Ask The Headhunter Home Page
Ask The Headhunter Home Page
More about Nick's book...

frequently asked questions about

Interviews
Interview
Topics including:
Getting in the door
Waiting to hear
On the phone
Interviews without resumes
Top 10 Stupid Interview Questions
Thank you notes
Back to FAQ Categories

Q  "On the phone"
I am going into a telephone pre-screen interview before this company decides to fly me to their headquarters. I have read your book and I am concerned how I begin this process. I am ready to start demonstrating that I can do this job. I do not have enough information about the interviewer to determine their comfort level. Should I react 'normally' during this interview or should I try and divert conversation to how I would do the job?

A  First of all, you can only do this on the phone with the hiring manager, not with HR.

Second, never "divert" a conversation -- not on the phone, and not in person. "Guide" is more like it. It takes a little finesse, and a little diplomacy. If you're unsure how to bring it up, ask the interviewer, "Would you like me to give you an idea of how I'd tackle this job?" Then take the interviewer's lead, especially if you're on the phone.

If you don't know anything about the interviewer, let them take the lead in the discussion, then at a comfortable point ask what brought him or her to this company, and what it is about their current project that they find challenging. This is a good way to steer the discussion toward the work.

Not all managers feel comfortable with candidates who are ready to show their stuff. You have to make them feel it's their choice to let you do this. So be gentle. If you're talking with a good manager, they'll give you some room.

Remember: never come off like a know-it-all, or like someone who thinks s/he's going to step in and "take over". Take it slow. Show what you can do "with permission", and then ask the manager for their feedback. For example, once you've done your demo, ask "How would you approach this work if you were the new employee?"

I wish you the best.

The Headhunter

 

The contents of this site are Copyright (c) 1995-2015 North Bridge Group LLC.
All rights reserved. This material is for personal use only. Republication and redissemination, including posting to news groups, is expressly prohibited without prior written consent. Ask The Headhunter, Fearless Job Hunting, the ATH logo and other ATH titles are trademarks or registered trademarks of North Bridge Group LLC and Nick A. Corcodilos.

User agreement, legal information and disclaimer.

Visit the Ask The Headhunter Blog and sign up for your free subscription to the weekly Ask The Headhunter Newsletter.

We welcome comments and
suggestions. Please email to
Ask The Headhunter.