Archive for category Interviewing

Doostang News August 16: Great Answers to Tough Interview Questions – Part 3

Aug 15

Posted by doostangkaitlin in Advice & Tips, Doostang News, Interviewing, Job Search | View Comments

Investment Banking Analyst, New York, NY
Director of Search Marketing, San Francisco, CA
Analyst, Los Angeles, CA
Public Relations Associate, Raleigh, NC
M&A Research Analyst, Paris, France

More jobs we think you’ll like…

Every minute you spend in an interview is valuable, so make sure your every answer works to your benefit. Thought you had it all down? Well here are a few more tough interview questions if you’re still feeling a little unprepared:

Why are you leaving (did you leave) your current (last) position?

When answering this question, there’s no reason to give a long-winded answer. Simply tell the interviewer that you are looking to advance your career, and that the company you are interviewing with can provide the opportunity you hope for while your current or previous company cannot. There is no reason to give the interviewer any more information than they ask for. Don’t give a list of excuses or say something petty. If you were laid off, don’t be afraid to say so – it’s not all that uncommon. And if you were fired, try to stay as positive as you can, again without being petty. Perhaps you can mention that you and your former boss/company had differences that you could not overcome, but that your termination was the best thing for both you and that firm. More than this, you can always expound upon the lesson that you learned from this experience.

Why haven’t you found a job yet?

This may seem like one of those in-your-face questions, but it’s perfectly legitimate. If you’ve been out of work for a significant amount of time, again, don’t spend your time giving excuses. Simply explain that you have been looking for the right opportunity, and that you want to work for a company where you can establish a mutually beneficial relationship.

Has your performance or work ever been criticized?

While you may consider yourself the perfect employee, chances are that you have received some criticism along the way – and that’s perfectly reasonable. What an employer wants to learn from this question is how you dealt with the criticism. So explain to him or her that you received constructive criticism from a colleague, and that you gained something valuable from it. You can talk about how you were able to integrate another person’s suggestions into a project and make it better than it was before. Employers want individuals who are tough-skinned and open to suggestions, so demonstrate that you are able to swallow your pride and bounce back from critique.

At times an interview can feel like a battle of wits, interviewer and interviewee each trying to outdo the other. It’s a tricky dance, but if you learn how to use even the most difficult questions as a forum to discuss how valuable you are, you’ll soon be making history at your next position.

Happy job hunting,

The Doostang Team

Tags: Advice, answers, Doostang, hard questions, interview, Interview Questions, Job Search

Doostang News August 9: Great Answers to Tough Interview Questions – Part 2

Aug 8

Posted by doostangkaitlin in Advice & Tips, Doostang News, Interviewing, Job Search | View Comments

Investment Banking Analyst, New York, NY
Director of Search Marketing, San Francisco, CA
Analyst, Los Angeles, CA
Public Relations Associate, Raleigh, NC
M&A Research Analyst, Paris, France

More jobs we think you’ll like…

It’s time for the second installment of thoughtful answers to those interview questions that leave you reeling. We devote several blogs to this matter, not because we feel that there’s much room for error in the interview, but because there’s lots of space for you to shine if you approach the toughies the right way. So read on for our suggestions to some of the more challenging talking points.

What Are Your Long-Term Goals?

This one is tricky because it basically implies, “How long do you see yourself working for us?” Especially as far as an entry-level job is concerned, most hiring managers know that you’re not going to want to stick around for one job forever. But how do you ensure that they’ll get a good return on their investment in you? Explain to the interviewer that you would like to have a career with the company – that you want to be challenged, realize success within the organization, and eventually move up the ladder. Tell the interviewer that as long as the company is good for you and you are good for them, your long-term plan is to stay on board and grow with the company.

Why Do You Want to Work for Us?

When describing why you want to work for a company, make sure to avoid broad answers. It’s okay to give answers that are specific to the industry, but remember to go further than that and give specific examples as well. Make sure you are current on the latest company news, and can talk about what makes this company different and why they are the best fit for you.

