Tips to crack a Telephone Interview
Got your first-ever telephone interview? Sounds easy, doesn’t it? You don’t have to travel, dress up in formal clothes or interact one-on-one with the hiring manager. The best part is you will answer all the questions on the phone in the comfort of your own home.
Getting through a telephone interview is certainly not a piece of cake. With so many applicants contending for a single opening, a majority of the recruiters are opting to conduct their initial round of interviews via the phone. However, since the interviewer can’t see you or talk face-to-face, getting through a telephone interview is much more difficult than a standard interview. Thus, before a telephone interview starts, you need to make sure you are all decked-up and well prepared. Below are some of the protocols that you should follow and a few precautions that you should take when giving a telephone interview.
Make a checklist
As soon as you get the confirmation call, date and time of your telephone interview, review the job opening thoroughly and check out how your qualifications meet the hiring criteria. If possible make a complete list. During the time of interview, have the list with you. Also, it is extremely important to carry a copy of your resume so you can see it clearly during the interview as you don’t want to sound confused and lost about your own qualifications.
Research the job profile and company
Spend some time researching the job and the company. Prepare points on how your role and contribution can benefit the company. The more you prepare the smoother the interview will go.
Get set for basic telephone interview questions
Don’t be overly confident! Rehearse the answers to basic telephone interview questions. Balance your tone, accent and style.
Avoid distractions and interruptions
You don’t want to get disturbed by family or outside noise so find a remote quiet space to give your interview. Switch off any televisions/mobiles etc kept in the space you are planning to use. Also, make sure the network connectivity is strong and uninterruptable.
Listen carefully
Don’t ignore what the interviewer is saying. Concentrate on what the interviewer is asking. Avoid fiddling with nearby objects as this may be heard at the other end of the phone. Avoid interrupting when the interviewer is talking and always wait for them to finish what they are saying.
Keep your pitch low and words clear
Speak slowly and clearly so that you can be heard by the interviewer. Never try to give long sentence answers. Keep your replies as crisp and short as possible. While answering, don’t sound nervous. It is very important to maintain your composure and answer your questions with great impact. Don’t forget, your voice is the only way to reach out and leave a lasting impression on the interviewer, so make the most of it.
Keep a glass of water handy
Whilst giving the interview, you don’t want your throat to get dry. Keep a glass of water handy and take a sip if there is a tickle in your throat.
Post interview
Always follow up after your telephone interview. Ask for the e-mail address of the interviewer. Later, on the same day send out a thank you e-mail, reiterating your interest in the position you interviewed for. Visit Build-a-Career for further advice or to apply for jobs.
Sunday 28 August 2016
What You Need To Know About Background Verification
What do you know about background verification?
If you are a jobseeker and planning to join a company, you need to know the significance of background checks and why they are needed. Well, background verification is nothing but the information a recruiting manager commonly asks from an employee before joining an organisation. Background verification is performed for both security purposes and to check certain details of the employee.
So if you are about to join a company, it is important for you to know about the kind of information a recruiting manager commonly requests. Here is what you should know and prepare accordingly.
Your work history
The recruiting organisation may ask you to provide your entire work history in order to verify the time period of your past employment, your role, companies you worked in, salaries, etc. This kind of information helps the recruiters in checking the genuineness of your CV.
Your credit report
In case you are applying for a position in the finance department, you may be asked to provide your credit score or give consent for the company to obtain it.
Your educational background
Along with your credit score, the company wanting to recruit you may also request you to give details of your educational background. The recruiter may want to know where you completed your schooling and availed your graduation degree. You may be asked about your main subjects and any kind of specialisation (if you have mentioned this in your CV).
Your criminal history
These days, a majority of companies do check criminal records. They want to know if you had any kind of criminal convictions. However, it differs from country to country, as in some countries companies can access your criminal history up to a certain level. Since many employees have started omitting this information from application forms, the companies now make sure they verify your authenticity cautiously. Ensure you don’t provide bogus information about your past; it may lead to legal action or your termination. Particularly, if you are applying for a security position, checking your criminal history will be one of the most important parts of your background check.
