My previous
post provided a short list of ideas to help you maximize your performance
in a phone interview. Today, here are a few things you need to avoid.
You shouldn’t…
·
Downplay the opportunity by saying, “It’s only a
phone interview.” Even though you’re not there physically, you’re still getting
an opportunity to shine a light on your qualifications for one or more of your
potential employer’s key people.
·
Smoke, chew gum, or eat. I know you’re thinking Thank you, Captain Obvious. But I’ve
read enough about phone interviews to know that it’s happened. And it will
probably continue to happen, because some people are clueless about such
matters. Keeping a small bottle of water on hand for an emergency might help
you feel less worried about a coughing fit, but that would be the extent of it.
·
Do anything else except participate fully in
your interview. We’ve embraced modern technology to the point of distraction,
because it’s possible to simultaneously talk on a landline, surf the Web, send
a text and take a video of your cat. As I used to tell my students, just
because you can, doesn’t mean you should. It may be tempting to open your
browser while you’re on the phone. I used to find myself wandering over to
Facebook too often, without even realizing what I was doing, so I realize how
automatic some behaviors are. Be mindful, and be present. A savvy interviewer
will be able to tell if you’re not 100% there.
·
Get discouraged if you don’t get the job. If you
never had a phone interview before, chalk it up to a learning experience, maybe
jot down some reminders to yourself for next time, and move on.
As a teacher, preparation is part of your daily life. You’re
always preparing something, whether it’s a lesson plan or an exam or conference
notes. So chances are, you’re very good at preparation. Remember that as you prepare
for the next stage of your career. Your ability to prepare yourself will be a
great asset as you look for your next career.
No comments:
Post a Comment