Are You Overqualified for this Position?

It’s easy to be overqualified for a position in this job market, but that shouldn’t be something that holds you back. So when you get this question, don’t give up or get defensive. Talk about how the company needs solid individuals, and that your hope is to establish a strong presence in the company that allows you to move up and make a difference in your area of expertise. A growing company needs reliable, proven people, and therefore you would be an excellent fit for any position.

Stay tuned for further questions that tend to stump even the savviest job seeker. And if you have any questions that you’d like us to cover, send them over and we’ll give them a whirl!

Until next time,

The Doostang Team

Tags: Advice, answers, Doostang, Doostang Blog, hard questions, interview, Interview Questions, Job Search, Tough Interview, Tough Interview Questions

Doostang News August 2: Great Answers to Tough Interview Questions – Part 1

Aug 1

Posted by doostangkaitlin in Advice & Tips, Doostang News, Interviewing, Job Search | View Comments

Investment Banking Analyst, New York, NY
Director of Search Marketing, San Francisco, CA
Analyst, Los Angeles, CA
Public Relations Associate, Raleigh, NC
M&A Research Analyst, Paris, France

More jobs we think you’ll like…

One of the biggest sources of pre-interview jitters is the anticipation you feel over tough interview questions. And while you’re probably convinced that an entire series of curveballs lies in wait for you, the fact is that you’ll probably only receive one or two. Nevertheless, it’s always great to be prepared for whatever is in store, so take a look at these zingers we’ve compiled:

Are You Considering Other Positions?

Your first inclination may be to answer “No”, as you want to seem fully committed to the opportunity that the interviewer represents. But the reality is that you’re probably looking at a multitude of jobs – after all, who wouldn’t be? You’re trying to situate yourself as best you can, so applying for multiple positions is advantageous – hiring managers know this. Instead, answer in the affirmative. It’s honest, realistic, and will position you in a way where you are selecting the company as much as they are selecting you. Make them fight for you a bit.

Why Should I Hire You?

This one’s basic, but really make sure you think it through before you arrive at the interview. Instead of giving the stock, “I’m a really hard worker” or “I’ll really make a difference” answers, cite specific examples of hard work or the difference you have made in a company. No one will swallow such vague answers; the more precise you are, the better.

Have You Ever Had a Conflict with a Boss or a Fellow Employee?

If this question comes up and it turns out you have experienced office conflict, don’t shy away by brushing it off with a quick (deceitful) “No”. Instead, consider how you might use this experience to your advantage. Tell the interviewer that you had a disagreement with a certain boss or coworker, but that you were able to work through this difference and come to a compromise that worked well for everyone. What a hiring manager really wants to know is how you deal with conflict, and so if you skim past this one, they may just pry until they find another way for you to respond to this issue.

Have You Worked With Someone You Didn’t Like?

Here’s a similar question that you might get, though it deals less with conflict. It’s certainly okay to mention that you didn’t want to be best buds with everyone you ever worked with. It’s more likely that you’ll come across several people that just rub you the wrong way. But how you dealt with this situation is of strong interest to a hiring manager. So talk about how you were able to rise above your dislike of said individual and focus on what made this person a valuable employee. Describe how, while you may not have spent time with this person outside of the office, you worked together wonderfully at the office.

Tough interview questions can leave you with a pit in your stomach…if you are underprepared! So take some time to work out how to turn negatives into positives and position yourself in a desirable light, and you can tackle them with confidence.

Go get ‘em,

The Doostang Team

Tags: Advice, answers, Doostang, Doostang Blog, hard questions, interview, interview help, Interview Questions, Job Search, Though Interview Questions, Tough Interview

Five Reasons You’re Not Getting Job Interviews

Jul 28

Posted by doostang in Advice & Tips, Interviewing, Job Search | View Comments

By Alesia Benedict, CPRW, JCTC GetInterviews.com

Equity Research Associate, New York, NY
Management Consultant, Nationwide
Analyst, Los Angeles, CA
Pre-MBA Private Equity Associate, Boston, MA
Investment Banking Analyst, San Francisco, CA

More jobs we think you’ll like…

It’s a tough market out there. Not only is unemployment high, but the regular flux of the market has stilled somewhat as people hang on to jobs and paychecks rather than seeking advancement or relocation. Don’t make your job search any tougher than it needs to be. Evaluate your efforts to see if you’ve made any of the following mistakes.

