How to Have a Great Phone Interview

Now a days when applying for a job many employers will give you a phone interview before giving you a formal in person interview. Employers do this to speed up the interview process and can go through many applicants each day to find ones that are best suited for the current opening. A phone interview can catch you off guard but with a few simple steps you can nail it and obtain a more formal in person interview

1. Once you have a applied for a position with a company make sure you read up a little on the company. The person giving you the phone interview or a formal interview is always impressed that you took the time to learn about the company.

2. On the same notion make sure you learn about the position you are applying for. This includes what the requirements are for the position as well as the basic responsibilities.

3. During the phone interview make sure to go to a place or room where you can be alone. Outside distractions can cause the interview to not go as planned. Don't interrupt the interviewer so you can answer or talk to the person sitting next to you. Treat the interviewer with respect and give your full attention.

4. Be confident with yourself and your abilities. Make sure you let the interviewer know why you would be great for their company. Make yourself seem like a asset if you were given the opportunity to work at their company.

The 25 Most Difficult Questions Asked During A Job Interview

Being prepared for a Job Interview is half the battle of the journey

1. Tell me about yourself.

Since this is often the opening question in an interview, be extracareful that you don't run off at the mouth. Keep your answer to a minute or two at most. Cover four topics: early years, education, work history, and recent career experience. Emphasize this last subject. Remember that this is likely to be a warm-up question. Don't waste your best points on it.

2. What do you know about our organization?

You should be able to discuss products or services, revenues, reputation, image, goals, problems, management style, people, history and philosophy. But don't act as if you know everything about the place. Let your answer show that you have taken the time to do some research, but don't overwhelm the interviewer, and make it clear that you wish to learn more.

You might start your answer in this manner: "In my job search, I've investigated a number of companies.

Yours is one of the few that interests me, for these reasons..."

Give your answer a positive tone. Don't say, "Well, everyone tells me that you're in all sorts of trouble, and that's why I'm here", even if that is why you're there.

3. Why do you want to work for us?

The deadliest answer you can give is "Because I like people." What else would you like-animals?

Here, and throughout the interview, a good answer comes from having done your homework so that you can speak in terms of the company's needs. You might say that your research has shown that the company is doing things you would like to be involved with, and that it's doing them in ways that greatly interest you. For example, if the organization is known for strong management, your answer should mention that fact and show that you would like to be a part of that team. If the company places a great deal of emphasis on research and development, emphasize the fact that you want to create new things and that you know this is a place in which such activity is encouraged. If the organization stresses financial controls, your answer should mention a reverence for numbers.

If you feel that you have to concoct an answer to this question - if, for example, the company stresses research, and you feel that you should mention it even though it really doesn't interest you- then you probably should not be taking that interview, because you probably shouldn't be considering a job with that organization.

Your homework should include learning enough about the company to avoid approaching places where you wouldn't be able -or wouldn't want- to function. Since most of us are poor liars, it's difficult to con anyone in an interview. But even if you should succeed at it, your prize is a job you don't really want.

4. What can you do for us that someone else can't?

Here you have every right, and perhaps an obligation, to toot your own horn and be a bit egotistical. Talk about your record of getting things done, and mention specifics from your resume or list of career accomplishments. Say that your skills and interests, combined with this history of getting results, make you valuable. Mention your ability to set priorities, identify problems, and use your experience and energy to solve them.

Common Mistakes When Writing a Resume

With so many people competing for jobs, employers are finding themselves swamped with stacks of resumes. Employers are now looking for resumes that standout from the pile. The key to landing a job interview is to present a strong and effective resume. A resume that is filled with errors will only end up in the waste basket. The following is a list of common mistakes people make when writing a resume:

1.  No Cover Letter: Employers want to see a cover letter with a resume. A cover letter is your introduction and summarizes your job intentions.

Typing Errors: A resume with typos and grammatical errors will make an employer think that you do not pay attention to details. A computer spell check does not always pick up every mistake. Proofread your resume and then have a friend read it.

Disorganized Content: It is important to list the most important information at the top of the resume. Experience and employment history are the most important parts of the resume. Your hobbies should be placed near the end of the resume. Make sure your information is easy to read. Filter out information that is not relevant to the job.

Unprofessional Email Address: Email addresses should not be amateurish. For instance, happyguy104@hotmail.com is not appropriate. A better email would be JohnDoe@hotmail.com.

Layout Lacking Consistency: You should have equal spacing between headings. Your margins should be equal. Include dates on your resume. A recommended font size is 11 or 12. When using verbs, make sure you are using the correct verb tense. Use different action verbs when highlighting your skills. Do not use abbreviations or contractions.

