If you have been following my two previous posts (you may catch up here and here), you have hopefully found some helpful tips on searching for a new position and presenting yourself in the application, resume and cover letter. So, now what do you do when a company actually wants to talk to you?! Don’t panic. They like you at this point. If they didn’t like you, they wouldn’t want to talk to you. They like what they see on paper (when will that term be a thing of the past? I’m looking at your credentials on a screen, not paper!), so you now need to prove that you are the same, if not better, in person.
Snag:
• Your first impression is the first interaction, not the interview. Your first interaction with a potential employer will typically be a phone call or email from a recruiter, HR rep or assistant who would like to schedule an interview. You will probably be caught off guard, so learn to compose yourself quickly. As I mentioned in my last post, you should be sure to leave the most appropriate phone number and email address so that your first impression can be positive. If you are not in a position to have a conversation (for example, biking…true story), don’t answer your phone. We will leave a message, and you may call us back. Be polite and accommodating with whoever calls you, as they may relay a poor attitude to the hiring manager.
• Interview in your pajamas. To save time and cost, phone interviews are becoming increasingly popular. This means that all you need to worry about is the content of your answers; this also puts more pressure of the content of your answers. Prepare for a phone interview as you would for an on-site interview: research the company, come up with meaningful questions and remember what you included in your resume. When scheduling your phone interview, work with the recruiter’s schedule, but try to request a time when you will be completely undistracted. A land-line is definitely preferred over a cell phone. If you have no other choice than to have children or pets with you, take every measure to ensure they are entertained (Curious George is my method of choice for entertaining children; the dog goes outside). Then, get comfortable, relax and treat this as a true interview…because it is.
• Okay, now get dressed. Because you are going for an on-site interview. Ere on the side of slightly more conservative than you suspect the average employee is dressed, and make sure that you are comfortable. You want for the interviewers to be able to focus on the conversation, and that is hard to do if you are constantly pulling on your stiff shirt. Avoid bold fashion statements, and skip the perfume or cologne…you can never predict an allergy.
• Answer the questions. Unless I am interviewing you for an elected office, avoid acting like a politician. If I ask a direct question, answer it directly. If I ask for examples, please give examples.
• Ask the questions. I want to know that you are sincerely interested in this position and my company. Look at our website, Google for more information, think of questions related to the business, the culture, and the position. Bring paper and pen to write down information that I give you…look invested.
• Know the numbers. At some point in the process, we will need to discuss money. Let us bring it up first, and be prepared with a confident answer, giving your most recent wage and what you would be looking for. We want to know that if we make you an offer, it will be something you are comfortable with…we don’t want to be laughed at. You may give a range, rather than one dollar amount, but you need to be honest.
• Follow up…in a non-stalker-like fashion. Yes, you are selling yourself, but you don’t want to look like an auto dealer. A professional email or note sent after an interview, highlighting how your skills could be used in the position, is always appreciated and shows genuine interest. Arriving to the office the next day to find 15 missed calls from your cell phone, not appreciated.
• Accept already! So, you received a job offer. Congratulations! Take the time to review the offer and the benefits package, discuss the option with your family and friends, and then follow up with the company as soon as possible. Don’t let us rush you, but don’t leave us hanging. We like you, we really like you, and we want to know that you like us, too! This begins your new relationship on a positive note.
Now you have a great new job to start the new year. Resolution #3: done. Resolution #4: spend less money at Starbucks…I can’t help you there.
No comments:
Post a Comment