In addition to the above mentioned aspects of background verification, the recruiter may request a copy of your driving license or bankruptcy records. On the other hand, it is important for you to know that there is some information that recruiters can’t access without your consent, such as your medical history. However, the employer can ask you to go through a complete medical examination and provide the reports before joining the company.
Depending on the scope and nature, average background verification could take around two or more business days to complete.
Background checking is a vital process for any job, which is necessary for both the employee and the employer. It is very important for the employee to keep all the information as clear as possible and not to provide any false documents that will lose them the opportunity of securing their dream job. Visit Build-a-Career for further advice or to apply for jobs.
If you are a jobseeker and planning to join a company, you need to know the significance of background checks and why they are needed. Well, background verification is nothing but the information a recruiting manager commonly asks from an employee before joining an organisation. Background verification is performed for both security purposes and to check certain details of the employee.
So if you are about to join a company, it is important for you to know about the kind of information a recruiting manager commonly requests. Here is what you should know and prepare accordingly.
Your work history
The recruiting organisation may ask you to provide your entire work history in order to verify the time period of your past employment, your role, companies you worked in, salaries, etc. This kind of information helps the recruiters in checking the genuineness of your CV.
Your credit report
In case you are applying for a position in the finance department, you may be asked to provide your credit score or give consent for the company to obtain it.
Your educational background
Along with your credit score, the company wanting to recruit you may also request you to give details of your educational background. The recruiter may want to know where you completed your schooling and availed your graduation degree. You may be asked about your main subjects and any kind of specialisation (if you have mentioned this in your CV).
Your criminal history
These days, a majority of companies do check criminal records. They want to know if you had any kind of criminal convictions. However, it differs from country to country, as in some countries companies can access your criminal history up to a certain level. Since many employees have started omitting this information from application forms, the companies now make sure they verify your authenticity cautiously. Ensure you don’t provide bogus information about your past; it may lead to legal action or your termination. Particularly, if you are applying for a security position, checking your criminal history will be one of the most important parts of your background check.
In addition to the above mentioned aspects of background verification, the recruiter may request a copy of your driving license or bankruptcy records. On the other hand, it is important for you to know that there is some information that recruiters can’t access without your consent, such as your medical history. However, the employer can ask you to go through a complete medical examination and provide the reports before joining the company.
Depending on the scope and nature, average background verification could take around two or more business days to complete.
Background checking is a vital process for any job, which is necessary for both the employee and the employer. It is very important for the employee to keep all the information as clear as possible and not to provide any false documents that will lose them the opportunity of securing their dream job. Visit Build-a-Career for further advice or to apply for jobs.
Handle Multiple Job Interviews
Got Multiple Job Interviews – here’s how to handle all of them
Have you ever been in a situation where you have multiple job interviews and you don’t want to skip any of the good offers? Having more than one job interview at a same time is great, provided you know how to handle them without getting distracted from your main focus.
Managing more than one job interview at a time is not an easy task. But losing a good offer for one specific job interview doesn’t make any sense either. If you don’t want to lose any of the opportunities you have, you need to learn how to handle multiple job interviews at the same time. Here’s what you should do:
Make a list
Not many job seekers get multiple opportunities at the same time and if you are being offered multiple job interviews, you are extremely fortunate. So try to make the most of it. To get the best job for your future, it is very important to plan the various interviews systematically. Make a list and create a spread sheet of every interview you have. List the interview time, date, name of the company, job description, contact information, documents required, and everything else relating to the interview that is important. Compiling all this information neatly and clearly on a spread sheet will help you prepare for all of your interviews. Don’t forget to update the sheet, in case of any changes.