Unclear Focus: Your resume should be written to match your experience and education with the job you are seeking. You want the employer to think that you are the best person for the job.

Boring Content: Your resume should tell a mini story about your experience and education. Don't just list your duties. Highlight valuable experience to show why you should be chosen for the job. Do not use phrases such as "responsibilities included" or "duties included."

Lacking Extracurricular Activities: Employers want to read about additional activities such as certificates of achievement, training, volunteer experience, and awards. This will show employers that you are outgoing and well-rounded. When listing your achievements, make sure you emphasize the results of your work.

Key skills Do Not Stand Out: Use a format such as "bullets" to highlight skills the employer will like. You want to show the employer that you will be an asset to the business.

Inappropriate Personal Information: Don't put in personal information such as gender and age. Do not include a picture of yourself. Keep your personal and professional life separate in order to be taken seriously.

Inaccurate Information: It is important that you do not lie or embellish. It would be embarrassing if you were caught lying. Your resume should be truthful.

Job Experience Too Old: It is important not to go back too far when listing your employment experience. If you are older, employers will not want to see what summer job you had in high school.

A resume is the entryway to a job interview. It is important to understand that your resume is a marketing tool, not an autobiography. Make your resume an interesting read. A resume should be written so that it is focused on the job position. When you write a professional resume that stands out from the others in the pile, you will have a better chance of getting your dream job.

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3 Common Resume Writing Mistakes for Information Technology Candidates

Creating an IT resume is not always an easy task. There is usually a lot of information to convey. Candidates putting together their own resume for the IT industry often make a few critical mistakes that can cost them dearly in today's job market, especially if their job search strategy is not up to snuff.

Mistake #1: Too Much Information

The primary mistake made by IT professionals is in simply providing way too much detail. Most candidates load each thought, bullet, or statement with as much technical mumbo jumbo as they can. For example, it is common for candidates to show the technologies they used in each position. In addition, they will list all the technologies they used for individual projects for which they were involved.

It may prove beneficial to list some key technologies that are relevant for the position you are now pursuing to communicate your level of understanding. As an example, if you are pursuing a position with a firm that has an extensive network of employees who operate remotely in the field, it would serve you well to incorporate technologies like secure VPN, Citrix Presentation Server, and other related tools. However, to list things like Visual Basic, MS Office, and HTML within the specific bullet point will serve as more of a distraction than anything else. After all, who wants to read a bullet point that describes a project that takes up five lines of text?

To address this issue, I recommend that you simply prepare a technical proficiencies or technical skills section at the end of your resume so that a prospective employer can reference a single list to get a flavor for the technologies with which you are familiar. Unless the technology is of the upmost importance in demonstrating your knowledge and ability in a particular area, do not include it in the job description or the job achievements sections.

Resume Mistakes

Sometimes, when reviewing a resume, it is easier to eliminate the mistakes that we see than to try to improve the resume per se. One way to go about it is actually to remove all the mistakes and then see what else needs to be improved (or do the opposite). In this section, we have listed some articles that discuss errors that are often made by job seekers when drafting their resume. Go through the articles and see if you recognize yourself. If you do, consider yourself lucky that you have been made aware of your mistakes in time.

As you go about writing your resume, keep these two tips in mind:

Writing a resume is not about luck, but about hard work. Don't expect the recruiter to see something special in your application unless you make it apparent. Don't fall into the trap of wishful thinking. Whether or not you get a job is not up to the recruiter, it's up to you to show your worth to him or her.

Recognize your limitations. If you don't have good writing skills, acknowledge your weakness. Do the best you can and ask for help from a professional, a family member or a friend.

As you go through the literature, remember that resume writing is an art and not a science. There will be exceptions and there will be instances where you will disagree with what is written. When and if that happens, use your judgment and decide what is the best course of action for yourself.

Management Job Description

The management job description gives the typical activities and accountabilities of the management function in an organization. Regardless of age, gender, industry or employer there are common skills and abilities needed for successful performance as a manager. These key competencies for a manager job are summarized. 

MANAGER

General Purpose

Plan, direct and co-ordinate the operations of a business, division, department or operating unit. Plan and maintain systems and procedures for operating efficiency. Manage staff for optimum performance.

