17 Jun
Thank You Notes? Here’s Why You Need To Send Them
Cover letters are like thank you notes . . .
For every recruiter or hiring manager who says they don’t read them, there’s another who says they do.
And occasionally, I’ve heard that a candidate’s thank you note was the reason they got the job.
Just as with cover letters, the key is to make a compelling argument for them to hire YOU.
Boring thank you notes that read “thank you for taking the time to meet with me… Blah blah blah“ are a waste of time.
06 Feb
How To Avoid The Biggest Virtual Interview Mistake
The biggest mistake you can make with a virtual interview is not taking it seriously. In the past, phone interviews were used primarily for screening. A recruiter or human resources associate called potential candidates to get basic information: are they still looking, do they meet the essential qualifications, do their salary requirements fall in the employer’s range, etc.
They also screened for basic communication skills. Can this person carry on a conversation?
If the candidate passes the initial screening they were invited in for an interview.
Virtual interviews, even for local candidates, was becoming more common when I was a recruiter almost 10 years ago. When COVID hit virtual interviews became the only option.
And it looks like virtual interviews are here to stay.
Interviews 2022
Today, candidates will likely have have several virtual interviews before being invited for an in-person discussion.
- A screening interview – with a recruiter or HR associate
- A longer interview with senior HR personnel
- A phone or Skype interview with the hiring manager’s assistant or someone else on the team
- A phone or Skype interview with the hiring manager
While these steps are a generalization, the point is that you should expect to have 2 to 3 video or phone interviews before meeting anyone in person.
24 Jun
How To Prepare For Your Phone Or Video Interview
Today the hiring process often begins with a brief phone screening with a third-party recruiter or HR associate. The employer’s main purpose is to get some basic information: your salary requirements and availability.
The interviewer also is trying to get a sense of who you are and how you might fit into the company culture. Smart candidates use an initial interview as an opportunity to learn more about the employer as well.
In some respects it’s like a first date: each party is evaluating whether or not he or she wants to take the relationship further.
24 Jul
How To Make A Great Impression During A Phone Or Skype Interview
The goal of every job seeker is to get in front of a potential employer. To have the opportunity to sit down and sell yourself to the hiring manager. However, you’re probably going to have to navigate two to three virtual interviews before you’re invited in for a face-to-face.
Today the interview process usually begins with a 20 to 30 minute phone screening either with a third-party recruiter or a human resources associate. The goal is to learn more about you.
Until the first “meeting” you’re just another resume and/or LinkedIn profile.