Pay more attention to important interviews first
After making a list of your interviews, you will get an idea which interview is relatively tough. Prepare for one interview at a time. Don’t prepare for all the interviews randomly. Follow your schedule and pay attention to the one that you think needs extra preparation and leave the rest for later. By this, you will be able to study and prepare well. However, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t prepare for less important interviews.
Always analyse the pros and cons of all your job interviews
As soon as you create a spread sheet and determine which interview is more important, find out the pros and cons of all the companies that you have interviews for. Remember every company is different. Compare the offers, work culture, salary slab, quality of work, etc. This way you will be able to better decide which company can help boost your career in future and which company can help in your overall growth.
Have patience and then decide
If you are serious about your career, it is always a good idea to take time to make your decision rather than rushing into things. So if you have multiple choices, don’t just accept what comes on your way first. Always wait for some time, let the right opportunity come, and decide accordingly. No matter if you get the offer from a good company, always wait till all your interviews are over. Analyse all your offers in hand and then make the decision. See which job suits you the best overall.
Last but not least; don’t be over confident, just because you have multiple options. It is very important to know what you want in your life and where you see yourself in the next 10-15 years. Visit Build-a-Career for further advice or to apply for jobs.
Have you ever been in a situation where you have multiple job interviews and you don’t want to skip any of the good offers? Having more than one job interview at a same time is great, provided you know how to handle them without getting distracted from your main focus.
Managing more than one job interview at a time is not an easy task. But losing a good offer for one specific job interview doesn’t make any sense either. If you don’t want to lose any of the opportunities you have, you need to learn how to handle multiple job interviews at the same time. Here’s what you should do:
Make a list
Not many job seekers get multiple opportunities at the same time and if you are being offered multiple job interviews, you are extremely fortunate. So try to make the most of it. To get the best job for your future, it is very important to plan the various interviews systematically. Make a list and create a spread sheet of every interview you have. List the interview time, date, name of the company, job description, contact information, documents required, and everything else relating to the interview that is important. Compiling all this information neatly and clearly on a spread sheet will help you prepare for all of your interviews. Don’t forget to update the sheet, in case of any changes.
Pay more attention to important interviews first
After making a list of your interviews, you will get an idea which interview is relatively tough. Prepare for one interview at a time. Don’t prepare for all the interviews randomly. Follow your schedule and pay attention to the one that you think needs extra preparation and leave the rest for later. By this, you will be able to study and prepare well. However, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t prepare for less important interviews.
Always analyse the pros and cons of all your job interviews
As soon as you create a spread sheet and determine which interview is more important, find out the pros and cons of all the companies that you have interviews for. Remember every company is different. Compare the offers, work culture, salary slab, quality of work, etc. This way you will be able to better decide which company can help boost your career in future and which company can help in your overall growth.
Have patience and then decide
If you are serious about your career, it is always a good idea to take time to make your decision rather than rushing into things. So if you have multiple choices, don’t just accept what comes on your way first. Always wait for some time, let the right opportunity come, and decide accordingly. No matter if you get the offer from a good company, always wait till all your interviews are over. Analyse all your offers in hand and then make the decision. See which job suits you the best overall.
Last but not least; don’t be over confident, just because you have multiple options. It is very important to know what you want in your life and where you see yourself in the next 10-15 years. Visit Build-a-Career for further advice or to apply for jobs.
Interview Prep
Preparing for Your Interview
Most jobs require potential candidates to interview for the position. The interview is your chance to convince employers that you are the best candidate for the job and that they should hire you. In order to have an effective interview, it is vital to prepare yourself so that you will enter the interview with confidence. The following list offers advice on how to effectively prepare for an interview.
Align Yourself
If the job you are interviewing for includes a description, make sure you read it repeatedly and consider the reasons why you are qualified to fulfill the job requirements. What do you have to offer that other applicants may not have? You may find it useful to make a list of your experiences and accomplishments that are relevant to the job. Review your resume or CV as a reminder. Although you will not want to be too repetitive, an interview gives you a chance to expand upon these documents and further explain how they are applicable to the job. You will also want to make sure you research the company background so that you will be able to answer any related questions.