 Main Job Tasks and Responsibilities

• determine staffing requirements
• hire and train new staff
• supervise direct reporting staff according to overall company policy
• set employee goals and objectives
• develop staff to maximize potential
• monitor staff performance including performance reviews
• delegate work duties to staff 
• allocate use of available resources
• monitor and assist staff with work progress
• evaluate current business processes and systems
• plan and implement procedures and systems to maximize operating efficiency
• establish and maintain controls
• formulate department/unit policies and practices
• co-ordinate financial and budget activities for maximum operational efficiency
• facilitate the preparation and analysis of reports
• review performance data (financial, sales and activity reports) to monitor and measure productivity, goal progress and activity levels
• responsible for the achievement of department/division/unit productivity and quality goals
• organize and manage business meetings

Education and Experience

Secretary Cover Letter

The secretary cover letter focuses on why you are a good match for the job. 

The letter should highlight the skills and abilities that qualify you as the right candidate for the secretarial job. This professionally written cover letter clearly spells out why you should get the interview.

Secretary Cover Letter

Your Name
Your Address
Your Contact details (phone and email)

Date

Mrs Mary Stevens
Human Resources Manager
ABC Company
15 South Parkway
Long Island, NY 11551

Dear Mrs Stevens

It is with both interest and enthusiasm that I respond to your advertisement for a Secretary. I believe that my experience and skills combine to create an excellent match for the position and I would appreciate careful consideration of my credentials as listed below.

• In-depth experience and knowledge of a variety of software applications including spreadsheets, word processing, presentations and database management.
• Proven communication and information management skills involving the preparation of correspondence and other documents.
• Responsible for organizing meetings, appointments and internal events.
• Successful completion of numerous projects involving research and the preparation of reports for management.
• Multifaceted liaison with senior management and clients.
• A solid reputation as an independent worker who uses her initiative and organizational skills to get the job done.

I look forward to hearing from you to further discuss this exciting opportunity. I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience, please contact me via phone or email to arrange a suitable time. 

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely

Jill Jobseeker

Write a secretarial cover letter that gets your resume read. Focus on the credentials that make you the right person for the job.

Receptionist Cover Letter

This letter is designed to get the reader's attention and ensure that your job application gets serious consideration. The cover letter is perhaps the single most important document of your job search. It is the cover letter that will get your resume read and take you to the next stage of the hiring process.

      

 



Receptionist Cover Letter

Your Name
Your Address
Your Contact details (phone and email)

Date

Mrs Mary Stevens
Hiring Manager
ABC Company
15 South Parkway
Long Island, NY 11551

Dear Mrs Stevens

Marketing Manager Job Description

The marketing manager job description outlines the typical tasks and responsibilities of the marketing manager job. Marketing managers require certain competencies to perform the marketing manager function successfully, whatever industry they are working in. 

    MARKETING MANAGER

General Purpose

To develop, establish and maintain marketing strategies to meet organizational objectives. Effective management of the marketing, advertising and promotional activities of the organization.

Main Job Tasks and Responsibilities

Nanny Job Description

The nanny job description clearly lists the common key duties, activities and responsibilities associated with a nanny job. Nanny duties will vary from nanny placement to nanny placement and household to household but almost all nanny jobs will involve an element of these typical nanny responsibilities.

  

NANNY JOB DESCRIPTION

General Purpose

Provide complete care for the children in the employer's home and perform all tasks that correlate to the care of the children. To create a safe, nurturing and stimulating environment in which the children can thrive and develop. A nanny job may include housework duties.

Main Job Tasks and Responsibilities

Project Manager Cover Letter

A well written project manager cover letter gives you a compelling advantage in your project manager job search and project management job application. Re work the sample letter to create your own hard hitting cover letter and come across as the right project management professional for the job.
  
Project Manager Cover Letter

Your Name
Your Address
Your Contact details (phone and email)

Date

Mr Mark Stevens

Director of Human Resources
ABC Company
15 South Parkway
Long Island, NY 11551

Dear Mr Stevens

Your recent advertisement for the Project Manager position immediately captured my interest. I am confident that my seven years solid experience in project management provides me with the capabilities to successfully fulfill this position. Accordingly I have enclosed my resume for your consideration.

Some key points that are relevant to this opportunity include:

• Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, certification in risk management
• successful management of multiple projects in the XYZ industry/industries from defining requirements through implementation
• proven track record of delivering projects on time and within budget
• sound ability to conduct and interpret qualitative and quantitative analyses
• comprehensive understanding of RCA, FMEA, statistics and quality improvement techniques.
• successful management and motivation of cross functional teams ranging from 5 to 35
• excellent computer skills including MS Business Suite and current project management applications
• a solid reputation as a hard working, innovative and results-driven professional

I am convinced that my project management experience and abilities are in perfect line with your current criteria. I would appreciate an opportunity to further discuss your needs and my qualifications. Please contact me, via phone or e-mail, to set up a mutually convenient time and date for us to meet.
Thank you for your time and consideration and I look forward to speaking with you soon.
Sincerely
Jack Jobseeker

Enclosure

For maximum impact use your cover letter to focus attention on what qualifies you as the right project manager for the job. Convince the reader that you meet the job requirements and can contribute significantly to the company. 

