Are You Phone Interview Ready?

Are You Phone Interview Ready?

Smiling businessman talking on the phone

Phone interviews should not to be disregarded or taken lightly during the interview process.  If your first phone interview is not viewed as successful by the interviewer; the face to face or Skype interview you are aiming for will most likely not be scheduled. Phone interviews can sometimes result in you being viewed as a qualified candidate for more than one employment opportunity pending the company’s hiring needs. Be yourself and be certain in your skills. Your confidence will be projected through the phone.

Below are a few phone interview do’s and don’ts for your review and consideration.

  • Do declare to yourself that you are going to have a great phone interview with the potential employer.
  • Don’t take your phone interview while driving. It’s ideal for you to complete the phone interview in a space where your call cannot be interrupted with back noise, music, or other audible distractions.
  • Do smile during your phone interview. A smile can always be felt through the phone. If possible, keep a mirror in front of you as a reminder to smile.
  • Don’t speak negatively or be disrespectful to the interviewer. During your phone interview they are the gatekeeper to you moving forward in the interview process.
  • Do stand up during your phone interview. Standing up keeps you energized and assists in projecting your voice well during the call.
  • Don’t be late for your phone interview. Be completely set up in your interview space and ready to take the call on time with the interviewer.
  • Do have your resume in front of you and your preferred technical device near by that you may need to use to research something quickly during your interview.

At the end of your phone interview; journalize your outcomes, your follow-up action items, and your lessons learned if applicable.

Successful Salary Insight Negotiation

Successful Salary Insight Negotiation

Salary Under Scrutiny

Beyond earning a salary that will support your chosen lifestyle. Many employees prefer that their salary reflect that they are viewed as a valued contributor to their employer. It is to your advantage to proactively have the salary negotiation conversation for your peace of mind and the navigation of your career path plan.  Considering the overall landscape of the employment opportunity is a viable factor when accepting or declining an employment offer as well. Proving your worth while embracing the new economy is key in salary negotiation.

Salary negotiations is an important focus point to most career seekers and changers during the interview process. Due to multiple factors salary negotiations may not be applicable for every position you apply for. It is strategically beneficial to consider your salary negotiation approach beyond the desired income and benefits that you have identified that will permeate you as a valued hire to the potential employer. While pondering your negotiation approach consider the following insight to display during the interview and hiring process:

Your Posture: Display confidence not arrogance or entitlement.

Personal Brand: Genuinely demonstrate the soft skills, attire, and attitude the position requires during your interaction with all involved parties during the interview and hiring process.

Professional Examples: Be prepared to share metrics if applicable that can be used as a qualifier during negotiations.

KSA Survey: Conduct a knowledge, skills, and abilities analysis compared to the job description. Determine if the outcomes surpass the minimum and required experience for the position.