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Tuesday, August 6, 2013

Interview tips - phone, skype, and in person

The only real difference I find with in-person is that you are apt to see more people in a face to face interview, they last longer, you may be asked to do a presentation, and of course, they will see you. ;-) Always be prepared with some sort of ppt (even if not asked!).

The same rules apply: Be on time. Be prepared. Have a copy of your cover letter and resume for you as well as a couple of extras.  Appropriate dress (perfectly ok to where a suit, even if general dress code is casual). You'll be talking a lot. Make sure to eat and hydrate well ahead of time (but nothing that will disagree with you). A sip of water or hard candy a few minutes before is useful, but don't do it during the interview. No gum DO keep something - water - lemon drop- whatever - in case you really do need it. For onsites, I always keep some mints, power bar, and small water in my bag. They should feed you and give you breaks, but as I've discovered, sometimes that afternoon break just vanishes...

For phone interviews, it is about being in a good space and remembering they can not see you. Some committees will not be good at doing phone interviews - they will forget to introduce themselves, or they will seem uncomfortable -- that's ok, you can help them through and score brownie points in that way, too. (Same is true for onsites, except I find that people are often much better face to face).  

Make sure you are some place quiet with a strong signal. A landline is preferable. Turn off your cell phone unless you are using it for the interview. Always turn off all notifications or devices that are near you -- no background noise.  Do a sound check if possible.

Some people like to be dressed casual (I know a friend who has done phone interviews in her PJs) but that is not my style. I feel more professional when I dressed that way, so I always dress as if I am going to a real interview, tho perhaps, not quite as spiffy.

 Know if you are calling them or if they are calling you. Have a notepad and pen handy, in case you need it.

Most important, remember they can't see you (unless it is skype or webcam). If you are webcaming, do a run through - how is your sound? the angle of your camera? what's in the background? A plain sheet can always be used to create a neutral background.

For both:
Give description (this is why using examples from a resume can be helpful as you can reference specific projects which may have URLs or more info).  Also, if it is a group interview, I think it's perfectly ok to ask for introductions (they should introduce themselves) and if you can pick out voices in a phone interview, to address them by name (or thank them) when they ask a question. That can be dicey, because some folks sound the same, so don't do it, unless you are sure.

While it is always important to be aware of dead space, it is doubly so in a phone interview. If you pause to think about a question (which is always acceptable), use a transitional phrase like, that's a good question, to answer your question, or even something along the lines of I'm pondering your question and need a few seconds....  . You can also restate the question and ask clarification as well.

Do pause after each answer so the committee knows that you have finished. Yet, don't rush your answers. BREATHE. Try to answer the questions as succinctly as you can with as complete information as you can. I know that one is hard to do. If you can't answer the question, answer to the best of your ability. Find something - volunteer experience, a project, etc. - that addresses the particular question.      

If they don't ask you why you are interested in the job, make sure to bring that in at the end. Tell them what interests you and why you're a match to sum up.

If you have questions - except for salary - ask them. Do ask about particulars of the position, organizational policies,  or professional development.

I know there is a lot of discussion about which point to talk about salary. IF the salary is a complete unknown, I think the end of a phone interview is an ok time to ask about RANGE. I wouldn't go specifics until after the face to face. If you get that far, then that means there is likely some interest in you and you will have more leverage in salary negotiations. As a librarian told me (who really worked against my career at times), the time to negotiate is at the offer level. They want you. If they say no to negotiations, you can make your decision.

Make sure to thank the committee. I always end with something like "you have my contact information, please do contact me if you need additional information", etc.

Finally, remember, these will be your future colleagues. ;-) Watch for institutional dynamics; watch for how they treat each other. You're interviewing them as much as they are interviewing you. I know that may sound trite when you're desperate for a job (been there plenty of times), but you would rather be happy than miserable.  Remember - you would be a great addition to their library!  

Good luck!

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