Office Manager Job Description

The office manager job description will differ according to the business and organization

This job description outlines the tasks and responsibilities typical to office management jobs in most working environments. The job is multifaceted but the primary role of office management is to make it possible for other people to function effectively and efficiently.

OFFICE MANAGER

General Purpose

Responsible for the organization and coordination of office operations, procedures and resources to facilitate organizational effectiveness and efficiency.

Main Job Tasks and Responsibilities

• assign and monitor clerical, administrative and secretarial responsibilities and tasks among office staff
• allocation of resources to enable task performance
• coordinate office staff activities to ensure maximum efficiency
• evaluate and manage staff performance
• recruit and select office staff
• organize orientation and training of new staff members
• coach and discipline office staff
• design and implement filing systems
• ensure filing systems are maintained and current
• establish procedures for record keeping
• monitor record keeping
• ensure security and confidentiality of data
• design and implement office policies and procedures
• ensure office policies and procedures are being adhered to
• analyse and monitor internal processes
• implement procedural and policy changes to improve operational efficiency
• prepare operational reports and schedules to ensure efficiency
• monitor and maintain office supplies inventory
• review and approve office supply acquisitions
• maintain a safe and secure working environment
• handle customer inquiries and complaints
• manage internal staff relations

Education and Experience

Paralegal Cover Letter

Use the sample paralegal cover letter to help you craft your own winning cover letter.

A compelling cover letter gets the reader's attention and ensures that your job application gets serious consideration. This is perhaps the most important document of your job search. It is this letter that will get your resume read and take you to the next stage of the hiring process.

Your cover letter should clearly convince the employer that you are best possible candidate for the job.

          
Paralegal Cover Letter

Your Name
Your Address
Your Contact details (phone and email)

Date

Mr Adam Grey
Human Resources Manager
Jackson, Bell and Associates
15 South Parkway
Long Island, NY 11551

Dear Mr Grey

Operations Manager Job Description

The operations manager job description defines the core tasks and accountabilities of the operations manager role.

Regardless of the type of industry or organization the main purpose of an operations manager is to plan and direct operations and improve productivity and efficiency. The methods and strategies used to achieve this vary from company to company but there are general basic duties and accountabilities associated with ensuring the smooth operational procedures of the company.

OPERATIONS MANAGER

General Purpose

Operations managers plan, direct and coordinate the operations of an organization. The general operations manager is responsible for ensuring and improving the performance, productivity, efficiency and profitability of departmental and organizational operations through the provision of effective methods and strategies.

Main Job Tasks and Responsibilities

Paralegal Job Description

Sample paralegal job description. Paralegal jobs are found in many types of organizations but most find employment in law firms, corporate legal departments and government offices.

Paralegals and legal assistants can work in many different areas of the law including corporate law, criminal law, labor law, family law, real estate and litigation. Duties of paralegals will differ according to the organization and the area of specialization in which they are employed but this job description outlines the core tasks and responsibilities.

PARALEGAL

General Purpose

Assist and provide a range of legal support and administration to lawyers and other legal professionals engaged in criminal, civil or administrative law.

Main Job Tasks and Responsibilities

• perform legal and factual research
• perform records research
• identify relevant judicial decisions, statutes, legal articles, codes and other pertinent material
• organize and analyze information
• cross-check and validate information
• prepare written reports
• draft legal documents including briefs, appeals, wills, contracts and legal agreements
• help prepare legal arguments, applications, declarations and motions
• prepare correspondence
• check legal forms and documents for accuracy
• maintain reference files
• organize and track case files
• review and monitor new and updated regulations
• maintain law library
• co-ordinate law office activities such as subpoena delivery
• locate and communicate with witnesses
• interact with clients
• assist the lawyer in the courtroom

Education and Experience

• bachelors degree, associates degree or certificate program in paralegal studies
• paralegal certification may be required
• thorough knowledge of legal principles
• thorough knowledge of legal research techniques
• thorough knowledge of legal terminology
• in depth knowledge of government regulations
• relevant computer knowledge and experience

Key Competencies

• research skills
• analytical skills
• critical thinking skills
• planning and organizing
• information monitoring
• strong communication skills
• stress tolerance
• attention to detail and accuracy

Nursing Cover Letter

Personalize the sample nursing cover letter for your own use.

This letter is designed to get the reader's attention and ensure that your resume is read with serious consideration. The cover letter is perhaps the single most important document of your job search. It is the cover letter that will get your resume read and take you to the next stage of the hiring process.

