Preparing for a Phone Interview

A lot of organizations like using the phone for their initial screening interviews. The reasons for this are pretty reasonable. They may want to save on travel costs, have multiple individuals on the phone call and see how the applicants' communication skills are.

That being said, phone interviews can be frightening - you don't know the reactions of the HR rep on the other end of the phone as easily as you would if you were being interviewed in person. The more you prep for a phone interview, however, the better you can come across. Follow these simple tips to stay comfortable and make your brand shine during a phone interview:

• While you could do the interview in your underwear - DON'T! Dress as if you are really going to the company. It has been proven that you perform better if you are professionally dressed (yes guys, this means wearing a tie).
• Try to schedule the call where you can use a landline phone. A phone interview is the wrong time to have your cell drop out. If you simply can't, make sure that wherever you call into the interview (or where you wait for their call) has strong service.
• Set up a well-lit and comfortable place to sit (or stand, if you are more comfortable) during the call.
• Have a notepad handy to jot notes down on during the call.
• Key tip here: Have copies of your resume, references, company info, and job description laid out. While you should know these documents inside and out, it's nice to have them handy.
• Have some questions for them! Remember, the interview is as much for you to get to know them as it is the other way around. This may lead to a career for you - make sure that you will be happy there. You can get some ideas about what to ask them here.

The BPC can help you prepare for any type of interview - phone, in-person, panel - you name it. Come by 113 or call 618.453.2603 today to schedule a consultation.

More Externs!

Following up from my post yesterday, this is the stack of actual student applications we have to go through before next week. This process includes typing all the information into a spreadsheet, scanning them into digital form, and then organizing them in time for next week.

Careful What You Wish For!

Getting back in the groove after Thanksgiving break can be tough for students and staff alike. Unfortunately the BPC doesn't have a choice, as next week we will be interviewing all of the College of Business applicants for the Extern2008 program. We had nearly 90 applications this year!!! (That's a picture of our interview schedules for next Monday through Thursday)


A big thanks goes out to all staff and faculty who helped us get the word out about this great program!!!

Now, time to get back to work :-)