by careertipper | | Blog
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.
by careertipper | | Blog
“One important key to success is self-confidence. An important key to self-confidence is preparation.” –Arthur Ashe
During an interview it is important for you not to sell yourself or your industry expertise small. Your resume and/or referral secured the opportunity for you to interview. In most cases, your confidence and ability to effectively explain your skills and knowledge will advance you to the next step in the interview process. Display good posture, eye contact, and avoid being fidgety during the interview. It is important not to take offense to any questions about explaining your ability to be effective in the potential role. Sometimes it may seem that the same questions are being asked of you in different ways. Throughout the interview, display patience and provide detailed answers with a smile in a calm demeanor. For select technical positions, be prepared to complete proficiency tests if required by the potential employer. Let your attitude be upbeat and engaging in conversation. Remember, your end goal is to leave a positive lasting impression that leads to a potential job offer.
Interview Prep Activity
Partner with a friend, family member, or mentor and complete a mock interview. Research possible interview questions online that are related to the potential position. Be receptive to the critiques. Edit your answers or body language until you are confidently interview ready.
by careertipper | | Blog
During your career search there many things that you must remember to do on your daily action items checklist. Taking the time to thank your supporters and opportunity connectors for investing time in you is important. Their assistance towards you accomplishing your career goals is to be appreciated. Showing awareness that your career search is not a solo act; helps you choose to communicate and interact with people in a consistent kind and respectable manner. After all interviews take the time to thank every point of contact that you interacted with during the process. A simple act of thanks can be the positive turning point for you being the chosen candidate for your desired position.
Activity of Thanks
Send five emails and five hand written thank you notes to people who have been supportive of your career search through wisdom, kind words of encouragement, sharing career fair or networking event details, or referred you to a hiring manager.
Your efforts will be appreciated by the recipient and their response just might brighten your day in return.
by careertipper | | Blog
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.
by careertipper | | Blog
Your social media footprint has the influence to open and close doors for you during your career search process and even after you become employed. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn are used by various industries as credible sources to recruit talent for career opportunities open in different professional circles.
Social Media Activities of Success:
Schedule 30 minutes to spend on LinkedIn connecting with former and current coworkers, managers, and mentors. Like postings of Industry Influencers, Connections, and Subject Matters Experts. Write at least one recommendation for a Connection and ask for a recommendation from a Connection. Look for jobs on Twitter using the hashtags for city, job, career, or jobchat. Post pictures of your product offering and/or service on Instagram. Make sure that your pictures are clear. List all of your contact details in Instagram bio.
Take the time to review each one of your social media accounts and ask yourself the following questions listed below.
- What does your social media say about you?
- What do you want your social media to say about you?
- What revisions do you need to make to your social media accounts to accurately represent your personal brand and/or professional theme?
- Do you need to expand your social media footprint?
