Hey there. I'm actually a head hunter and do a LOT of HR related things in my position. Hope this isn't too long and gives you some tips. These are things I tell my candidates before interviewing w/ a hiring manager. Some of these apply specifically to in-person interviews, so disregard those.
Key Points Phone Interview
Brush up on the skills that are required for this position:
• 5 minutes before interview, close eyes for a few minutes and visualize a successful conversation with interviewer. Remember a time of great accomplishment and the feeling that went with it. Capture that feeling and use it to your advantage.
• Make sure that you are in a quiet location and have made a bathroom stop before the phone rings. Not eating 1 hour before interview helps too.
• Keep a glass of water close by in case your mouth gets dry. (Some people get nervous during interviews)
• Never discuss rate or any issue that relates to your hourly rate, location (location is always fine), or full time employment (if they like you they will extend an offer at the completion of your contract, sometimes during), Keep in mind: this is not a social call, but personality and professionalism is an important mix.
• Stand and Smile (if you can), while on the phone interview (This projects confidence and positivism over the phone line)
• Pause after you are asked a question, (count to 5) then talk slowly to give your answer. Use the pause time to think what would be the best way answer the question. This slowness comes across over the phone as confidence and expertise.
• If asked about a weakness in skills, turn it into a strength by emphasizing other strengths that support or make up for the specific weakness (using a "like" product or methodology)
• Never give just Yes and No answers, be descriptive (The manager wants to visualize what you have done in relation to the question/job)
• If asked a personal question, shortly elaborate and get back to the business at hand.
• Assume that you have the position by asking questions that will allow manager to visualize you on the team: Where will I be working? How large is the team I am assigned to? How fast do you need me?
• You may be able to ask the manager how long he/she has been with the company or how he/she started in the business.
• Thank Manager for Call and you may briefly reemphasize how much you will contribute to their team
Things to remember
On
An Interview
• Firm hand shake, keep good eye contact.
• Demonstrate sincere interest in the Interviewer.
• Actively listen. Answer questions, follow-up with questions.
• Describe your experiences that are relative to their expectations.
• Ask about the job. (What would be my responsibility?)
• Elaborate when answering, even if answered YES/NO.
• Ask questions! Asked neutrally phrased questions.
• Focus on question when answering, don’t ramble.
• Let others praise you. My boss has told (me that my strengths are…)
• If asked to rate yourself on a number scale, qualify your answer (I would rate myself an 8 because …)
• Practice Polite manners (do not interrupt, chew gum, slouch, roll eyes, etc.)
Key questions to ask.
Interviewer asks: Well Bill, tell me about your self?
Interviewee:
“I would be happy to do that, but so that I may be as brief as possible for you, may I ask you a couple of quick questions?
1. “First, could you please tell me a little about your area of responsibility?”
2. Thank you, the other question is PDS described this position to me, but could you tell me the qualities you are looking for in an ideal candidate?” or “PDS described the position to me, could you please tell me the qualities of your top performer in this position today?
In Question 1 the interviewer will give you information about what is important to him/her.
In Question 2 the interviewer will be telling you what criteria will be used to evaluate candidates.
Take copious notes!
Interviewee: "Thank you. Let me tell you about myself. . . . Speak to each of the point the interviewer spoke about in his/her answer of Question 1 & 2.
One more chance: Finding out how well you have sold yourself.
Question 3:
“Do you see anything in my background that you feel would prevent me from doing this job? What is it?
Or
"Do you have any concern now about my ability to be among your top performers in this position? What are those concerns?
Address all thing mentioned with additional information from your experience.
Closing the client
If during the interview you have concluded that you want the job, DO NOT leave the interview without telling the interviewer that you want it. That can be done as follows:
Question 4:
“The position sounds very interesting. I would like to be involved here. What are the next steps we need to take for that to happen?”
Do’s and Don’ts
Do
• Dress conservatively.
• Be prepared with questions about the company. Position. Be sure you understand what needs to be done.
• Prepare summary of your experiences, technologies, HW/SW, etc. and benefit to the company.
• Remember that you are interviewing them as much as they are interviewing you. You must find out if you want this position. Find out what you need to know!
• Think about what your career goals are. Your personal goals.
• Answer questions about why you left your last job. Previous jobs.
• Prepare to share strengths. Two of them.
• Prepare to share one weakness - - - stated in a positive way.
• Sell yourself.
• Look for buying signs.
Don’t
• tell them everything, only what is relevant.
• talk too much, be brief.
• talk about salary.
• give a single number for salary even if pushed. Give a range where the lower number is what you're willing to accept.
• "Bad mouth" your last manager, last company or peers no matter how bad they/it was.
• Don’t ask about benefits, work-hour, vacation, etc.
