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Duration : 9 min 58 sec

A telephone interview may be the first contact that the prospective employer has with you so it is important to prepare thoroughly for your phone interview.  This article will outline the importance of telephone interviews, why they are used and what interview skills you need to concentrate on.

From an organization’s perspective, the telephone interview is a highly effective tool to quickly determine which candidates to interview in person and allows them to reach a number of people quickly, thus enabling the reduction of a long ‘short-list’ to a final short list of candidates to call in for a face to face interview.

From your perspective as a candidate for employment, the phone interview allows you to talk to the organization without the pressure of a face to face meeting and with all your notes, other aids and data at hand.

<strong>How To Prepare For A Telephone Interview</strong>

Begin by studying the job description and the person specification or candidate profile. This will enable you to identify the organization’s particular needs and what specific information you need to successfully demonstrate that you possess the skills and experience they require.

Do some research to discover all you can about the organization’s products, services, history, and culture. Make particular efforts to identify where your skills and experience match their processes and may be of value to them.

Your online research must include a visit to the organization’s business website to get an appreciation of what it is like and what your initial impression is; you may be asked to comment on your thoughts about it.

Write your own list matching your achievements to the organization’s stated requirements. Keep this list in front of you during the interview and refer to it at every opportunity.

A telephone interview is similar to other interviews and demands the use of the same interview skills so avoid any temptation to generalize when asked about your accomplishments. Be specific, for example <strong>”improved stock turnover by 36%” </strong>or<strong> “reduced scrap waste by 24%”.</strong>

Interviewers need to hear about relevant challenges or problems you have experienced in the workplace, the specific actions you took, and the measurable results you achieved. They seek to identify key competencies such as communication skills, analytical skills, teamwork, drive and initiative. Work out and write down some examples of how and when you have demonstrated these key competencies.

As with any job interview, it is a good idea to compile a list of likely interview questions beforehand. To simulate the telephone interview ask a friend to ‘interview’ you by phone first. Prepare your answers carefully, matching your words and phrases to the job description and candidate profile. It’s best not to write out your answers in full because they never end up sounding natural or spontaneous.

Make sure that other family members know you are expecting the phone interview and keep the line clear and away from the the area you are using so will not be disturbed during the phone call. Have your resume and cover letter, a copy of the job advertisement, and all your notes laid out in front of you. Have a pen and paper to hand so that you can note down key points throughout the course of the telephone interview.

Professional presenters will advise you to stand up during an interview by telephone because this makes you sound more authoritative and helps project a positive and professional image. They will also advise you that smiling creates a friendly and enthusiastic impression. So make an effort, it IS worth it! To help you in establishing the all important rapport on the phone, try to vary your speaking rate and pitch so that you match yours to that of the interviewer.

As with every interview it is important to convey the impression that you are genuinely interested in the organization and eager to make a contribution, so include references to information you discovered during the course of your research.

Listen carefully to the interviewer’s questions and comments. If you don’t understand a question, its OK to ask for clarification. Provide well-developed, balanced, and analytical answers, not just a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’.

You may be asked to explain your reasons for wanting to leav your present job, so make sure you have positive reasons prepared. Under no circumstances should you criticize your previous employers or colleagues. Having researched the organization and analyzed the job description as suggested, you should find it easy to prepare a few thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer when the opportunity arises.

At the end of the phone call, emphasize your interest in the job and the organization and reiterate your qualifications.

After the telephone interview, write a short thank-you letter, again reiterating that you would welcome the opportunity of a face-to-face interview.

Peter Fisher
http://www.articlesbase.com/interviews-articles/prepare-like-this-for-your-telephone-interview-747276.html

I applied for a job at my local movie theatre. If they schedule an interview with me it will be my very first. So I’m extremely nervous and need some tips and answers. I really want to know what questions are asked and what is said in the interviews specifically at a movie theatre. I don’t mind at all if your answer is extremely long – as long as it’s talking about your personal experience. But any information is greatly appreciated!

Entry level position so questions will be pretty basic-
-Tell me about yourself
-Why do you want to work here
-They will ask about previous experience with cash handling, customer service, people interaction.
-Any volunteer experience?

http://EarnOnlineWithoutInvestment.com
5 Tips to Prepare for that First ‘Real’ Job Interview

Duration : 5 min 2 sec

The perfect job interview.

For more of Ben Schwartz’s short films visit – http://www.rejectedjokes.com

Duration : 0:2:52

My brother has a job interview next week. The job is as a lead worker maintaining industrial machines. What would be good to wear for the interview? Would jeans be too casual? Should he wear khakis? Also, he despises polo shirts but I think a T-shirt would be too casual. Any suggestions?

Even if it’s an industrial job, applicants should always dress up for interviews. He probably won’t be wearing a dress shirt and khakis on the job, but he’ll only score points for looking professional. Jeans and a T-shirt are too casual for a job interview, so go for a button-down, khakis and nice shoes (no sneakers or flip-flops).

Give the best interview! Learn how to answer interview questions in this free video on how to prepare for and have a good job interview.

Expert: Katie Roney
Bio: Katie Roney is a professional recruiter with 2.5 years of experience in recruiting with prior experience in public relations.
Filmmaker: Doug Craig

Duration : 0:1:42

Watch this video for a demonstration of “How To Ace a Job Interview”. To complete the task, you will need:

A professional-looking outfit
A briefcase or portfolio
An up-to-date resume

Get started with the first step: Do your research. Pour over the company’s website, search for relevant news items about it and its major competitors, and catch up on the latest developments in your field.

For the complete guide, go to http://www.howcast.com/videos/2055-How-To-Ace-a-Job-Interview

Also check out Howcast for other do it yourself videos from KHall and more videos in the Interviewing category.

How can you contribute? Create your own DIY guide at http://www.howcast.com/videos/new or apply to the Howcast Emerging Filmmakers Program at http://www.howcast.com/filmmakers/apply

Duration : 0:3:25

Do you loathe job interviews? We’ll show you what to do – and what not to do – for these nerve racking situations! Watch Nicola as she applies for a job at marketing company ABC Co and learn how to handle the tricky questions!

As a Registered Training Organisation (RTO), Sydney-based Management Consultancy International provides small and large organisations with training solutions to maximise effectiveness. MCI has a suite of tailored training packages and can identify and customise government-funded training leading to nationally recognised qualifications for your staff. Please visit www.mci.edu.au or call us on 1300-768-550.

Duration : 0:6:58

When you are looking to either apply for your first job or make a career change a first impression is important. The old saying” Dress for Success” is true. When you walk into an interview, during the first 15 seconds an impression is formed about you. What you are wearing, are you neat, are your shoes shined are all things that come into play. They type of watch you are wearing is something that is noticed. Blue Dial is an online site that offers a great selection of watches at discount prices. They have a bulova watch that is a perfect example. There is a Bulova Men’s Stainless Steel Two Tone Dress Watch that retails for $275.00 but Blue Dial offers it for $151.25 with 2 day shipping included. This is a watch that is well worth the first impression that will be made on your job interview.