The Best Set Up for Phone Screen Success

June 18, 2014 | Author: Arleen Bradley

 

Sticky notes and highlighters can be your best friends.

Sticky notes and highlighters can be your best friends.

In an earlier post, I talked about what you should do if you have a phone screen set up and the interviewer doesn’t show up.   In this post, I will help you prepare your space for when the phone screen interviewer sets up an appointment. Hopefully, it will be kept this time.

I have a client who did an excellent job setting up his space. All his information was right in front of him, and he could easily find the information he was looking for in a second. There was not shuffling of paper or finding the right document on his computer. A slight twist of his neck and he was able to find the information he wanted to give the interviewer quickly and silently.

Some of the information was on full sheets of paper fanned out in front of him. Other information was on sticky notes strategically placed around his monitor. Here is the information he had handy:

  • Resume and cover letter with specific information such as strengths directly related to the position highlighted.
  • The job posting and/or job description with specific information that he has or doesn’t have highlighted.
  • Portfolio of documents and samples of his work that is relevant to this position and only this position.
  • Company information from research on the company and some of the people he will be in contact with during the hiring process or on the job.
  • Emails sent to and from the company with the names of the people he has spoken to and information he has been given.
  • Research on the salary range for this type of position in his location.
  • Questions he wants to ask the interviewer.

Other things he has handy are paper and pen to take notes, and his calendar should they want to schedule a face-to-face interview with him. He has arranged his phone space like this a few times and has been invited for a face-to-face. He is waiting for an interview to be scheduled based on his last phone screen.

I am sharing with you what he has handy.   However, you may want to eliminate some information and/or add something relevant to your position. Set up you space for success, and you will be.

 

How can I help you in your job search?

Image: freedigitialphotos.net   phasinphoto

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How Do You Seem To Others?

June 16, 2014 | Author: Arleen Bradley

 

Are you seeing the real you?

Are you seeing the real you?

You are in a job search.  You have what you need such as a résumé, cover letter and network.  Your résumé and cover letter have been gone over with a fine tooth comb by professionals and are flawless.  You have 500+ people in your LinkedIn network.   But you don’t seem to be getting anywhere and you wonder why.

But have you looked at yourself the way others see you?  When you look in the mirror, you see you.  Staring back at you is an experienced, skilled job searcher.   However, hidden from your eyes are things others see that prevent them from promoting you to others. 

With the help of a close friend whose opinion you trust, take a good look at yourself and ask these questions:

Clothing:

Are they appropriate for your age and body type?  Too many people try to dress in styles that are popular to a younger age group.  There are many body types and not all clothing flatters every body style.

Do they fit properly?   When people are stressed, they either lose weight or gain weight.  Your job search is frustrating, and your response shows in your clothing. 

Are they clean, pressed and in good condition?  Stained and wrinkled clothing isn’t appealing to anyone.  Clothing that is ripped, has holes, and drags on the floor isn’t any more appealing. 

Do they smell fresh or do they smell like stale smoke, cooking and pet odors?  This is undeniably one to ask someone else.  You have become used to the smells in your home and have become desensitized to the odors in your clothing.

Are they free of pet fur?  If you are a pet owner, you realize that pet fur is a fact of life.  But pet hair isn’t attractive on your clothing.  

Are your shoes polished and in good condition?  Polishing your shoes makes them look clean.  However, shoes with heals that are worn down or separated from the sole can’t be made to look good unless they are repaired.

Hair:  

How long have you been wearing this style?  If you have worn your hair the same as your graduation photo in your mother’s living room, chances are you are due for an update.

When was the last time you had a haircut?  Hair grows quickly and soon becomes shaggy and loses it shape. 

If you color your hair, is the color a natural hair color and are the roots showing?  Green maybe your favorite color, but as a hair color it’s distracting.  Dark or gray roots, especially if they show a few inches, don’t do you any favors.

Do you have dandruff?  White flakes on your dark-colored clothing aren’t attractive.

Personal Hygiene: 

Are your fingernails dirty, bitten, or too long?  Your nails send a message about you and your personal hygiene.  Neatly groomed nails say you are tidy, clean, and care about your appearance.

Do you wash regularly and often?  We live in a culture that values regular and frequent bathing.  Body odors are unpleasant and not tolerated.

