After an employer collects applications or resumes from a pool of candidates for an open position, the next step is a screening interview. The purpose is to reduce the number of candidates that can be managed efficiently in the semi-final or final round of face-to-face interviews. Increasingly, employers find it more effective to conduct this first round of interviews via telephone or video conference to reduce the time expended and the expense of travel. The phone or video format presents both benefits and challenges to the older job seeker.
Employing the five-step process of prepare, pitch, execute, close and follow up will increase the odds of a favorable job seeker outcome.
[See: The 8 Stages of a Winning Job Search.]
Prepare
All interviews require similar attention to detail and diligent preparation. The job seeker must know as much as possible about the position, the hiring organization and the person on the other end of the line. Preparation involves thorough research online and via whatever available networking connections.
The job seeker must seek answers to the following:
1. What is the official and what is the “real” job description? In other words, what or who are they really looking for? The official job posting is a start. It may say something like “five years marketing experience” is required. The “real” job description that is likely unwritten is something like “a marketing person who knows a lot more about SEO/SEM than Bob did and is more likable.”
2. What does the hiring organization do and what makes it successful?
3. Who is interviewing you? What has been their career trajectory? Where were they educated? What biases and preconceived notions might they have? LinkedIn is an excellent source of this intelligence.
Note that the answers to these questions are not likely to be found exclusively through a Google search. Interpersonal networking is critical to success.
Pitch
Why are you a good fit for this position? The job seeker must have this argument committed to memory. If the job seeker is not convinced, how can one expect the hiring manager or recruiter to believe in them? In addition, the seeker must take time to anticipate objections. Are there areas of his or her application that are lacking? Think before the interview on how to address those gaps and emphasize areas of strength.
[See: 10 Reasons to Quit Your Job Already.]
Execute
While researchers disagree on the percentages, most observe that an important portion of communication is nonverbal. A phone call is, of course, nonvisual communication and video conferences are likewise restricted in their visual effectiveness. As a result, job seekers need to pay special attention to those communication tools which are still available.
Specifically, the interviewee must pay special attention to the environment. Find a quiet and distraction-free setting. Look the part, dress as if you were attending a live interview with the company. Even for a phone interview, this signals to your brain that you are about to engage in business. Have a pen and paper handy and feel free to have Post-it notes or an outline handy with phrases or points to emphasize on display. For a video conference, these notes can be arrayed around the computer monitor to create a type of teleprompter effect that will be invisible to the interviewer.
Whether talking via video conference or telephone, speak up and sound assertive. Watch the “ums” and “likes” and both slow down your speech and also be sure to convey enthusiasm. An engaging smile is a good way to avoid appearing or sounding low-energy. For a phone interview, many people sound stronger if they stand during the conversation. In any case, don’t slouch or lie down during a phone interview. Your speech quality will suffer if you do.
Finally, be sure that your technology works. Rehearse with a friend or family member and make sure the lighting (for video) and sound quality is high.
Close
Near the end of the interview, find an opportunity to “ask for the sale.” Summarize why you are a fit and how you intend to follow up. Surprisingly few candidates employ this technique for emphasizing their fit and qualification.
[See: The 25 Best Jobs of 2018.]
Follow Up
Send a specific follow-up email immediately after the conclusion of the interview. Again, you can separate yourself from the pack not only by expressing gratitude but by emphasizing your fit and maturity. If the interviewer had expressed curiosity about a topic, you can send a link to relevant information to show how well you attuned to his or her needs and interests.
Since they de-emphasize personal appearance and apparent age, phone and video interviews present an opportunity for an older job seeker. The candidate can offer an image of success and competence before relative age is even noticed. But to win at this game, the savvy job seeker must pay special attention to the five steps of prepare, pitch, execute, close and follow up.
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Acing the Phone or Video Interview as an Older Job Seeker originally appeared on usnews.com
