Today, the interview process generally begins with a phone call between the hiring manager or HR representative and the candidate.  This is just as important as any face to face meeting and will determine whether you are invited in to meet the hiring manager and others in the organization that have a vested interest in who is hired for the position.

Sometimes it can be harder on the phone to make the right impression or get your point across because you’re not able to see the other person’s reaction to your answers.  The person doing the phone screen will not only be evaluating your answers but assessing your level of energy and positive approach in the call. 

Schedule the call in a quiet place and a time you won’t be interrupted and never on your cell phone while driving.  Stay focused and make sure you understand the question before answering.  Your goal in a phone screen is to be invited in to meet face to face and continue the discussion so always ask about next steps in the process and timing.

The Interview

Dress Code: This is a tough one in today’s casual work environment.  Remember you are making a first impression and want to portray the importance of this meeting regardless of how employees at the company dress.  It’s always better to be overdressed than underdressed especially when you are interviewing in a customer facing role or will be representing the company as a spokesperson in the marketplace.

Resume:  Always bring several copies of your resume to the interview.  If you meet additional people, your resume may not have been distributed.  You may end up meeting people who were not originally on the schedule and will need to provide your resume.  The resume is a portfolio of your work which you will bring to life in the interview.

Interview:  Many interviews are conducted in a discussion fashion.  This is usually the most comfortable for everyone as long as the right information about you and the position is discussed. Your resume will often be used as a guide to the interview which is a more direct approach.  Some people will turn the interview right over to you and ask you to tell them about yourself.  Believe it or not candidates are more uncomfortable when the interview takes this direction because they are not certain where to begin.  There is not necessarily a right beginning point as long as you don’t make your story too long unless you have engaged them and they are asking questions as you go through your experiences.

Pointers: 

Ø       Stay focused and maintain good eye contact.

Ø       Always put your best foot forward.  Make sure you get enough information before deciding your interest.

Ø       Don’t play to your audience.  Some people are very laid back in their interview style and create a relaxed environment for the interview.  Don’t take that as a queue to sit back and relax as well.  Always sit forward and maintain your energy level regardless of the interviewer’s style.

Ø       Communication skills will always be assessed but don’t forget to be an interested listener as well.

Ø       Be direct in your responses to questions.  Don’t lay the ground work for your answer first and then give the answer.  Better to answer the question first and support it with the conditions that existed at that time.  Be clear with your reasons for joining and leaving each of your jobs but don’t ever speak poorly about any of your past employers. You can always find something positive about any experience.

Ø        “Just because you say it’s so….doesn’t make it so”.  Always have examples to support your responses. This also validates your answers and allows the interviewer to see you in a similar situation in the position you are interviewing.

Ø       Consider your “claim to fame” in each of the roles/companies you have worked.  Where did you leave your mark?  What will these companies remember about the work you did after you left? What differentiates you from others in your field?

Ø       Make sure you understand the question before you answer it.  Ask if you answered their question if you are not sure or don’t get a response.

Ø       Ask thoughtful questions and show you have done your homework before the interview.  These questions should be targeted to the position, company/business/products/market and future growth for this role. You can show real interest and enthusiasm with the kind of questions you ask. It can also show them what’s important to you.  Be ready with good questions for everyone in the interview process.

Ø       Before leaving, always ask what the next steps are in the interview process and how your experiences fit the position you are interviewing. Express or reinforce your interest before you leave the meeting.

Ø       Ask everyone you meet for a business card so you will have their email addresses for a follow up note.