Are your teeth and gums healthy?  Healthy teeth and gums don’t have an odor when brushed properly and regularly.  

Do you use too much fragrance?  You know when some people are nearby or have been around because their nose precedes them and/or lingers long after they are gone.  Not everyone likes your scent, and many are sensitive to scents.

Your appearance speaks volumes about your attitude, personality and your work ethic.  You may not agree, but that is the message you are sending out.  If you want others to recommend you, look professional, reliable, well-adjusted, and confident.  And if you dress that you way, you will feel that way.

 

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Middle Aged Career Changers Take Note

June 9, 2014 | Author: Arleen Bradley

stuart miles time to decide

This weekend I celebrated my 20th Class reunion from college.  I wasn’t a traditional student.  After getting married and having 2 children, I returned to college to get my Bachelor’s degree.  I was in class with your traditional students going to college right after high school.

I was skeptical about these students having the ability to be contributing members of society.  They were immature to me.  Maybe they were where they should have been.  But to me, I didn’t see these kids going to work every day and put in a full 40 hour work week.  Never mind report to a boss.

Well, I was wrong.  They have matured into responsible adults and are now married with children.  At this reunion, they are only a few years older than I was when I graduated.  It’s interesting to see and hear their thoughts now. 

One of the things I heard was their interest in changing jobs.  Some have been in the same company since graduation and are looking to change jobs and companies.  They feel they have done what they are doing long enough and are looking for a change. 

Here are some of my thoughts on their career change:

  • If you are interested in a career change, start working on it now.  A career change will be much easier if you have some experience in a new field.  If you company has positions that are the same or similar to want you want to do next, ask if you can them.  Other companies will hire you if you have experience in your new career.   For example, one woman is interested in a teaching career.  She should start training people in her company.  Teaching and training are very similar they are both instructional jobs.  Also, you can see if you like teaching.
  • Volunteer to do the job you are interested in.  Get the experience and try out the work.  This information is the same as above.  You can use it asexperience.
  • If you want to change careers, do so while you have a job.  There is a bias against people who are unemployed.  It is easier to get a job when you have a job.  That is so true. 
  • Don’t wait.  These people in my graduation class are now in their early 40’s.  Don’t wait another 10 years, and you are in your 50’s to try a new career.  There is a bias against older workers.   In your 40’s you are established, have experience, no longer a kid but still young enough.  You will be viewed as willing to be with the company for a good many years before you start thinking of retiring. 

It was great to see these people again, after not seeing some since graduation.  They are still full of hopes and dreams.  But they have experience and responsibility on their side now.  The world still awaits their next move and they will make a difference.  They have proven that already. 

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My Best Advice for Job Searchers

June 6, 2014 | Author: Arleen Bradley
Laughter is the best medicine and my advice to you.

Laughter is the best medicine and my advice to you.

Today while in a waiting room; I read The Atlantic June issue.  There was an interesting story for job searchers by Julie Beck, titled, “Funny or Die:  How your sense of humor can improve your health, get you pregnant, and even save your life.”  I know the subtitle doesn’t indicate it, but it really does. 

Laughing in the face of tragedy seems to shield a person from its effects. A 2013 review of studies found that among elderly patients, laughter significantly alleviated the symptoms of depression [1]. Another study, published early this year, found that firefighters who used humor as a coping strategy were somewhat protected from PTSD [2]. Laughing also seems to ease more-quotidian anxieties. One group of researchers found that watching an episode of Friends (specifically, Season Five’s “The One Where Everybody Finds Out”) was as effective at improving a person’s mood as listening to music or exercising, and more effective than resting [3].

The job searcher faces depression and anxiety.  The job search maybe more than quotidian, but stress is stress.  Everyone can benefit from laughter.   The Reader’s Digest says that Laughter is the best medicine.  And it is as this study of studies proves.

Many times I have advised my clients to stop their job search.  Their stress levels were high, and their attitudes were not conductive to a productive job search.  They needed something more than a résumé and answers to interview questions.  They needed to change their mindset from desperate to hopeful. 

I further suggested that they spend some time laughing.  I asked them to watch the funniest movies they have ever seen.  Spend time with friends and family playing games, eating and laughing.  I told them to do anything that brought them pleasure and reduce stress.

