Phone Interviews
Phone interviews sound easier than a traditional interview, however that is far from the truth.
In a phone interview you can’t judge body language, match eye-contract and build connection to interviewer. We have come up with some quick tips to make your phone interview successful.
- Smile! Believe it or not, smiling while you are talking will actually help you sound friendlier.
- Speak Slowly and Clearly. Sit up in you chair or stand during your conversation. All of these will boost the energy in your voice and transmit your enthusiasm over the phone.
- Have your resume in front of you to answer and specific questions the interviewer may have.
- Have a list of questions prepared to ask during the interview to demonstrate your interest in the position.
- Give specific examples relating your past work experience to this current job opportunity.
- Be self confident. You will be judged by the same criteria used in an in-person interview: confidence. However, there is a difference. On the phone, you’ll be judged by much more subtle set of factors – the sound of your voice, your level of friendliness and enthusiasm, etc.
- Get to the point. The ability to speak succinctly is critical.
- Prepare for awkward silence. Have a list of questions prepared about the company and the opportunity that you can refer to when caught in one of those dead spots.
- Don’t ever talk about issues related to potential compensation, company benefits or problems at your current employer, in a phone interview.
Face To Face Interviews
Now that you have a job interview take a look at our top 10 tips below.
With the popularity in the mining industry in particular, job interviews are becoming very competitive, the below information should help give you a great advantage.
Arrive prepared
Know your strengths, weaknesses and accomplishments. A interview question that is commonly asked is “Please tell me your best five work attributes?” Know how to answer this question.
Dress appropriately
Many companies have gone to business casual. Its a good idea to find out what dress the current employees are going to work in and mimic this dress to the interview. When in doubt, always err on the side of formal business attire.
Always, arrive 5 to 15 minutes early
Punctuality is a subtle clue about attitude and behaviour. Being late, no matter the excuse, is a major blunder. If you need to research in advance what your parking options are and allow plenty of time for unforseen delays.
Remember to Smile!
Smile and say hello to everyone. A positive reaction from the staff is an important factor in the evaluation. Many hires have been heavily influenced by an Administrative assistant.
Make Conversation
The most effective job interviews are those where an active two-way conversation takes place. Not the typical question and answer type. Early in the interview try to interject your own relevant insight. Remember, don’t interrupt your interviewer.
Show your worth
Discuss your specific accomplishments that demonstrate a proactive attitude. Such as: have you installed systems, done something not required, trained someone, etc. Its always a good idea is to demonstrate how you either created revenue or saved expenses, and be specific with the amounts and how you accomplished that goal.
Give short responses
Communication is the key to being successful at a interview. A minimum of one to two minutes of well-prepared discussion gives the interviewer insight into your intellect and supports your contentions.
Structure your answers to provide examples/ details
Support statements about yourself with specific examples. These will provide legitimacy to your claims. Without them, the interviewer won’t accept them as valid and may establish dishonesty.
Don’t be arrogant
A presumptuous, overbearing attitude will offset the finest abilities. There’s a fine line between being too confident and cocky. Don’t cross over that line.
State your interest
At the conclusion of the interview, state that you are definitely interested in the position and would like to know when the next step will take place. It’s best to demonstrate this interest throughout the session. Be careful not to go overboard.