1 – Your resume and cover letter are not written aggressively. Most people only capture job duties and responsibilities in their resumes. That’s just not enough to gain attention in these tough market conditions. Your resume and cover letter must be written to grab the interest of the employer or recruiter, plus win high rankings in applicant tracking systems and online resume databases. A great resume is powerfully written with strong industry keywords; it details specific accomplishments and brings in measurements of performance wherever possible; and it is focused and relevant to the targeted position. A poorly written resume can be a significant hindrance in winning interviews.

2 – You are limiting your efforts to answering online job advertisements on fewer than ten job sites. Fishermen know when fishing is poor, they have to cast a wider net. The same goes for job search. If you are limiting your efforts to a few online job sites, you miss out on a majority of the market. A strong job search will include not only big job boards, but also networking, targeted communications, and creative career marketing. Don’t ignore job boards but don’t limit yourself to just online ads for your marketing efforts.

3 – You are not targeting specific companies first. Most jobs are never advertised anywhere. They are filled from within, filled from employee referrals, or filled from prospective candidates whose resumes are already in the company’s database. If you are only chasing advertised positions, you are behind in the race right from the beginning. Generate a list of companies for which you would like to work and get your resume and cover letter to all of them. Build a consistent marketing campaign targeting these companies and build a knowledge base on their operations, their missions, challenges they face, and markets in which they operate. Use this information to market yourself to the needs of the company. In your communication, always speak to how you can be valuable to the company and how you can meet their needs.

4 – You ask your network if they know of any job openings. The question “Do you know of any open positions?” is a yes or no question. Once you get a “no” from your network contacts, you have exhausted your efforts, right? If you feel like you have a limited reach in your network, it is because you are asking the wrong question. You should be asking your network contacts for information about specific companies. As you work your network, you will build a significant knowledge base that will eventually lead to specific contacts within companies and give you insight that will be valuable in your marketing efforts. Asking for information instead of asking about open jobs also makes networking easier! You don’t put your network contacts in the uncomfortable position of not being able to help. If you have ten different companies you are researching, more than likely your contact will be able to give you some kind of information on at least one of those companies. You actually make it easier for your network contacts to help you!

5 – You are not following up on your efforts. The squeaky wheel gets the oil. You must be a squeaky wheel. When employers get hundreds of applicants for a single opening, the five percent who take the trouble to follow up and keep following up will stand out in the crowd. You want to be in that five percent who rise above the masses. Sure, it’s an extra step and it sometimes feels superfluous, but it is not wasted effort. You are not being a pest or bothersome. You are demonstrating you have an interest in the company and an ongoing interest in being considered for employment. Make some noise and be sure to follow up on your resume submissions.

Job search takes a lot of effort. With unemployment near double-digits, there are a lot of candidates in the market. The ones who get results are the ones who put forth the extra effort to conduct a smart, complete job search.

About the Author:

Alesia Benedict, Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and Job and Career Transition Coach (JCTC) is the President of GetInterviews.com, the country’s leading resume writing firm. They provide professionals with customized, branded resumes and career marketing documents. Her and her firm’s credentials include being cited by JIST Publications as one of the “best resume writers in North America,” quoted as a career expert in The Wall Street Journal, and published in a whopping 25+ career books. Established in 1994, the firm has aided more than 100,000 job seekers to date. All resume writers are certified writers. GetInterviews.com offers a free resume critique and their services come with a wonderful guarantee — interviews in 30 days or they’ll rewrite for free!

Tags: Cover Letter, Doostang, Doostang Blog, Interviews, Job Search, Network Contacts, Resume, Resume Advice

Doostang News June 14 – Three Important Interview DON’Ts (DO Read This!)