You see the best resume and best answers to interview questions aren’t enough.  You need to be in a frame of mind that is confident and hopeful.  If you aren’t, networking is pointless, a well-crafted resume and interviewing is a waste of time.  Hiring managers won’t touch you with a ten foot pole if you come across as desperate or depressed. 

Take a moment and smile.  I mean a genuine smile.  Do you feel different while you are smiling?  You should.  There is a relaxing effect to smiling.  Now take about two minutes to watch this video.   You can skip the ad after about 5 seconds.  Watch it with an open mind.  Don’t think of anything except what you are watching.   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HgI6GQdgx2M 

Did you laugh?  How did you feel when you were laughing?  I hope you felt less stressed than you did before you watched the video. This demonstrates the stress relief you get from laughing.  Don’t get me wrong, it won’t change anything except your frame of mind.  And that is what you are trying to do. 

Today, I am telling you to take the weekend and not do one thing for your job search.  Spend time watching a funny movie.  Enjoy some time with your family and/or friends.  It doesn’t have to cost much.  Have a potluck event.  Play board games or outdoor games.  Take a vacation from stress.  Laugh! 

 How can I help you with your job search?

 Image:  freedigitalphotos.net   Stock photos

 

 

The Studies:

[1] Shaw, “Does Laughter Therapy Improve Symptoms of Depression Among the Elderly Population?” (PCOM Physician Assistant Studies dissertation, 2013)

[2] Sliter et al., “Is Humor the Best Medicine?” (Journal of Organizational Behavior, Feb. 2014)

[3] Szabo et al., “Experimental Comparison of the Psychological Benefits of Aerobic Exercise, Humor, and Music” (Humor, Sept. 2005)

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The Phone Screen Interviewer Was a No Show—Now What?

June 4, 2014 | Author: Arleen Bradley

pong woman watching phone

In the last few days, I have gotten calls from people saying they had a phone screen, but the interviewer never called.  They wondered why and what to do.  One person was so angry that she wanted to bill the company for her time.  I don’t think that is a good idea unless she wants to end her candidacy for the job.  So what is going on?

I have come up with some thoughts to share with you:

  1. Wait patiently.  Realize things happen.  People call in sick, have an unplanned meeting, or have a family emergency.  People forget things; they don’t put things in their calendar or don’t have someone managing their calendar.   Is your phone working correctly?  Do you know who was supposed to initiate the call?
  2. Check your email and phone messages.  Do you have the right time and the right day?  Did you receive an email or phone message that rescheduled the interview? 
  3. Plan your strategy before you do anything.  Prepare your thoughts and your mindset.  Write it down.  Then call the interviewer.  Whether you get the interviewer or voicemail, your message should include your name and the position you are interested in.  Explain you were expecting a phone screen interview, but didn’t receive a call and wanted to check in.  Offer to reschedule, be pleasant, not annoyed, and be flexible.
  4. Find someone else you can talk to.  If a third-party arranged the interview, call that person.  Find someone in Human Resources that can help you out.  If the person has an administrative assistant call that person.  If necessary, leave the same message you left the interviewer and in the same pleasant way.
  5. Follow up the next day.  You may not get a return call the day of the missed interview.  The next day, call the interviewer and if you get put into voicemail again, leave a similar message in calm and understanding voice.  Send another email.  Check in with the other people you contacted and leave voicemail then follow-up with an email if you don’t reach anyone.   Wait about 7 to 10 days and follow up again if you don’t hear from anyone.

Keep in mind that while this is a matter of life and death to you, to the interviewer and other company personnel, it’s just another item on the to-do list.  It isn’t personal.  But if and when you do get a chance to speak to someone, note their manner and the sincerity of the apology.  This is a red flag that you shouldn’t ignore.  Watch carefully the other interactions during the hiring process to see if you want to work there.

There is no way you can prevent this from happening, but you can take some steps that may prevent it.

  1. Confirm the time, the date, who will initiate the call.
  2. Find out the name and the contact information of the caller and that of any other people that might have a connection to the issue.  Someone in human resources, the administrative assistant, the recruiter from the agency.

How can I help you in your job search?

Image:  freedigitalphotos.net   Pong

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