Practice
There are numerous online resources with lists of potential interview questions. While some questions are generally asked at most interviews (such as, “Why do you think you would be a good fit for this job?), there may be additional questions depending on the job you are applying for. It is useful to find interview questions that are relevant to your field and to practice scripting your answers to them. This can be done in writing or verbally. You may even want to have a friend ask you questions so that you can get used to responding without having any resources in front of you.
Plan Ahead
Part of interview preparation is organising yourself so that you are not scrambling to find what you need on the day of your interview. It is advisable to pick out your clothing beforehand and to make sure that it fits properly and is appropriate for the interview. Furthermore, you may want to print a copy of your resume or CV to give to the employer, even if you have already submitted these documents before. If you have any sample work you would like to show the interviewer, organise it neatly into a portfolio. Also, make sure you prepare a list of questions about the company and the specific job. Coming to an interview with questions shows that you have taken the time to explore the opportunity and research the company. Many employers will ask if you have any questions at the end of the interview, and you will not want to have to come up with something on the fly.
Interviewing can be stressful, but if you have prepared yourself, it can serve as a chance to really separate yourself from other candidates. Effective research and preparation will likely make you feel more confident, which gives you the ability to put your best foot forward. Visit Build-a-Career for further advice or to apply for jobs.
Most jobs require potential candidates to interview for the position. The interview is your chance to convince employers that you are the best candidate for the job and that they should hire you. In order to have an effective interview, it is vital to prepare yourself so that you will enter the interview with confidence. The following list offers advice on how to effectively prepare for an interview.
Align Yourself
If the job you are interviewing for includes a description, make sure you read it repeatedly and consider the reasons why you are qualified to fulfill the job requirements. What do you have to offer that other applicants may not have? You may find it useful to make a list of your experiences and accomplishments that are relevant to the job. Review your resume or CV as a reminder. Although you will not want to be too repetitive, an interview gives you a chance to expand upon these documents and further explain how they are applicable to the job. You will also want to make sure you research the company background so that you will be able to answer any related questions.
Practice
There are numerous online resources with lists of potential interview questions. While some questions are generally asked at most interviews (such as, “Why do you think you would be a good fit for this job?), there may be additional questions depending on the job you are applying for. It is useful to find interview questions that are relevant to your field and to practice scripting your answers to them. This can be done in writing or verbally. You may even want to have a friend ask you questions so that you can get used to responding without having any resources in front of you.
Plan Ahead
Part of interview preparation is organising yourself so that you are not scrambling to find what you need on the day of your interview. It is advisable to pick out your clothing beforehand and to make sure that it fits properly and is appropriate for the interview. Furthermore, you may want to print a copy of your resume or CV to give to the employer, even if you have already submitted these documents before. If you have any sample work you would like to show the interviewer, organise it neatly into a portfolio. Also, make sure you prepare a list of questions about the company and the specific job. Coming to an interview with questions shows that you have taken the time to explore the opportunity and research the company. Many employers will ask if you have any questions at the end of the interview, and you will not want to have to come up with something on the fly.
Interviewing can be stressful, but if you have prepared yourself, it can serve as a chance to really separate yourself from other candidates. Effective research and preparation will likely make you feel more confident, which gives you the ability to put your best foot forward. Visit Build-a-Career for further advice or to apply for jobs.
Interview Etiquette
Interviewing Etiquette
The impression you give during an interview could greatly influence your likelihood of being offered a job. You will not want to lose your opportunity by accidentally violating basic interviewing etiquette. Interviewers who see that you are polite and considerate may even take these attributes into consideration when they make their final decision. Below are some tips for maintaining proper etiquette throughout the interviewing process.
Practice Greeting Effectively
First impressions are particularly important in interviews, and you will want to come across as someone who is confident and classy. Greeting someone with a comfortable, firm handshake shows that you are friendly and very professional. Additionally, keep in mind that different cultures have different customs for greetings. If you are working for an international company, you may want to research cultural customs of that country so that you will not be caught off guard by a greeting that is different from what you are used to. It is also advisable to learn the name of your interviewer before the day of the interview so that you can address him or her directly in your greeting.
