Ace the Screening Call to Get the Interview

Job postings on major inte et job boards tend to generate a large volume of resumes. If your resume stands out well enough to make it through the preliminary sorting you'll receive a phone call. The purpose of this screening interview is to determine whether you meet the minimum position requirements. The caller is looking for specific job related information and is also making judgments about job related personal characteristics. She wants to make sure a face-to-face meeting is worth everyone's time. Here are some phone interview tips to help you ace this important call. 1. Gather your reference materials together and keep them close. These materials include a copy of your resume, a copy of each job posting or ad to which you've applied and your research notes about the company. Since it's a phone call you can easily refer to these things without the caller being aware of what you're doing. 2. Be prepared to discuss your qualifications and background. Why you're currently looking for work; what skills you have that meet the position requirements; and whether your pay requirements fall within the hiring range are all areas that will be explored. There may also be questions relating to why you're interested in the position, your job stability or why you changed from job to job. 3. Control the setting. The call will generally be made during business hours and may take you by surprise. If that happens ask the caller to hold for a moment while you move to a quite location. Or ask if you may call the person back and agree on a time. If at all possible take or make the return call in a quiet room, alone. If you're at home this should be easy to accomplish. If you're at work and have a private office, close the door. If you're not in a position to minimize distractions let the call go to voice mail so you can arrange to do so. (Tip: Make sure your outgoing voice mail message is brief and business like.) 4. Write down the caller's name and use it. Use Mr. or Ms. Don't use the caller's fist name unless invited to do so. 5. Know what the caller's role is within the hiring process. You need to know who you're dealing with. If you can't tell by the caller's title ask if she's "the hiring manager". If she isn't she'll be flattered and if she is...good! This your first opportunity to score points. Remember: If the caller's role is to screen candidates she can only pass you through or eliminate you from consideration. She can't hire you. 6. Be articulate. Practice talking about yourself and your accomplishments so you can do so fluidly. Use correct grammar and pronounce words correctly. Avoid slang. 7. Relate well to the caller. Be confident, relaxed and easy to talk with while remaining business like. Listen well. Smile when you talk. Don't talk too fast. When you want to emphasis a point don't raise your voice. Stand up instead. This will give your voice more energy. One of two things will happen at the end of a screening interview call. An appointment to interview will be set. Or the caller will thank you for your time and say someone will be in touch. Obviously setting a time for the interview then and there is preferable. Set the interview appointment and get the details. Make note of the date and time; the type of interview to expect; the name, title and phone number of the person(s) with whom you'll be meeting; the address or location; and if offered, directions to get there. (If directions aren't offered don't ask. Be resourceful and look them up.) If however, an appointment is not made immediately all is not lost. In some situations the screener will forward her short list to the hiring manager and the appointments will be set from there. If this happens ask how soon you should expect to hear something. It is also acceptable to ask what happens next or when you should check back and with whom. In either case stay pleasant through the end of the call. Thank the caller for her time and consideration. End by stating that you'll look forward to your meeting or to hearing from them.