Jun 14

Posted by doostangkaitlin in Advice & Tips, Doostang News, Interviewing, Job Search | View Comments

Research Associate, New York, NY
Director of Marketing and Operations, Los Angeles, CA
Trade Trainee, Chicago, IL
Business Development Intern, Washington, DC
Investment Banking Intern, Miami, FL

More jobs we think you’ll like…

Here at Doostang we like to advise you on all the things you should be doing during an interview. But it’s also important to know what sort of actions you need to avoid. Some of these may seem obvious, yet jobseekers often make related missteps along the way. So let’s revisit the basics:

Don’t Under-dress

If you are familiar enough with a company to know that the office culture is very relaxed, it may feel silly walking into an interview in a suit and tie. Nevertheless, it’s important that you dress up for an interview. Putting effort into your wardrobe shows that you take the company and the job seriously. And even if the rest of the office is in shorts and T-shirts, they’ll appreciate that you care enough about the interview to dress up for it. No one will judge you if you show up looking polished and professional – they might if you dress like a slob.

Don’t Talk on the Phone

It’s obvious that you should, by no means, answer your phone during an interview. But take that a step further and don’t talk on the phone at all while you are visiting a company. Before you even enter the building, switch your phone to silent, or, better yet, turn it off. Not only is it important to do this in order to avoid the temptation of answering it, but also it ensures that your cell won’t go off while you’re speaking with the hiring manager. The interview lasts from the moment you step foot in the door until the moment you leave, and it’s imperative that you show respect and remain alert. Silence is golden!

Don’t Get too Relaxed

While you want to give off an air of confidence, don’t get cocky and start slouching in your chair during the interview. It’s wonderful to have a fluid, easy-going conversation with an interviewer, but if you are too much at ease, they might think that you don’t really care. Remain alert and engaged, appearing more eager than cozy.

Stay tuned for more interview “don’ts”, and make sure to brush up on your interview “do’s”. Now go get ‘em!

Until next time,

The Doostang Team

Tags: Advice, Doostang, interview, interview help, Interview tips, Job Market, Job Search, job tips, Mistakes

Doostang News May 24: How Much are YOU Worth? Tips for Answering the Salary Question

May 23

Posted by doostangkaitlin in Advice & Tips, Doostang News, Interviewing, Job Search | View Comments

Associate, New York, NY
Business Analyst, Los Angeles, CA
Investment Analyst, Boston, MA
VP Marketing, San Diego, CA
Equity Analyst – Middle East, Washington, DC

More jobs we think you’ll like…

When an interviewer asks you what your desired salary is, it can leave you a bit stumped. You don’t want to appear greedy and scare them off, but you also don’t want to sell yourself short. Perhaps you’re not even sure how much you can expect to be compensated for the position you are applying for. So where do you go from here?

One approach is to reply to the interviewer that you understand that the going rate for the position in the industry is somewhere around “x”. Or say that you are aware that the company pays between “y” and “z” for similar positions, and that you figured a salary for your job would fall somewhere between these numbers. This one requires some research, and ensures that you avoid sounding overly ambitious or like a complete pushover.

You can also inform the interviewer that you are making “x” amount of money currently, and that you are looking to improve upon that number. However, remember to add that you are focused on the position more than on the money, and that you are happy to consider another offer. This approach will put a little pressure on the hiring manager, but will also demonstrate that you are flexible and consider the job your first priority.

If you aren’t sure what sort of number you should throw out there, it’s okay to lob the ball back in the interviewer’s court in a pleasant way. Ask him or her what the company typically pays for similar positions, and then use this as a starting point to further discuss the matter, in terms of your current salary and your current needs. Don’t get too embroiled in negotiations yet, though - the time for that will be when you actually secure the job.

The trick with the salary question is to say as little as you can until the final stage of interviews, or until you’re pretty certain that you’ve snagged the job. If the company is really interested in you, the interaction surrounding this matter won’t feel as awkward, and you’ll have much more leverage in discussing it. The real strategy is to keep the emphasis as much on the job as you can, and then eventually come to a figure that both parties are happy with.