    

 
Nursing Cover Letter

Your name
Your address
Your contact details(phone and email)

Date

Mrs Emily Blackstone
Director of Nursing
Unity Hospital Center
450 First Avenue
New York, New York 10016

Dear Mrs Blackstone

Pharmaceutical Sales Job Description

Find out what a typical pharmaceutical sales rep job involves. Comprehensive details of tasks and activities and the requirements for a pharmaceutical sales or medical sales job.

Find out more about this competitive sales position.

PHARMACEUTICAL SALES

General Purpose

Promote pharmaceutical product sales through effective interaction with health care professionals and organizations to increase the awareness and use of the company's pharmaceutical products.

Main Job Tasks and Responsibilities

• plan work schedules and timetables
• plan and implement an effective call plan
• build effective business relationships with health care partners and customers
• prospect for new business
• develop strategies to approach potential customers and increase sales
• cold calling health care professionals to set up appointments
• distribute samples to licensed practitioners
• distribute information to health care professionals
• product demonstration

Project Manager Job Description

The project manager job description clearly communicates the essential tasks and requirements of the project manager job in any organization.

PROJECT MANAGER

General Purpose

To be responsible for the overall direction, coordination, implementation, execution, control and completion of specific projects ensuring consistency with company strategy, commitments and goals.

Main Job Tasks and Responsibilities

• lead the planning and implementation of project
• facilitate the definition of project scope, goals and deliverables
• define project tasks and resource requirements
• develop full scale project plans
• assemble and coordinate project staff
• manage project budget
• manage project resource allocation
• plan and schedule project timelines
• track project deliverables using appropriate tools
• provide direction and support to project team
• quality assurance
• constantly monitor and report on progress of the project to all stakeholders
• present reports defining project progress, problems and solutions
• implement and manage project changes and interventions to achieve project outputs
• project evaluations and assessment of results

Education and Experience

• qualification in project management or equivalent
• knowledge of both theoretical and practical aspects of project management
• knowledge of project management techniques and tools
• direct work experience in project management capacity
• proven experience in people management
• proven experience in strategic planning
• proven experience in risk management
• proven experience in change management
• proficient in project management software

Key competencies

• critical thinking and problem solving skills
• planning and organizing
• decision-making
• communication skills
• influencing and leading
• delegation
• team work
• negotiation
• conflict management
• adaptability
• stress tolerance

Marketing Cover Letter

A pertinent and well written marketing cover letter gives you a definite advantage in your job search. Get the employer's attention and interest with a properly prepared and hard hitting cover letter. Re-work this sample cover letter to produce your own unique cover letter and make sure your resume gets read.

 



Marketing Cover Letter

Your Name
Your Address
Your Contact details (phone and email)

Date

Mr Mark Stevens
Director of Human Resources
ABC Company
15 South Parkway
Long Island, NY 11551

Dear Mr Stevens

Your recent advertisement for the Marketing Manager position immediately captured my interest. I am confident that my solid marketing experience and expertise provides me with the capabilities to successfully fill this position. Accordingly I have enclosed my resume for your consideration.

Some key accomplishments and experiences that I would bring to the job include:

• Responsible for successful new product introductions and line extensions including ......... and .........
• Managed new product market research, launch strategies, advertising, product training and sales support
• Effectively marketed products through direct response advertising, industry-specific seminars, trade shows and internet marketing resources
• Profitably developed pricing and distribution strategies
• Responsible for a marketing budget of $........ and a marketing team of ......
• My strong analytical skills are evident in the meticulous feasibility and consumer data studies I produced for DEF Company
• While at DEF Company I grew revenue per customer by .... and expanded the customer base by .....
• A solid reputation as a hard working, innovative and results-driven professional

I believe my background clearly provides the marketing skills you require for this position. I would welcome the opportunity to meet with you and explore further how I may be of value to your organization. I look forward to hearing from you soon to set up an appointment at your convenience. 

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely

Jack Smith

Enclosure

Make sure your marketing cover letter effectively highlights how your skills and abilities directly relate to the marketing job requirements. Focus on the strengths you bring to the job opportunity.

Manager Cover Letter

Send a well written manager cover letter and make sure your application for a manager job gets serious consideration.

Use this cover letter example as a guide to writing your own winning cover letter. Stand out from the competition with a well written and compelling cover letter.

   
 


Manager Cover Letter

Your Name
Your Address
Your Contact details (phone and email)

Date

Mr John Stevens
Director of Human Resources
ABC Company
15 South Parkway
Long Island, NY 11551

Dear Mr Stevens