Congratulations! Your skills and experience are a match. You will compete with several other candidates, and telephone interviews are much more difficult to “sell yourself” in than in-person interviews. Your phone interview may be compared with candidates the client interviews in person.
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Think you will benefit from a practice interview? Contact your ESC Recruiter to schedule a mock interview!
INTERVIEW PREP
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Get as much information about the client and the job as possible before the interview.
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Ask your ESC Recruiter or the Account Manager questions about the opening and the company.
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Visit the client’s website.
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We will provide you with a copy of the profile we have created for you and presented to the client.
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Be sure to take the time to read it and to know your consultant profile (resume).
PREPARE YOURSELF
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Have two pens and a notepad to jot down any information you need to remember during the interview.
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Have your ESC resume in front of you.
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Use a land connection phone if possible.
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If using a cell phone, please ensure that you have good reception and
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TIPS
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Do not use Bluetooth.
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Free yourself from distractions.
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If at the office, be located where you will not be disturbed or distracted.
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If at home, have no children present and turn off radios and televisions.
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THE INTERVIEW
Practice, practice, practice!
Greeting
The greeting should be short, but it is essential. It should contain these steps:
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Say the interviewer’s name
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Say your name (if the interviewer doesn’t).
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Example: “Ms. Jones? I’m Martha Smith. I’m glad to meet you.”
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To break the ice and be remembered, you may use the line, “I want you to know that I am wearing a brand new suit for this interview.”
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Smile! Your facial expression will show through your voice on the phone, so have a pleasant and relaxed expression.
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Being Interviewed
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Be prepared.
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Be early. Be ready at least five minutes before the scheduled time.
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Speak distinctly and somewhat slower than usual.
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Listen carefully to the questions before answering.
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Think before answering the question.
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Be sure your response answers the question directly.
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Show enthusiasm.
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Enthusiastic feedback can enhance your chances of being further considered.
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Keep your answers brief and to the point but avoid one-word answers.
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Silence over the phone is a huge negative.
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If you need time to think, say so. “Let me think on that” or “Give me a moment to organize my thoughts.”
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Avoid over or under-selling your abilities.
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Stress your accomplishments.
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Try never to answer a question with “no.” Instead, relate a similar accomplishment or task that you have done.
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Ask questions regarding the project.
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Let the interviewer know that you are interested in the position.
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Thank the interviewer for his or her time and consideration.
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If you have answered the two questions— “Why are you interested in this position?” and “What can you offer?” — You have done all you can.
SPECIAL SITUATIONS
If the unavoidable should happen and you are running late: Contact your ESC Recruiter immediately.
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Often, the client is not an experienced interviewer or is not technical and will not always ask the right questions: If possible, mention the job and why you think your qualifications make you the best fit.
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