Our experience confirms that
a well-structured telephone interview produces the
most effective results, so let’s go over a
couple of points: You have a two-part objective.
1. First, is an exchange of
information between you and the company to verify
your qualifications and to establish a mutual interest.
When you call and exchange pleasantries, give a
brief chronological review of your experience since
graduation. The areas he/she will be most interested
in and will ask you about are:
Keep these areas in mind as
you organize your thoughts and put together a brief
review of your experience. You should have some
notes in front of you, in addition to your resume,
listing your specific accomplishments and achievements.
Although unlikely, if you are asked about your salary
expectations, relay what your present salary is,
and that it would be difficult to determine a realistic
figure without knowing more about the position,
seeing the facilities and meeting other key people
in the organization. It’s very important not
to indicate a specific salary at this time, because
the employer may be considering a larger amount.
2. Your second objective is
to get a face-to-face meeting with the company.
This way you have the opportunity to see for yourself
what they have to offer and, in turn, sell yourself
in person. Before making the call, let’s determine
three different times that you would be able to
meet with the employer at his/her facility. After
you two have spoken, and established mutual interest,
you can simply close by saying, "(employer),
this position sounds very interesting and I feel
confident I could handle the job. I’m prepared
to pursue this further by meeting you in person.
I can be available to meet with you on _______,
________, or ________. Now, what three times can
you be available?"
REMEMBER – YOUR
PRINCIPLE OBJECT IS TO SET UP A MEETING!
Be sure to call me immediately
after you telephone conversation and let me know
what transpired so I can confirm the next step.
