Contributed by LiveCareer It’s easy to underestimate the importance of an initial phone interview/screen, but having polished telephone interview skills can make or break your job search. These initial screenings are designed to efficiently eliminate candidates from the larger pool. One wrong or tripped-up answer could mean the end for you! So then—how do you move past the first-round call? Timing Is Everything If you’re someone who isn’t fully awake until after that second cup of coffee, don’t accept an early morning interview. The same goes for accepting an afternoon interview if you’re prone to a post-lunch slump. In a telephone interview, your voice and demeanor are as much a part of your interviewing skills as being able to succinctly describe your experience, so you’re best to choose a time when your mind is firing on all cylinders. Typically, recruiters will offer you a couple of different days and times for an interview. Choose one during your peak personality … [Read more...] about Don’t Dial It In: 7 Tips for Honing Your Telephone Interview Skills
Interview
Rescheduling an Interview – Here’s What to Stay
Thinking of rescheduling an interview should make you think again! The big day has arrived and you suddenly find yourself battling a nasty cold. Do you go ahead with the job interview or contact the interviewer to reschedule? Many career pundits strongly urge job candidates to fulfill interview obligations. However, we've never met a company recruiter that wants to sit across from a job candidate that constantly coughs and sneezes. Rescheduling an interview because you're sick is a no brainer; you only have to speak a few cold medicine addled words to get the job interviewer on your side. Outside of a bout with a nasty cold, you need to follow a few steps for rescheduling an interview that include knowing exactly what to say. … [Read more...] about Rescheduling an Interview – Here’s What to Stay
Why Do You Want This Job? How to Answer…And Why It’s Really Asked
The words "why do you want this job" are uttered in 9 out of every 10 job interviews. And job interviews can make the most stoic poker faces turn into sweaty messes. After all, how often do we answer questions that determine our future career paths? It all starts with the "Tell Me About Yourself" question that although not really a question, sets the stage for the rest of the interview. In fact, many experienced job interviewers make up their minds after the first answer to interview questions. If you somehow manage to pass this question with flying colors, get ready for the next question that typically follows immediately or closely after "Tell Me Abut Yourself." … [Read more...] about Why Do You Want This Job? How to Answer…And Why It’s Really Asked
12 Things to Bring to an Interview
If you are wearing your best outfit and talking to yourself, there's a good chance you're wondering what things to bring to an interview to make sure you are fully prepped. Before your stomach fills with butterflies and your head fills with clever answers to tough questions, it's important to create an interview checklist. These are items designed to make your life easier during the interview. The more prepared you are, the more relaxed you will be. So be a good Boy Scout and make sure you're prepared for any situation by bringing the following with you to a job interview. Bottle of water. You never know if the interviewer will offer you a drink. Answering questions about yourself, coupled with the endemic stress of the interview, will leave your mouth dry. Avoid a scratchy throat and tote a drink along with you. This also makes a nice crutch for folks who find themselves anxious. Water can help save your career. 10 copies of resume. This won't be popular advice with the … [Read more...] about 12 Things to Bring to an Interview