| Sail Through Your Phone Interview! |
 by Emily Sabo
As you're interviewing for positions, you may encounter a phone interview as a first step. Some companies screen with a phone interview first-it's usually a preliminary measure and you want to ensure that you make it to a first in-person interview. Treat it like a regular interview; be sure to set up a block of time, in a quiet and private place, in an environment without distractions. Some experts even recommend dressing professionally-that by wearing a suit, even though the person on the other end can't see you, you'll be projecting that confidence and assurance in your voice. Also, remember to smile when you speak-surprisingly, the listener on the other end can 'hear' that smile in your voice.
As with any interview one of the most important factors is preparation. There are several easy items to check off:
- Knowledge of the Company-Your Laufer and Associates recruiter should provide you with detailed information as to the company and position, but it never hurts to do some research on your own. A good place to start is the company's website. But it's also helpful to check out any news reports that mention the company. You can also see if you know anyone who works there or may have worked there in the past to give you a better sense of what the company is really like.
- Position Details-In addition to knowing the company, its business and culture, it's also important to have a good handle on the specific position you're applying to. Know the job's duties and why are you a good fit for the position. What in your past experience has led you to think that this is the right position for you?
- Well Thought-Out Answers-When answering the interviewer's questions it is imperative that you provide concrete examples. Use past stories to function as 'evidence' of why you would be a successful candidate.
- Professional Presentation-While on the phone, your presentation may be judged somewhat differently but it is still important to present yourself professionally. While speaking your answers should be spoken clearly, with enthusiasm, good diction and a professional and intelligent vocabulary.
Sarah Needleman offers additional advice for excelling in the arena of phone interviews. In her article, "Four Tips For Acing the Phone Interview," she writes that "Job hunters often mistakenly believe that phone interviews are less formal than face-to-face meetings, recruiters say. Yet they're a critical first hurdle in landing a job." Needleman offers another additional piece of strong advice, which is to be sure to follow up afterwards. She writes "after a phone interview, send a thank-you that recaps your best selling points." It's always a good idea to follow up with a thank-you, to thank the interviewer for their time, to highlight your best qualities, and remind them of your candidacy!
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| Success Story--Guiding Me Through a Transition |
 by Kaitlin MacKenzie
I had been working for a sports marketing firm since I graduated from college in 2004. My department was acquired in February which meant I was in the job market for the first time without a career development office to help me every step of the way. Having no idea what I wanted to do since I worked in a unique industry and wanted something different, I just started applying to any job that even remotely interested me. I had little patience and no direction.
I then set up interviews with about six headhunter agencies so that one, they could help me figure out what I really wanted to do, and two, help me find a job. My reasoning behind going to six different companies is that I would have more people putting jobs in front of me resulting in less time between jobs. Well it didn't really work out how I thought it would. As much as I enjoyed speaking with everyone I met with there was one agency that I was more comfortable with, Laufer and Associates. Not only did they have an unbelievably upbeat and genuinely friendly staff but the environment was relaxing and confident. I worked with Kate Farren and she was great; I really felt she listened to what I was saying. She made me feel that I had nothing to worry about; we were going to find a great job for me that fit my skills and interests as well as challenged me. Oh and did I mention that the President, yes, Julie Laufer came by to introduce herself. I couldn't believe it! The president of this firm made a point to come in and say hello to me. As you can imagine I left the interview feeling much better about my job search and confident that Laufer and Associates was looking out for my best interests.
Within a week I had an interview. This was typical with the rest of the head hunters that I went to but what made Laufer and Associates stand out is that after this interview, that unfortunately did not work out, they kept calling. I never wondered if Kate still had me in mind. She constantly kept in touch by phone and/or email with new jobs that they had and also just to see how my search was going. Even when I was feeling down and out that it had been three months of constant interviews with no offers, Kate helped me through it by reassuring me that the right job will come along. Knowing that she was experienced and believed in me helped me through it. About two weeks ago Kate called me up and said that she had found the perfect job for me. I interviewed and it was the ideal opportunity for me. I am happy to report that I signed papers on Monday!
I would have never found this job through any other company or any website. I am so grateful to Kate Farren and Laufer and Associates for helping me through this exciting yet stressful time. It wasn't just them emailing me job descriptions, it was the tips, the stories, and the confidence they gave me that helped me land that job. | |
by Alexis De Young
