Be prepared for the interview phone screen. Phone screening helps the employer weed out candidates who are not a fit for the position because of salary requirements, knowledge inadequacy, location requirements, etc. These calls can also be a time of assessing personality, energy and overall interest in general. Employers do not want to waste time bringing candidates in for full on site interviews if they do not believe there is a match.

Although the phone screen may not be the first thing on your mind, it is an important part of your job search and should be treated with top priority. It may be just a time scheduling contact, but more often than not, it is a mini-interview…so be prepared.

Action:

Make sure you have all the items you need located by your phone; pen, paper, a copy of your resume and calendar, so that you do not have to put the employer on hold. Keep in mind that when the employer representative is calling they are in ‘business mode’ and you need to pick up on this yourself. If you sound too casual, or relaxed it will be a turn off. Make sure that you have information handy regarding the companies you have targeted – there’s nothing worse than the employer representative contacting a candidate only to find out the candidate doesn’t know anything about them, nor does s/he even remember submitting a resume. It’s easy to make a quick spreadsheet on the companies you have targeted, a bit about their mission, products, etc. and the position you’ve applied for – and keep this in an area near your phone. Very important…be sure your voice message is ‘professional’. If it is not currently, change it for the period of your job search. Practice and be prepared to answer some general questions, such as – tell me a little bit about yourself, what made you choose our company, how did you decide on your career path…etc.

Good luck and remember – just move forward!

Posted by Robin Ogden – FiredUP Careers

Visit us and get your FREE report – and while you’re there check out our new Great Video ebook