the phone interview
Today I had a phone interview (a reallyyyy important interview) and much to my surprise, it really wasn’t too bad (at least I think hope so). I did what was suggested by an earlier post here on this blog. I woke up early, took a shower, got dressed and made breakfast. Now, I know this may not seem like a big deal, but since this was a phone interview, I could have easily just crawled out of bed in my pajamas and answered the phone. The fact is, this basic preparation cleared my head from the night before when I was all out of sorts, gathering my notes and stressing about the interview.
I remember my last phone interview and it was disastrous. I had a class at Temple Ambler and was in the passenger’s seat of my friend’s car driving from the main campus. Error #1: I did not designate the best time with the interviewer. The phone rings and I am nervous. I only had my resume with me in the car and nothing else. Error #2: I did not compile a list of notes and questions before the interview. I remember seeing my friend’s face as he was driving. Although he was respectfully quiet, he just being present for my interview just made me more nervous as well as distracted. Error #3: I was not alone during my interview. Also, being in a moving car with the changing scenery and all, does not help a person focus. I don’t really remember the entire interview, but I do remember a string of long pauses and uhh’s and ummms on my end. Error #4: Please don’t uh or um. If you need more time to think and make a clear, intelligent answer, politely ask the interviewer for a moment to gather your thoughts.
I’m pretty sure there were more errors in that interview that I am forgetting. Live and learn… I’m glad I went through a horrible interview before the interview today for a great internship. Great is an understatement.
My phone rang shortly after I ended today’s phone interview and it was another potential employer. I’m scheduled to meet with her in person next week.
We shall see how that goes…
Jena joined the CSPD as the Assistant Director of Recruitment and Professional Development with over 4 years career services experience including a background in corporate recruiting. She is excited to work collaboratively with the Fox School students regarding career search strategies and hopes students gain some additional insight into the job search through “Opportunity Knocks”.
The token recent grad, I just finished in May 2008 with a BBA in Marketing and International Business. I worked hard and was way more involved than my schedule should've permitted, but I made it through and it paid off. I'm now taking on a consulting position with a large multi-national firm here in Philadelphia. I'm going to be blogging about what I did to get here, life now that I'm here, and what I'm trying to get out of the so-called real world.
I'm graduating in 2010, majoring in entrepreneurship, though by no means am I waiting till then to start my own business. Through this blog I'm hoping to let students see how easy it is to get a job, and looking forward to having more Temple students join me in the next wave of Philly Entrepreneurs!
I plan on graduating in January 2009 with a degree in marketing. I am the definition of a music junkie. Maybe you and I will discover what I want to do after graduation (and the rest of my life) on this blog. Kind of scary if you think about it, but I'm hopeful. =)
May 22nd, 2008 at 3:42 pm
Abby, that is wonderful news! Congrats on your interviews and good luck in the next one! Glad the post helped