PREPARING FOR YOUR UPCOMING PHONE INTERVIEW
Today's "new normal" interviews will be conducted via phone and/or Skype, which is a very different method for most, especially construction professionals, who are used to that 'face to face' with multiple executives present where the firm handshake sets the tone.
Instead, you are not leaving your home, but preparing your home and family for the call or Skype interview, making certain you will not be disturbed or distracted. You need to be in a quiet area with no barking dogs, meowing cats, children's voices, or spouse's interruptions!
Part of preparing is getting dressed. Interviewing in your jammies will cause you to be slightly lazy and sluggish when you need to be alert and at your very best. Shower, get dressed in interview attire, clear off your work station, have your resume at your finger tips, a list of references you can talk about if that comes up, and your project list or accomplishments. (If you are Skyping, get fully dressed. Not simply waist up. You will feel more professional and therefore come across that way).
DO YOUR HOMEWORK.
Go to the company's website and research everything, taking notes about projects, executives and their backgrounds, current roles, and how long they have been with the company. Did they join the company in their current role, or were they promoted. Know who owns the company, along with the history of the company and the ownership. Also, longevity of the company and current number of employees.
You can prepare your questions based on this due diligence. (At least 4). And think like JFK-ask not what the company can do for you, ask what you can do for the company!
THE PHONE:
Be sure to be in an area of your home with strong reception. It's a major turn-off to try to extract information from someone you can't understand or hear properly.
Speak directly into the mouth-piece and speak clearly and without slang. Hold the cell with your hand, and do not rest it on your shoulder, as you will not come across well, and may drop the phone, or worse accidentally hang up.
If it helps to stand or walk-do that making sure you have easy access to your resume and other documents mentioned, and would not be out of breath.
Make sure to turn the volume up on your cell, especially if you will be using the Speaker for the interview. Obviously don't look at or answer emails or text messages while on the interview call.
When you're talking on the phone, it's easy to interrupt. DON'T. Listen carefully, pause and then answer or elaborate on how you can add value to that particular need. If there is an uncomfortable silence, speak up. Tell them something related to their need that you are well-versed in to promote interest and their participation.
At the close, picture yourself shaking hands. Thank them as you would if you were face to face, and ask what you can expect next, letting them know you are very interested in moving forward.
Even though it was a phone meeting, send a thank you email note that is short and sweet. (If your English grammar skills are not perfect, and you are not good at this, ask someone who is to help). Three sets of eyes should read your thank you note prior to it being sent.
Phone calls are typically with family and friends, and on a much more casual basis. Don't make this mistake while phone interviewing. Be on time, articulate, professional, and prepared!
I can't stress this enough. Follow up-follow up- follow up. As you know, the 'squeaky wheel' rule applies! If you do not hear anything back in one week, send an email, place a call leaving a short though specific voicemail, or text asking if you are still being considered, and as a professional courtesy, would they kindly return the call, VM, EM or text-whichever method you used.
I hope this was helpful. Good luck to all who have upcoming phone interviews!
Stay in-Stay well-and wear those masks if you must go out.
The Skype interview is forthcoming.