When seeking employment, remember that you are always on an interview.  The interview begins when you first post your resume either on a job board or by simply getting the word out that you are on the job market.  The point is to be ready.  The job market has picked up and job seekers are seeing more activity but it is still very competitive.  Here are a few ways to make the best impression when you get a phone call from a Human Resources Professional or a Corporate Recruiter. 

1. Answer the phone. If it is not a good time for you to talk, it is acceptable to ask if you can call them back. But, take the opportunity to answer the call and schedule a better time.  However, be sure to ask their name, phone number, and company name so you can be informed when you return the call.  If you can not answer your phone, make sure that your outgoing greeting on your home phone and cell phone are professional.

2.  Know what companies and what jobs in which you have submitted a resume or an application. Have a good system for keeping up with the companies you have directly applied to as well as what recruiters you are working with and where they have submitted your resume.  HR will not be impressed if you do not recognize the name of the company they represent.  They will understand that you may be agressively searching for a job but you want to make them feel like they are one of your targeted companies you would like to work.

3. Have your resume available at all times. You will most likely need to reference your resume during the conversation.  If you are receiving a call from  HR, they are interested in the details behind the resume and how you can describe them.  You want to help them make them determine if you are a good fit for their company and culture.

4. Analyze your previous experience. Think through your many different experiences and anticipate behavioral interview questions.  These usually begin with “tell me a situation when you…”  Be sure to respond with the situation,  tasks, action, and result.

3.  Know your salary and/or hourly rate history. If you can’t remember what you’ve been paid for the past several years, look at your previous pay stubs or W2s and have the information readily accessible.  HR will need to understand your history and will discuss your compensation goals with you.  They will possibly ask you to fill out an application at some point so you will need your salary history.

4.  Have your references ready. They will be part of the application process and the HR person will probably be the person to contact your references.

The HR Specialist or Corporate Recruiter has a job to do.  They are tasked with screening and qualifying candidates for open positions with the company where they work. They will facilitate the hiring process for the job seeker and for the hiring manager.  Some of them may have several open positions they are charged with filling.  It is critical to make the best impression you can at this stage.

Click here to see How to Answer the Top 5 Common Interview Questions

Photo by Positively Unemployed

This entry was posted on Friday, April 9th, 2010 at 3:39 pm and is filed under IT Job Search, Job Seeker. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.