Focus on the Task
When you sit for your interview, try not to place any of your belongings on the table, as they can be a distraction to you and the interviewer. Make sure your phone is set to silent before you leave your car so that it will not make any noise during the interview. When the interviewer asks you a question, make sure you provide an answer to the question (rather than an answer to a question that may be relevant but peripheral). This will show that you are actively listening to the interviewer and focusing on the task at hand. It is also important to make sure you do not spend too much time on one question. This can make it sound like you are rambling on.
Be Prepared
Some cultures consider being late as a sign of disrespect. It is important to leave early for your interview so that you will have time to address any unexpected issues that come about. Furthermore, if you have documents you would like to share with your potential employer, such as a resume, a CV, or sample work, make sure you neatly prepare a packet before the interview.
End Gracefully
Toward the end of the interview, the interviewer may ask you if you have any questions, so be sure to have prepared several questions in advance. It is polite to thank the interviewer for his or her time. Writing a personal thank you note after the interview can also help you stand out as a memorable candidate.
Following proper interview etiquette is easy if you are aware of the expectations. Practicing these tips will be useful as you prepare to interview for your dream job. Remember that the impression left from the interview is likely to be all the interviewer has for you, and so you will want to come across as polite, passionate, and professional. Visit Build-a-Career for further advice or to apply for jobs.
The impression you give during an interview could greatly influence your likelihood of being offered a job. You will not want to lose your opportunity by accidentally violating basic interviewing etiquette. Interviewers who see that you are polite and considerate may even take these attributes into consideration when they make their final decision. Below are some tips for maintaining proper etiquette throughout the interviewing process.
Practice Greeting Effectively
First impressions are particularly important in interviews, and you will want to come across as someone who is confident and classy. Greeting someone with a comfortable, firm handshake shows that you are friendly and very professional. Additionally, keep in mind that different cultures have different customs for greetings. If you are working for an international company, you may want to research cultural customs of that country so that you will not be caught off guard by a greeting that is different from what you are used to. It is also advisable to learn the name of your interviewer before the day of the interview so that you can address him or her directly in your greeting.
Focus on the Task
When you sit for your interview, try not to place any of your belongings on the table, as they can be a distraction to you and the interviewer. Make sure your phone is set to silent before you leave your car so that it will not make any noise during the interview. When the interviewer asks you a question, make sure you provide an answer to the question (rather than an answer to a question that may be relevant but peripheral). This will show that you are actively listening to the interviewer and focusing on the task at hand. It is also important to make sure you do not spend too much time on one question. This can make it sound like you are rambling on.
Be Prepared
Some cultures consider being late as a sign of disrespect. It is important to leave early for your interview so that you will have time to address any unexpected issues that come about. Furthermore, if you have documents you would like to share with your potential employer, such as a resume, a CV, or sample work, make sure you neatly prepare a packet before the interview.
End Gracefully
Toward the end of the interview, the interviewer may ask you if you have any questions, so be sure to have prepared several questions in advance. It is polite to thank the interviewer for his or her time. Writing a personal thank you note after the interview can also help you stand out as a memorable candidate.
Following proper interview etiquette is easy if you are aware of the expectations. Practicing these tips will be useful as you prepare to interview for your dream job. Remember that the impression left from the interview is likely to be all the interviewer has for you, and so you will want to come across as polite, passionate, and professional. Visit Build-a-Career for further advice or to apply for jobs.
Interview Mistakes
Interview Mistakes to Avoid
The job interview is an integral part of the application process, so it is important to thoroughly prepare yourself in advance. Although each interview process is different, there are some common mistakes that people make, sometimes without an awareness of what they have done. These tips can help you to avoid making a mistake that could cost you the job.