To a prosperous future,

The Doostang Team

Tags: Advice, Doostang, interview, Job Search, Salary question

Doostang News April 26: Outmanning the Weakness Question

Apr 24

Posted by doostangkaitlin in Advice & Tips, Doostang News, Interviewing, Job Search | View Comments

Investment Banking Associate, San Francisco, CA
Market Research Associate, New York, NY
Sr Private Equity Analyst, Philadelphia, PA
Management Consultant, Washington, DC
Strategy Analyst, London, UK

More jobs we think you’ll like…

Dear Perfectionists,

Answering interview questions disingenuously is easy to spot. And refusal to address zingers that force you to take a cold, hard look at yourself may imply hubris. So lose the fear, do some self-evaluation, and learn how to conquer everyone’s favorite “Weakness” question.

Employers are looking for stand-outs in the interview process. Knock-em-deads who bring new ideas to the table and address problems with creativity and confidence. Hence, the individual who answers an interview question with a cliché fails on that count. What’s that archaic exchange? The classic: “What’s your greatest weakness?” “I’m a perfectionist!” Readers, it’s going to get you nowhere. Hiring managers have been around the block far too many times to swallow that one anymore, and in this job market, you cannot risk throwing away an interview question like that.

Similarly, don’t come back with the insufferable, “I don’t have any”. You are human…you are fallible. Any person that self-absorbed is going to have only him or herself to answer to at the end of the day, because they’re not going to get the job.

The going advice on this one nowadays is to be honest. Now, that’s not to say that you can’t navigate this question tactfully. But when an interviewer asks you for information, it is your sole duty during that meeting to provide it.

That said, focus on a weakness that won’t doom your chances of scoring a job in the first place. You don’t want to mention how you are chronically late, and often let important meetings slip your mind. You also don’t want to bring up that you find it near impossible to get along with others, and have been known to get into office altercations. And steer clear of mentioning weaknesses that are irreconcilable with the job you are applying for, i.e. bringing up that you are terrible with numbers when you are interviewing for a job at a bank.

Think of something to say that’s genuine, but find a way to turn that weakness into a positive experience. Perhaps you tend to take on too many projects at once, sometimes to the detriment of the quality of your work, but you have recently taken to using a daily planner to keep you on track. Maybe you are shy, but in the past few months you have been making a better effort to network and reach out to organizations, coming out on the other end with a little more confidence.

Everyone has weaknesses. And countless people excel in their career. So it’s clear that weaknesses aren’t going to render you useless when it comes to taking up a new position at a company – and employers know that. So give some thought to this question before you walk into your next interview, and answer gracefully and honestly. Because in the end, how you answer the question says a lot about who you are.

Yours truly,

The Doostang Team

Tags: Advice, Doostang, Greatest Weakness, interview, Interview Questions, Job Search

Doostang News April 19: Overcoming the Phone Jitters

Apr 19

Posted by doostangkaitlin in Advice & Tips, Doostang News, Interviewing, Job Search | View Comments

VP – Mergers & Acquisitions, San Francisco, CA
Business Intern, New York, NY
Sr Investment Banking Associate, Boston, MA
Marketing Director, Los Angeles, CA
Private Equity Associate Intern, Chicago, IL

More jobs we think you’ll like…

Although many Americans are tethered to their cell phones, when given the opportunity, many opt for the non-verbal mode of communication. Whether we’re now rusty on our phone etiquette or speaking into the receiver was always just a little awkward, a lot of people simply feel uncomfortable when it comes to picking up and dialing. Lay down some stakes – such as an interview, a request for information, or a verbal follow-up thank you – and making a phone call can take a lot more courage than expected. But just relax, and read on for a few tips that might make the game of telephone just a little bit easier…

Make a Plan

One reason you’re probably terrified to make that call is because you think the dialogue is going to feel contrived; it will be filled with awkward pauses and the conversation will feel aimless. In order to avoid this feeling, plan out ahead of time what you’re going to say and what questions you’re going to ask. If you need to, write it down. You’ll often find that when you get into the swing of it, things will move along a lot more smoothly and you’ll shed your nervousness in no time.

