topic Re: Phone Interview on Friday in Community Chat

Phone Interview on Friday---UPDATE 5/23/2016

JavaQueen — Mon, 23 May 2016 13:58:42 GMT

It's been a long haul. I have been working as a consultant/freelancer since being laid off in 2011. It was very hard getting interviews and I don't get enough practice. I'm not 25 years old anymore, and I still have to work a long time.

It's just so tough. I go back and forth, because I have to stop and work on projects to keep going. I get contacted from recruiters abiout jobs which are termporary and they don/t mesh with what I am doing. No one wants to commit to more than four months at a time, which is ridiculous.

Anyway I was contacted by a recruiter for an international company and it is for a real job with benefits. I sent my resume in and have a phone interview with the hiring manager. Wish me luck! They haven't told me how many hoops I woud have to jump through for this job. But I have to get through this one.

Thanks, ladies!

UPDATE 5/23/2016.

Please read after #47. Thanks.

Re: Phone Interview on Friday

qvcfreak — Wed, 18 May 2016 23:45:05 GMT

I'm sure you'll do fine, good luck and go get that job!!!

Re: Phone Interview on Friday

hopi — Wed, 18 May 2016 23:45:24 GMT

So happy you have this opportunity.

Let us know the outcome

and don't worry

Re: Phone Interview on Friday

Ms X — Wed, 18 May 2016 23:45:55 GMT

Best of luck! Think positive about this. Do you have any specific questions? I recall some posters here who've worked as job counselors or hiring managers. They might be able to give you useful tips.

Re: Phone Interview on Friday

Deb665 — Wed, 18 May 2016 23:48:36 GMT

Good Luck! I'm sure you'll do great in the interview!

Re: Phone Interview on Friday

MaggieMack — Wed, 18 May 2016 23:55:45 GMT

@JavaQueen, be confident! They CHOSE to interview you. You know you are qualified for the position. The past five years have provided you with knowledge you wouldn't have if you had stayed on your last job. Listen. Be welcoming. Ask questions that showcase your knowledge about their company and industry. Be prepared to tell the interviewer how and why you could benefit their company.

Your post sold me! Have a great interview!

Re: Phone Interview on Friday

freakygirl — Wed, 18 May 2016 23:55:57 GMT

good luck!!!! when's the phone interview so I can say a little prayer for you?

Re: Phone Interview on Friday

freakygirl — Wed, 18 May 2016 23:58:35 GMT

ooops! sorry for asking. I just reread your title and it says Friday. good luck again. we're rooting for you! please let us know the outcome if you don't mind. 😊

Re: Phone Interview on Friday

JavaQueen — Thu, 19 May 2016 00:00:24 GMT

Thanks for your encouragement, all. I tend to get very, very nervous. That is my biggest flaw. It was a big problem when I first started my career years ago.

freakygirl, the interview is at 2pm Eastern Time. Thank you.

Re: Phone Interview on Friday

fancy pantsy — Thu, 19 May 2016 00:18:53 GMT

i will be thinking positive thoughts for you, and i wish you the best of luck!

Re: Phone Interview on Friday

Snicks1 — Thu, 19 May 2016 00:34:41 GMT

Good luck with your phone interview. HTH. While this will probably (most likely) NOT come up on this initial interview, here are 5 ways to answer "What Are Your Salary Requirements"

Give them a range. “For my past few jobs, my pay has been between $40-$50 thousand.”

Do your research on the company’s salary expectations. “Based on my experience, I’m open to discussing (insert a number which you now know is within their margins).

Balance being flexible but firm. “I am open to a discussion on a reasonable compensation package, but my salary recently has been $80,000.”

Ask for a full scope of what they offer. “That depends on factors we have yet to discuss such as benefits. What other non-salary compensation do you offer your employees?”

Make sure you are clear on your responsibilities to the company. “Before I offer my salary range, can you tell me more about the goals of this position?

Re: Phone Interview on Friday

fuzzball76 — Thu, 19 May 2016 00:38:28 GMT

good luck!

Re: Phone Interview on Friday

Snicks1 — Thu, 19 May 2016 00:40:22 GMT

Also, hoping this helps, here are 5 great questions to ask the interviewer:

What challenges have your recently faced from a client? In your ‘Thank You’ letter, you can address this challenge and give examples on how you would have resolved it.

What impact will I have on the team if I get hired? Asking this questions shows you are thinking about the needs of the team first.

What would make someone really successful in this role? This question lets them know you are serious about becoming a success.

Where do you see the company in the next 10 years? Shows that you are thinking long term.

What is a question you really wanted to ask me, but haven’t yet? This gives the interviewer a chance to bring up any concerns they may have about you and a chance for you to address it.

Re: Phone Interview on Friday

Frosted Cake — Thu, 19 May 2016 00:47:10 GMT

I'm in the same boat. This new world of interviewing is crazy.

I've done the temporary work. Those recruiters are young girls (who dress so unprofessionally) and give you jobs that are no where near what you told them you wanted to do.

I've had a few phone interviews. I find them easier than face to face because can surround myself with notes and reminder cards. I have had interviews face to face most of the time from those phone interviews.

They are asking a lot of behavioral questions now. They give you scenarios and ask you to tell them how you would handle those situations. Gone are the days of the obvious weakness response. I have had more questions that are negative in tone about how I would behave than about what I can do for them. It's such a game.

I wish you luck. I know how hard it is and how discouraging it gets. I fear my background isn't good enough these days to compete with the 25 year olds. I just want a chance.

Best to you!

Re: Phone Interview on Friday

JavaQueen — Thu, 19 May 2016 00:51:21 GMT

Many thanks for the helpful tips!

The recruiter asked me what I was currently making and what the range is for this position. So I won't have to worry too much about salary negotiation.

What I am worried more about is my nervousness. Though I have to admit that I much better in emails and on the phone. I am usually very good on the phone. But I am getting really nervous.

Re: Phone Interview on Friday

Kachina624 — Thu, 19 May 2016 01:09:32 GMT

@JavaQueen I would be a nervous wreck if I was facing this interview. Hope you can settle your nerves and I'm sure you'll do a good job. Don't forget to write a thank you. Good luck.

Re: Phone Interview on Friday

MacDUFF — Thu, 19 May 2016 01:50:32 GMT

Prayers up for you @JavaQueen...I'd be nervous, too...perfectly normal. I'm sure you have plenty to offer this company and much to be proud and confident of.

Re: Phone Interview on Friday

MaggieMack — Thu, 19 May 2016 02:01:19 GMT

If you are battling your nerves on the afternoon of the interview, do some deep breathing exercises a few minutes before the call. Good luck!

Re: Phone Interview on Friday

Snicks1 — Thu, 19 May 2016 02:10:40 GMT

Pick your recruiter's brain as much as possible about not only this particular job, but the company as a whole. Your recruiter should know quite a bit about it and wants you to succeed, they receive commission if you get the job, so money in their pocket as well.

Another thing to ask is when a decision will be made on filling the position, that way you know if you have a long or short wait, and if you will hear back from them, either way.

Since it's a phone interview, have lots of notes made and refer to them. You know you are qualified for the position, so do your homework, then relax and have a great interview. Best wishes to you.

Re: Phone Interview on Friday

nrm — Thu, 19 May 2016 05:59:06 GMT

@JavaQueen All the best to you. Hope it's the job of your dreams!