Clothing
Regardless of what position you are applying for, it is important to dress professionally so that the employer will know you are serious about your application. Feeling clean, stylish, and physically prepared will also help you to feel more confident in yourself, which is crucial, especially if you are nervous about the interview. After you choose an outfit for your interview, you may want to gather opinions from friends and family before the day of the meeting so that you will not make the mistake of dressing too casually.
Timing
Being late to an interview sends a message to the employer that you are unconcerned with their time. The employer may even question your abilities to maintain a schedule that is organised and timely. Leave the house very early on the day of your interview to ensure that you will not be late. Although issues such as traffic are unfortunately out of your control, your employer is unlikely to be sympathetic to tardiness for a formal interview.
Distractions
It is imperative that you focus on the task at hand when you enter your interview, and so you will want to minimalize any unnecessary distractions. For example, do not bring a drink into the interview because it can make you look overly casual, and it can also serve as a distraction to both you and the interviewer. Also, make sure you turn your phone to silent mode as well. Taking a call or message while you are interviewing is extremely disrespectful. Leaving your phone in your bag is a good way to keep yourself from using it during the interview.
Research
Before going into the interview, make sure you research the company so that you can show the employer that you are truly interested in being a part of their team. This can be done by using Internet resources and reading the website of the company before the interview. You may also find it useful to research interview questions related to your job type so that you can reflect upon how you would answer them. Practice answering the questions verbally so that you will feel as if you have truly rehearsed. This can help you to feel more comfortable and confident as you prepare for your interview.
While some of these mistakes may seem obvious, they are fairly common and can be difficult to avoid in a moment of nervousness. It is best to set yourself up to avoid these mistakes by taking the time to thoroughly prepare beforehand. A prepared applicant is more likely to have a successful interview, and first impressions are vitally important for the job searching process. Visit Build-a-Career for further advice or to apply for jobs.
The job interview is an integral part of the application process, so it is important to thoroughly prepare yourself in advance. Although each interview process is different, there are some common mistakes that people make, sometimes without an awareness of what they have done. These tips can help you to avoid making a mistake that could cost you the job.
Clothing
Regardless of what position you are applying for, it is important to dress professionally so that the employer will know you are serious about your application. Feeling clean, stylish, and physically prepared will also help you to feel more confident in yourself, which is crucial, especially if you are nervous about the interview. After you choose an outfit for your interview, you may want to gather opinions from friends and family before the day of the meeting so that you will not make the mistake of dressing too casually.
Timing
Being late to an interview sends a message to the employer that you are unconcerned with their time. The employer may even question your abilities to maintain a schedule that is organised and timely. Leave the house very early on the day of your interview to ensure that you will not be late. Although issues such as traffic are unfortunately out of your control, your employer is unlikely to be sympathetic to tardiness for a formal interview.
Distractions
It is imperative that you focus on the task at hand when you enter your interview, and so you will want to minimalize any unnecessary distractions. For example, do not bring a drink into the interview because it can make you look overly casual, and it can also serve as a distraction to both you and the interviewer. Also, make sure you turn your phone to silent mode as well. Taking a call or message while you are interviewing is extremely disrespectful. Leaving your phone in your bag is a good way to keep yourself from using it during the interview.
Research
Before going into the interview, make sure you research the company so that you can show the employer that you are truly interested in being a part of their team. This can be done by using Internet resources and reading the website of the company before the interview. You may also find it useful to research interview questions related to your job type so that you can reflect upon how you would answer them. Practice answering the questions verbally so that you will feel as if you have truly rehearsed. This can help you to feel more comfortable and confident as you prepare for your interview.
While some of these mistakes may seem obvious, they are fairly common and can be difficult to avoid in a moment of nervousness. It is best to set yourself up to avoid these mistakes by taking the time to thoroughly prepare beforehand. A prepared applicant is more likely to have a successful interview, and first impressions are vitally important for the job searching process. Visit Build-a-Career for further advice or to apply for jobs.
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