The Wild Rover
10-01-05, 02:16 PM
Ok Guys and Gals,
It has been a while, as I have been busy with the family, but I'm back to add to this column.
So you have written your resume, and you have mailed it or e-mailed it to one of the many overseas contractors on the RatPackInt. lists, and the HR dept. of Joe Blow construction has left a message on your machine, because he's interested in hiring you. What to say....never say OK, I'll take it. Take a breath sugar lump, and follow these tips...
Phone Interviews
Employers, especially the overseas variety, use telephone interviews as a way of identifying and recruiting candidates for employment. Phone interviews are often used to screen candidates in order to narrow the pool of applicants who will be invited for in-person interviews, although more is said with the tools, in person interviews are rare. They are also used as way to minimize the expenses involved in interviewing overseas employment candidates.
While you're actively job searching, it's important to be prepared for a phone interview on a moments notice. You never know when a recruiter or a networking contact might call and ask if you have a few minutes to talk.
Be Prepared
Prepare for a phone interview just as you would for a regular interview. Compile a list of your strengths and weaknesses, as well as a list of answers to typical interview questions.
Phone interview
In addition, plan on being prepared for a phone conversation about your background and skills.
Keep your resume in clear view, on the top of your desk, or tape it to the wall near the phone, so it's at your fingertips when you need to answer questions.
Have a short list of your accomplishments, and previous employers addresses and phone numbers available to review.
Have a pen and paper handy for note taking.
Turn call-waiting off so your call isn't interrupted.
If the time isn't convenient, ask if you could talk at another time and suggest some alternatives.
Clear the room - evict the kids and the pets. Turn off the stereo and the TV. Close the door.
Practice
Talking on the phone isn't as easy as it seems. Have a friend or family member conduct a mock interview and tape record it so you can see how you sound over the phone. Any cassette recorder will work. You'll be able to hear your "ums" and "uhs" and "okays" and you can practice reducing them from your conversational speech. Also rehearse answers to those typical questions you'll be asked.
During the Phone Interview
Don't smoke, chew gum, dip snuff, eat, or drink.
Do keep a glass of water handy, in case you need to wet your mouth.
Smile. Smiling will project a positive image to the listener and will change the tone of your voice.
Speak slowly and enunciate clearly.
Use the person's title (Mr. or Ms. and their last name.) Only use a first name if they ask you to.
Don't interrupt the interviewer.
Take your time - it's perfectly acceptable to take a moment or two to collect your thoughts.
Give short answers.
Remember your goal is to set-up an overseas job.
ASK QUESTIONS!!!
How are the living conditions?
What is the pay? Per Diem? Insurance?
How long is the job for?
Who is running it? Will you know some of the hands?
Do you have more work after this one? ARe You the General Cont., or the Sub?
Remember...
99% of all the overseas jobs are single un-accompanied...so the family is on your dime, but...ASK!!!
After you thank the interviewer ask if it would be possible to have everything in writting as soon as possible. You want the offer, and "the package" in your hands ASAP.
After the Interview:
Take notes about what you were asked and how you answered.
Remember to say "thank you." Follow with a thank you note which reiterates your interest in the job.
It has been a while, as I have been busy with the family, but I'm back to add to this column.
So you have written your resume, and you have mailed it or e-mailed it to one of the many overseas contractors on the RatPackInt. lists, and the HR dept. of Joe Blow construction has left a message on your machine, because he's interested in hiring you. What to say....never say OK, I'll take it. Take a breath sugar lump, and follow these tips...
Phone Interviews
Employers, especially the overseas variety, use telephone interviews as a way of identifying and recruiting candidates for employment. Phone interviews are often used to screen candidates in order to narrow the pool of applicants who will be invited for in-person interviews, although more is said with the tools, in person interviews are rare. They are also used as way to minimize the expenses involved in interviewing overseas employment candidates.
While you're actively job searching, it's important to be prepared for a phone interview on a moments notice. You never know when a recruiter or a networking contact might call and ask if you have a few minutes to talk.
Be Prepared
Prepare for a phone interview just as you would for a regular interview. Compile a list of your strengths and weaknesses, as well as a list of answers to typical interview questions.
Phone interview
In addition, plan on being prepared for a phone conversation about your background and skills.
Keep your resume in clear view, on the top of your desk, or tape it to the wall near the phone, so it's at your fingertips when you need to answer questions.
Have a short list of your accomplishments, and previous employers addresses and phone numbers available to review.
Have a pen and paper handy for note taking.
Turn call-waiting off so your call isn't interrupted.
If the time isn't convenient, ask if you could talk at another time and suggest some alternatives.
Clear the room - evict the kids and the pets. Turn off the stereo and the TV. Close the door.
Practice
Talking on the phone isn't as easy as it seems. Have a friend or family member conduct a mock interview and tape record it so you can see how you sound over the phone. Any cassette recorder will work. You'll be able to hear your "ums" and "uhs" and "okays" and you can practice reducing them from your conversational speech. Also rehearse answers to those typical questions you'll be asked.
During the Phone Interview
Don't smoke, chew gum, dip snuff, eat, or drink.
Do keep a glass of water handy, in case you need to wet your mouth.
Smile. Smiling will project a positive image to the listener and will change the tone of your voice.
Speak slowly and enunciate clearly.
Use the person's title (Mr. or Ms. and their last name.) Only use a first name if they ask you to.
Don't interrupt the interviewer.
Take your time - it's perfectly acceptable to take a moment or two to collect your thoughts.
Give short answers.
Remember your goal is to set-up an overseas job.
ASK QUESTIONS!!!
How are the living conditions?
What is the pay? Per Diem? Insurance?
How long is the job for?
Who is running it? Will you know some of the hands?
Do you have more work after this one? ARe You the General Cont., or the Sub?
Remember...
99% of all the overseas jobs are single un-accompanied...so the family is on your dime, but...ASK!!!
After you thank the interviewer ask if it would be possible to have everything in writting as soon as possible. You want the offer, and "the package" in your hands ASAP.
After the Interview:
Take notes about what you were asked and how you answered.
Remember to say "thank you." Follow with a thank you note which reiterates your interest in the job.