Making Yourself Marketable: The Frustrated Graduate's Guide to Waiting Out the Storm
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Survive a Phone Interview
Phone interviews, for many, can be more challenging than meeting face-to-face, especially if you're not listening closely for social cues.
As though you're getting into character for a stage performance, Meg says you should dress up— even for a phone interview—sit up straight and pretend your potential employers are looking straight at you the entire time. However, since a blank wall won't clue you in to their reactions, make a mental note if you haven't heard an "uh-huh" for a while. To keep them on their toes, and yourself from rambling, ask the interviewers if they'd like an example of what you've done in the past.
To stay on track, make a list of talking points in advance. If they cover most of your questions early on, Meg suggests saying, "You've answered a lot on my list, but I just have one more." Let them know you did some homework.
An interview is snapshot of your character, so check your attitude at the door and put your professional skills to the test.
***
You're right.
It isn't fair.
But ultimately, the same persistence that got you through college will help you find shelter in this thundering recession. So buckle up and get ready to ride out the storm. After all, it's better than waiting in the rain. Right?
Phone interviews, for many, can be more challenging than meeting face-to-face, especially if you're not listening closely for social cues.
As though you're getting into character for a stage performance, Meg says you should dress up— even for a phone interview—sit up straight and pretend your potential employers are looking straight at you the entire time. However, since a blank wall won't clue you in to their reactions, make a mental note if you haven't heard an "uh-huh" for a while. To keep them on their toes, and yourself from rambling, ask the interviewers if they'd like an example of what you've done in the past.
To stay on track, make a list of talking points in advance. If they cover most of your questions early on, Meg suggests saying, "You've answered a lot on my list, but I just have one more." Let them know you did some homework.
An interview is snapshot of your character, so check your attitude at the door and put your professional skills to the test.
***
You're right.
It isn't fair.
But ultimately, the same persistence that got you through college will help you find shelter in this thundering recession. So buckle up and get ready to ride out the storm. After all, it's better than waiting in the rain. Right?
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