The key to interviews is to know the organization and their values. A little bit of prep work will do you wonders. Look at the website/interview materials/whatever you have access to. What are the buzz words? What about them interests you most? Which of their goals/what part(s) of their mission statement are you most passionate about. Why do you rock? (Because you do, but they don't know that yet, so you'll need to tell them.) What is it that you most want to give to and most want to get out of that environment? What questions do you have about the position? (Have at least three, it shows that you have thought about the details of taking the job and forces them to think about you IN the job - something you definitely want them to visualize.)
The great thing about phone interviews is that you can have cheat sheets and they don't need to know. Think about the above and write down notes (bullet points and outlines, not a script!) and collect all your numbers and important info bits that you think they might want to ask you about. Organize everything on a large flat surface, so you are not shuffling through papers when they call. This way all the information will be right there at your fingertips and you won't forget your extra-super clever or insightful comment or that very important question. Similar cheat sheets are great in real interviews too, but have to be smaller. ;) Have a cup of tea or other soothing beverage on hand - it will steady your nerves and take care of that dry mouth issue that so often develops in interviews.
Good luck, and let me know if you want a local reference from a Dr. Hetzel...
The key to interviews is to know the organization and their values. A little bit of prep work will do you wonders. Look at the website/interview materials/whatever you have access to. What are the buzz words? What about them interests you most? Which of their goals/what part(s) of their mission statement are you most passionate about. Why do you rock? (Because you do, but they don't know that yet, so you'll need to tell them.) What is it that you most want to give to and most want to get out of that environment? What questions do you have about the position? (Have at least three, it shows that you have thought about the details of taking the job and forces them to think about you IN the job - something you definitely want them to visualize.)
The great thing about phone interviews is that you can have cheat sheets and they don't need to know. Think about the above and write down notes (bullet points and outlines, not a script!) and collect all your numbers and important info bits that you think they might want to ask you about. Organize everything on a large flat surface, so you are not shuffling through papers when they call. This way all the information will be right there at your fingertips and you won't forget your extra-super clever or insightful comment or that very important question. Similar cheat sheets are great in real interviews too, but have to be smaller. ;) Have a cup of tea or other soothing beverage on hand - it will steady your nerves and take care of that dry mouth issue that so often develops in interviews.
Good luck, and let me know if you want a local reference from a Dr. Hetzel...
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...well, okay, I never feel cool. I always feel like a dork. But I did feel very confident.
THANKS!
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