TIPS - TELEPHONE

•     Shut off your cell phone, radio, or television.  Try to avoid any unnecessary or distracting noises in the background.

•     Although I love animals, please do not have any pets that meow or bark in the same room.  The last thing you want is for your cat or dog to make loud noises and interrupt the conversation.  (Note that fish are allowed in the room, however.)

•     Make sure that you use a “safe land line.”

•     Dress as if you were actually going on a person-to-person interview.  This helps to put you in a professional mindset as if you were actually in front of the interviewer.  So, try not to wear your pajamas.  Sit on a comfortable chair and sit straight up and alert.

•     Do not chew gum or any food. 

•     Have a glass of water at your reach, but do not sip loud.  (I recall interviewing a candidate once on the telephone, and he sipped loudly throughout our conversation.  This was very distracting and annoying.)

•     Have a couple of pens and a pad available to take notes.

•     Have your own basic notes in front of you, as well as a list of your own questions for the interviewer.

•     Count to three after each question asked.

•     Answer questions exactly as asked.  If you are nervous and missed a question, it is okay for you to say “Can you please repeat that question.”

Lastly, with today’s high level of job layoffs and financial stresses, in order to stay ahead of the game, you need to think positive, be confident, and begin to implement key ways to differentiate your self from the rest.  Regardless of the type of interview you have, I can assure you that proper advance preparation will be appreciated by the interviewer.  Too many well-qualified applicants have missed great opportunities because they either (a) exhibited a lack of confidence; (b) did not take out the time to prepare in advance; or (c) were overly confident and assumed their educational background and skills set was sufficient to pass the interview without any more effort on their part.  BIG MISTAKE to think this way!  The actual interview is what determines the decision to hire you and not just what you have written on a resume.  Therefore, plan ahead, research the company, be determined, and be confident.  Best of luck! 

  Wendy Oliveras is a search consultant and career planning and development advisor in Jersey City.  She can be reached at (201) 947-6662 or by email at wo@oliverascoinc.com.  For further information please visit www.oliverascoinc.com.