Be Courteous

When you reach out to someone, first make sure that you’re doing so at a good time. Before you launch into conversation, first pause to make sure that the other person is able to speak. Also, remember to be polite. The person on the other line won’t have any body language to go off of, so make sure you use good manners and speak in a friendly tone. If you smile while you are speaking, you’ll automatically add warmth to your voice. When you do this, that other person is more likely to reciprocate and the conversation will feel much more comfortable.

Don’t Overthink It

While you may have written out a plan, when it comes to picking up and dialing, don’t make it a bigger deal than it is. The longer you sit there and stare at the keypad, the more you’re going to get worked up. Just pick up the phone, dial the number, and put it to your ear.

Get Pumped Up

Before you make an important phone call, do something that will get you excited and feeling more confident. Go on a run beforehand or listen to an upbeat song that you like. This will take your mind off of things and get you feeling a little more secure about everything.

Stand Up

If you stand up while you’re on the phone, you’ll have more energy. Standing up allows you to breathe better, which gets more oxygen going to your brain. You can also pace around the room at will, which can also keep you more in the zone. Go by the old adage that says, “Think on your feet”!

Reward Yourself

Tell yourself that no matter how the phone call goes, you’re going to go do something fun afterward. That way, you’ll have incentive to make the call in the first place, and you’ll begin to associate making important phone calls with positive outcomes in the future.

It’s no fun waiting by the telephone for an important phone call, and it’s even less fun waiting by the telephone while you work up the courage to actually make one. Just remember to feel more confident, have a little more forethought, and brush up on your phone etiquette and you’ll be good to go!

Goodbye for now,

The Doostang Team

Tags: Advice, Doostang, Job Search, Phone Interview

Doostang News April 5: What You Need to Know When You Walk Into an Interview

Apr 5

Posted by doostangkaitlin in Advice & Tips, Doostang News, Interviewing, Job Search | View Comments

Investment Analyst, SF Bay Area, CA
Director of Marketing, Boston, MA
Financial Analyst, New York, NY
Administrative Assistant, Los Angeles, CA
Sr Research Analyst, Chicago, IL

More jobs we think you’ll like…

Showing up to an interview requires possessing more than just that arsenal of resumes, business cards, and reference lists in your portfolio. There are also a few key things you need to know and be able to discuss with an interviewer come the big day – things that require a little bit of light studying, but that can do a world of good in pleading your case.

Know Your Background

This may seem obvious, but it’s so easy to freeze up and forget about the basics of your career history when you’re in the middle of an interview. On one hand, that’s why it’s great to have a copy of your resume in front of you, just in case you find yourself in one of these terrifying, awkward moments. However, suffice it to say, constantly referring to your resume doesn’t come off quite as well as confidence, preparation, and steady eye contact do. After all, if it’s on your resume, you’re expected to be able to discuss it. So take the time to go over your experiences and think of potential talking points. If you do this ahead of time, you’ll have a much smoother – and ultimately a much more successful – interview.

Know the Company

Surfing the web the night before your interview to find and memorize the “About” section of the company’s website is not enough. If you’re aiming to impress, figure out what the company is really all about. Read the mission statement, look for recent company appearances in the news, become familiar with sister companies or corporate brands. Firms want to hire individuals who can truly contribute something, and someone who knows the company is more capable of doing this. Convey a vested interest in the company, and let the interviewer know that once you’re brought on, you can spend less time learning the ropes and more time underscoring that “About” section.

Know the Position

Again, this is another one of those “you may think you know” topics, when in reality, you have a lot to learn. Knowing the position is about being acquainted with similar positions in the company, or similar positions at other companies. You should be familiar with the industry to which you are applying, and should know the ins and outs of the position itself, including duties, qualifications, and salary requirements. You should also consider how different aspects of your background compliment the job requirements. Finally, contemplate your goals, and how this position will fit into them or help you get closer to them. Really understand what it is that you’re going after, and hiring managers will be much more receptive to your pitch.

