Do you prepare for phone screens the same way you prepare for a "real" interview? You should. Review this presentation for candidate best practices. It covers how to prepare before the phone screen, tips on how to conduct the interview and tools to organize the entire process.

1. Diane Summers Screening Yourself IN During Phone Interviews 1 Horizon Leadership Strategies, Inc. June 29, 2009

2. Objectives June 29, 2009 Horizon Leadership Strategies, Inc. 2 Identify best practices before, during and after phone screens that will enhance your success Provide additional web resources

3. Before the Phone Screen Use the job description/posting as a guide when editing: Resume Cover letter Scan similar postings for industry “key words” to use Make it easy for the hiring manager to understand your value Clear formatting / use plenty of “white space” Link applicable examples of your successes from previous positions and volunteer efforts to the job requirements Include accurate contact information in your email (e.g., use email signature) 3 Horizon Leadership Strategies, Inc. June 29, 2009

4. Before the Phone Screen Research the company and individuals you’ll talk with Create an outline or note cards Use company website, LinkedIn, networking contacts, etc. to identify: Company mission Key developments Culture Hot projects that you could impact Prepare your environment: Schedule the interview so you place the call - to increase your mental acuity Test your phone system; turn off “call waiting” Update your answering machine/voicemail greeting – keep it professional Select a quiet location where you can have the job description and reference material (e.g., outline or note cards) handy and so you can take notes Be sure you’ve devoted enough time Reschedule interview if you have distracting cold/allergy symptoms 4 Horizon Leadership Strategies, Inc. June 29, 2009

5. Before the Phone Screen Practice for the phone screen as though it is an interview ….because it is Verbalize your responses to typical interview questions Have a friend call to do a mock phone interview Determine examples of achievements you’ll use in addition to what was in the cover letter Develop a list of questions to ask the interviewer Prepare a strong closing statement – ask for the next step 5 Horizon Leadership Strategies, Inc. June 29, 2009

6. During the Phone Screen Dress the part even if you are at your home office Keep a glass of water handy Use formal salutations (at least initially) – Mr. “X” STAND rather than sit during the interview Be patient during silences; don’t interrupt Don’t chew gum, eat or drink Remember to SMILE – have a mirror in front of you as a reminder Finish strong – Ask for the in-person interview 6 Horizon Leadership Strategies, Inc. June 29, 2009

7. After the Phone Screen Signs of success An in-person interview is scheduled References are requested Interview lasts longer than scheduled Your actions Send follow-up email/letter to interviewer Express appreciation for the opportunity Offer something of value based on the discussion (e.g., article, book, software recommendation, etc.) Confirm next step in the hiring process Complete interview log (on next page) Follow-up with the person who gave you the job lead 7 Horizon Leadership Strategies, Inc. June 29, 2009

8. After the Phone Screen – Interview Log 8 Horizon Leadership Strategies, Inc. June 29, 2009

9. Conclusion June 29, 2009 Horizon Leadership Strategies, Inc. The phone screen will unlock the door to the in-person interview New Adventure Begins Offer Extended and Accepted In-person Interview(s) Phone Screen Apply Preparation is the key to your success!

10. Web Resources Quintessential Careers: http://www.quintcareers.com/job-hunting_free_samples.html Interview Answer Guide: www.JobInterviewTools.com Phone Interview Questions: www.webcrawler.com http://phone.job-interview-answers.net/?gclid=COuur7j-r5sCFSXyDAodQUKUDg Phone Interview Tips: www.TheLadders.com http://msn.careerbuilder.com/MSN http://jobsearch.about.com/cs/interviews/a/phoneinterview.htm http://www.jobinterviewtools.com/phone-interview-questions.htm 10 Horizon Leadership Strategies, Inc. June 29, 2009