Careers and Jobs

It never rains but it pours.

I have offered interview coaching for all types of interviews. Traditional interviews, competency interviews or behavioural interviews, panel interviews and situational interviews BUT over the last few weeks I have been inundated with requests for phone interview coaching. This could be coincidence but I do have a funny feeling that the number of job applicants for positions is increasing and recruiters are re-introducing the phone interview as an initial screening tools.

If you have a phone interview coming up here are some tips to help.

BEFORE INTERVIEW

Phone a friend – Practice a live interview with family of friends and get feedback. Try to identify bad traits. Also ensure that you speak slowly, clearly and in a polite manner.

DURING INTERVIEW

Relax during interview – most jobseekers find phone interviews easier as they can hide nerves. As with face to face interviews it is essential to relax.

Be yourself – Sell yourself BUT don’t try to be someone you are not.

Professional – Turn off any background noises like the TV and remember that it is an interview. I have known some jobseekers to dress up as they would for a normal interview to get them in the mood. Answer the phone “Good morning, Brian speaking”.

Enthusiasm – The difficulty with phone interviews is that they take away body language so you must portray enthusiasm with you voice and tone. Remember to smile before you pick up the phone.

For more interview and cv advice.

Interviews can be tough enough to get so when you do get an important interview prepare yourself to ensure maximum performance. Fail to prepare and prepare to fail. This post outlines a few things to avoid at interview

Arriving late

I arrived late for an interview once BUT I was the interviewer. If you arrive late for an interview kiss the job goodbye. I know in Ireland we have very unpredictable traffic and transport systems. Leave yourself plenty of time. I recommend that you leave early and when you arrive get a coffee and read the paper. You never know you might read some important information for your interview.

Wrong names

I am very bad with names BUT there are techniques to improve this area. There is one sure way to make the wrong impression and that is calling an interviewer by the wrong name. Memorise names before the interview. If you come across new people at the interview you can repeat the names to yourself or when you talk to the individual state the name.

Having nothing to say

This is really down to preparation. If you prepare properly you will have plenty to say at interview.

Being too modest

This is quite common through the job search process. Most jobseekers undersell themselves on their CV and at interview. You get one shot at an interview so ensure that you make an impact. At interview don’t wait to be asked for your achievements. Offer them to support your interview answers.

Lack of enthusiasm

Some jobseekers use this as a strategy to place themselves more favorably when it comes to salary negotiations. The “I don’t need you – you need me strategy”. Be careful with this as you could lose an important job. Enthusiasm is essential at interview. If you want the job ensure that you have energy at interview.

Do you need interview preparation support? Interview coaching in Dublin, Meath, Louth, Kildare

“Is Career Coaching or Interview Coaching worth the money?”

Many jobseekers ask this question when they set out on their job hunting journey. It is the million dollar question and this question can be asked about any service though.

Is a mechanic worth the money?
Is a barber worth the money?

Services are worth the money when you get a good service for the money paid. Career Coaching and Interview Coaching is no different.

A good coach can help you achieve your career goal. You have to ask yourself if this is worth paying for. If you do the research and choose a coach as you would any other service. Need a coach in the Dublin, Meath, Louth, Kildare or North Wicklow?