Understanding these key elements in a job search can really lay the foundation for a great interview. And while some may write these off as the “basics”, understanding the nuances of what you want and what you bring to the table can truly affect whether or not you ultimately land that dream job.

Happy hunting,

The Doostang Team

Tags: Advice, Doostang, interview, Job Search, Research

I Bombed the Phone Interview – Now What?

Mar 24

Posted by doostang in Advice & Tips, Interviewing, Job Search | View Comments

By Alesia Benedict, CPRW, JCTC GetInterviews.com

Trading Analyst, New York, NY
Research Analyst, Nationwide
Equity Research Associate Analyst, San Francisco, CA
Sales Assistant, Los Angeles, CA
Investment Analyst, Philadelphia, PA

More jobs we think you’ll like…

It had been one of those days. You know the kind when everything goes wrong. Murphy’s Law kicked in and just as you struggled to put out the latest fire, you received a call from a hiring manager or recruiter about a great job. The phone call is always the first interview and it is crucial. You knew that yet you were distracted and stressed.

The employer had already reduced the candidate pool to a select group and you made that group based on your resume. That day he was calling candidates for further elimination in order to whittle the group to a smaller number for face-to-face interviews. Unfortunately, that call came right when chaos broke loose in your world and you crashed and burned. What can you do to salvage the situation?

First, take a deep breath and get past the urge to kick yourself. Okay, so you blew it but it doesn’t have to stay a hopeless situation. Be proactive and take some steps to turn the situation around rather than indulge in self-pity. Attitude is everything! Here are some suggestions:

Eliminate distractions immediately. You weren’t ready for the call, yet you answered the phone anyway rather than letting it roll to voice mail. Whatever the distractions were when you hit the call button, get rid of them fast. You have a limited amount of time to rescue this situation and you need to get busy.
What questions did you not answer well? Think about it and jot down a few notes. Get your thoughts organized and think of what you should have said.
Get your resume in front of you. It’s your cheat sheet and it is also the document from which the hiring manager is working so you literally need to be “on the same page”. That also means knowing which version the employer is viewing. If you’ve sent multiple versions out for your job search, you should track those so you don’t look stupid by having to ask “Uh, which resume are you looking at?” in the interview.
Find a quiet place. If you have to go sit in your car so you don’t have screaming kids in the background (or whatever), do it. Get your mind in “professional business mode”, away from the more casual/crisis mindset.
Prepare a question about the company. You are trying to make a new impression, so you want to talk intelligently to the hiring manager or recruiter. This should not be a question about the JOB but about the company. Impress him/her with a question that shows you’ve done your research and have a serious interest where the company is concerned.

You need to do these things very quickly after hanging up from the disastrous initial phone call because you want to call the hiring manager back and try to salvage the situation as soon as possible. Once you are ready, call the recruiter or hiring manager back. This is how you will approach the call:

“Hi Joe? John Smith here. We just spoke and I wanted to give you a quick call back to apologize for my distraction. Unfortunately, a crisis meeting (or whatever) had my focus at the moment. I was excited to get your call, but I should have rescheduled for a better time. ABC Industries interests me and you got my attention. My poor impression concerns me, especially when you asked me about XYZ (this is the question you bombed). A second opportunity to respond to that would be great. I also have some questions about the new product launch going on there at ABC Industries (this will pertain to the question about the company). Can we reschedule and let me take another run at answering your questions?”

You can also leave this as a voice mail in case you don’t get through. The point is you are being proactive. Your goals are to admit you weren’t up to your best which demonstrates character; acknowledge your poor response to a question; show your interest in the company; and request a second interview. Since 99.9% of the other candidates won’t go this far, you will immediately have an edge. You will be “the one who called back”. It will be an additional checkmark in the positive column for your candidacy and may well make the difference in getting you passed on to the next round of interviews.

About the Author:

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