If You haven't had the opportunity of having one yet....somewhere in the near future you will have a telephone interview. This is the most common hiring procedure when employing homebased workers. Don't Panic!TeleReps@home is going to give you some tips to help you become a Teleinterview Pro.
Are You Ready For "Your" Job Audition?
Remember when a employer or recruiter contacts you...you already have the upper hand. They are contacting you because your resume or application has given them a favorable impression. Now.... your job is to prove them right!
The Silent but Sweet Weapon That Slays Them....
The perspective employer can hear it loud and clear. What is it... Your "Smile". A smile on your face automatically brings enthusiasm and self-confidence to your voice.... and relieves tension and nervousness. Hearing a smile in your voice tells the perspective employer...You are interested in the position, you're likeable, and possibly trustworthy. Practice answering the phone with a smile, you'll instantly hear a more confident tone in your voice.
Interview Tools...You should always have close by
Resume & Cover Letter that was sent to that particular job....
Pen & Notebook to take notes regarding 2nd interview or other instructions
Printed Out information about the Company
A list of at least 3 Questions for the Employer
Tip: (Paint a Picture)
When You talk to the employer about your qualifications... illustrate your skills with actual examples of on the job experiences.... This will give the employer an actual visual of your transferable skills at work!
Be Prepared to interview.....at a moments notice!. An Employer may call you at anytime and ask for a few minutes of your time.
It's Wednesday, it's about 3:00 p.m. the kids are coming in from school the t.v. is full blast!. the baby is awakend by the noise and starts to cry. Just as you are picking up the baby and telling the older kids to turn down the videos....The Phone rings. You answer it you here the voice on the other end say Hi, this is Mr. Smith from XYZ Company. May I speak to to Angela. You are suddenly frozen! Then, with the baby in your arms you reply. This is Angela. Now What!
1. Clear your mind and direct your focus from family to your homebased job
2.Gain Time....Ask the recruiter or Employer to please hold while you change phones or close your office door..during this time quickly get the children settled.
3.Level the playing field...Quickly grab your resume and cover letter, now you have the same information that the employer is looking at.
4.Take a few deep breaths pick up the phone. Say thank you for holding, and your interview will begin.
Note:If it is really an inconvenient time for you, let the Employer know that.
Skills To Target.....
When speaking with a potential employer, you want to target your Transferable Skills.
Transferable Skills are the skills that you have acquired through..jobs, classes, parenting, hobbies, etc... You have been acquiring these skills since you were a child whether its learning team work through sports activities, developing editing skills while working on your high school year book or Multi-tasking as a stay at home parent. These skills are transferable and applicable to the job you are applying for.
Why are these skills important.... because these are the skills that a potential employer are most intested in....these skills will tell the employer if you will be of benefit to their company.
The employer always want to know, if he hires you..... how are you going to help him.
These are Transferable Skills........
Independent Worker
Speaking effectively
Ability to Multi-task
Expressing ideas
Negotiating
researching information
Creating ideas
Listening
Identifying problems
Motivating Others
Counseling
Training
Cooperating
Coaching
Selling Ideas or Products
Computer Literacy
Delegating Responsibility
Managing Conflict
Setting and Meeting deadlines
Teaching
Organizing
Developing rapport
Bilingual
Problem-Solving
Written Communication
During your interview make sure you relate only the transferable skills that are related to the job description and what the company is looking for... find out what the company is looking for by going to their website and doing your research. Researching the company will help you get to know what they are looking for in an employee and make a good impression on the potential employer or recruiter.
Try This.....Transferable Skills Exercise
1. Make a list of every job you have ever held...paid, volunteer, part-time fulltime Internship etc...
2. Identify the Actiontaken for each job (avoid stating I learned or gained experience in)
3. Print out job descriptions of jobs you are interested in....using major job boards, identify the transferable skills employers are looking. These skills should apply to the job you are interviewing for.
(This will help you to pin point even more skills)
4Most Common Interview Questions&Answers
Q. Why do you want to work from home?
A. The answer you give to this question should be more focused on what you can do for the company rather than what they can do for you So, stay away from answers that are personal...like staying home with the kids.
Example: I enjoy working independently , I've found that I am able to focus better on the task I'm doing which results in higher productivity.
Q.Tell me about yourself
A. Your answer to this question should focus on your job skills more than your personal life. You can give a brief outline of your current employment and career objectives , talk about what you learned from previous employment, or how you have developed organizational, time management, and problem solving skills through internships or volunteer work.
Q.Why do you want to work for this Company
A. This question gives you a chance to show that you are truly interested in the job you applied for because you have done research on the company and position. Talk about their product and services, any news or media coverage you've read, recommendations from current employees etc.. Avoid answers such as for more money or shorter hours. These answers tell the employer your rention may not be long term.
Q.Do you have any questions about our company or this position.
A. You must have questionsprepared to ask the interviewer, if you do not..... this will tell the interviewer you can not think independently. You should only ask questions you need clarification on or that was not discussed yet ...short but to the point.
Examples:
1.Who will review my performance and how often?
2.What training Programs are available?
3.How is an employee evaluated and promoted?
4.What have you liked the most/ least about working for this company?
5. Where do you see this company heading within the next five to ten years?
6.What is a typical day in this position?
7. What can "I" do to make you successful?
8.Do you offer self-scheduling....how is the scheduling done?
9. How does this organization feel about continuing education?
10. I am confident that my background and experience are a good fit for this position and...I am very interested. What is the next step?
All Candidates Look The Same
A telephone interview is the only interview that gives you a chance to let your skills really shine. You won't be judged by.......
Your Appearance
They Way you Dress
Your Disability
Your race
Your Age
Your Weight etc.....
This is your chance to really sale "yourself". Make a list of your qualifications, think about your transferable skills and ask other people what they like about you. Focus On..... and sale the attributes that fit to the job you are applying for. The Opportunity is here... may be for the first time you are going to be on a level playing field, you have as much chance to get the job as the other candidate. Now go get it!
