller’s satisfaction.

Commonly asked questions are those designed to see if you “fit” the job and the company. Be prepared for the question about what salary you are looking for. Remember, this is NOT the time to negotiate. Ask for the employer’s range for the position. If the caller can’t share that then provide a range that you think is fair. Do the research in advance to identify the going rate for this type of position. Then state your flexibility and desire to know more about the responsibilities of the position. Ask a few good questions from your list, but again, nothing related to salary and benefits—that’s for later when you get the offer.

Finally, let the interviewer know you are interested in the job. Ask for next steps: When can you expect to hear back? Who will contact you? If you don’t hear back in two weeks, contact the company and ask for an update.

Categories: Interviewing, Job Search Help, Job Search Coaching