ALT-1 Telephone Screening Interviews Making a Good Impression
This is a brief overview of some of the things job seekers should keep in mind, from the perspective of a recruiter. The tips are in no particular order. In future articles, we will get into more specifics. But for now, this will get you on the right track.
As a Recruiting Specialist of a Fortune 100 company, one of my major job functions is the phone screen. The reason for the screen is to establish a rapport with the candidate, tell them about the company and see if they have the right skill set for the job. We'll also go over the resume, talk about past jobs, what they liked or didn't like about a job, the management, the company, coworkers, etc. Gaps in employment are discussed, as well as particular questions and skill sets related to the job they have applied for.
Here are some of the fun things I encounter every day. Some are just annoying, and some will not land you a face to face interview recommendation unless you follow a few rules.
1. Candidates who apply to every job out there, without reading the description, or noting the company or what they do. I've had have waitresses who apply for Account Manager positions. I've had Operations Managers who need to make 80k, apply for an entry level job paying $10 per hour. Be selective. Research the company. Read the job description. Make sure you know what the job entails, and that you have the required skills. Above all, remember the company name! Write down who you have applied to, and for what job. It's amazing how many people have no idea of what company I'm with.
2. Calling candidates who have applied for jobs and they are just waking up at 10:00am. The work day starts at 7-8:00. If you are seriously looking for a job, make sure you are up and available during business hours.
3. Be prepared. Have your resume, a pen and note pad at the ready at all times. Write down information as you go along, such as the recruiter's name, any key points you wish to discuss or questions you would like to ask. Wait for the recruiter to finish asking the questions, then it is your turn.
4. Have a quiet spot ready for a phone conversation. Televisions blaring, music playing, children screaming, people talking in the background is not productive and is quite rude. At the very least, make sure everyone in the household respects the fact that you are interviewing for a job, and they should act accordingly. While you're at it, teach children and other household members how to answer the phone properly, and not to yell your name and say "It's some person from somewhere that wants to talk to you!" Tell them to be expecting calls, and to answer each call with a respectful and pleasant manner. It's just good training anyway..
5. Answer questions truthfully. If you're are asked if you would agree to a drug test and/or background check, be honest. If you smoke pot and have a felony record, you are wasting your time, the recruiter's time, and the company's money for the tests. Most every company requires at least a drug test. If you are looking for a job, lay off the drugs for a month or so. It's better for your health, and will actually help you get a job. I am amazed at the people who do not pass drug screens. If you are honest, no one will call the police or yell at you, they'll thank you for being honest and maybe ask you to contact them when your situation is a bit more stable...especially if you have good work skills.
6. Avoid slang, cursing, street language and endearments. There have been many good candidates with great qualifications who I just could not forward to managers. Especially if the work environment is a professional one. Please be conscious of saying "youse guys," "buddy," "pretty fly," "pal", "dear," "honey" "dude" even "cool" doesn't work with some people. There are many other words, phrases and endearments that you should stay away from. Use common sense and educate yourself if you are not sure.
7. Don't be pushy. Don't ask if the recruiter thinks you have a shot, and if they could put in a good word for you. If they think that you are a good candidate, they will perform the necessary actions. Do not ask the recruiter if you can follow up with them. Some don't mind, others do. If they want you to, they will tell you.
8. Stay away from the long stories and histories. When a recruiter asks you to tell them a brief story about something in particular, keep it short and to the point. Don't get off track, and don't ask the recruiter personal questions. It is okay to have a friendly session, but you do not know this person, and you speaking with them for one reason...to get a job.
9. It's okay to schedule a more convenient time. A recruiter doesn't know what you are doing when they call. If you do not feel prepared, are not in an ideal situation where you can speak freely or without distractions or interruptions, or even if you are just feeling a bit nervous at the moment. Tell the recruiter that, and ask if they wouldn't mind scheduling a time that would work for the both of you. If you do this however, make sure that you are there at the specified time and are ready to go. Rarely will you get a second chance if you aren't.
10. If you find that you are not qualified for the job after the recruiter tells you that you don't really have the proper skills necessary, don't argue or tell them that you are a fast learner. Many jobs are trainable with the right type of person, but if a job requires a very specific skill with a certain amount of experience, that is what is required. No amount of begging or talking yourself up will change that. It is fine to ask if there is anther job available that you might be better suited to, but you will not qualify for every job. It is fine to ask if there are other jobs that you may be better suited to.
11. I'll get more into this in another article, but it is important to note: If you have had a string of temp jobs, don't list them all. Just put 2005-08 Manpower Staffing, for example. If the recruiter wants details, they will ask. Too many things on the resume make it look cluttered and hard to read. Some managers and recruiters won't even read it for that reason. Recruiters look for people who have a solid work history. If you have worked 5 jobs in the past 5 years, you don't have one. It is better to put an explanation that makes sense. For example: "After graduating from college, I wasn't sure which field I wanted to get into, so I tried several different jobs to see where I would be most comfortable and most productive. I have now decided that I would like to settle into a career doing xyz with your company, and I have the following skills to offer."
It is also okay to ask the recruiter what type of skills you do need for a future job, and where you might go to acquire those skills. I am always giving advice to candidates regarding their resume, what skills are necessary for many jobs, and some resources they might try.This is also something we will cover in another article: 'What basic skills do I need to succeed in a job.'
So relax, get yourself organized and prepared to successfully land that new job...best of luck!
