Did you mention the layoff in your resume or cover letter? Experts say you should not. You can always mention it once you are asked. If there is a sizeable gap in your resume, answer that gap with something constructive such as, you took classes, did some volunteer work, or helped your parent when he/she got out of the hospital. Answers that are honest are good, but don't give it too much time; mention it as part of downsizing. It may not even come up, but if they want to do a phone interview, then you have to be familiar with what you sent them. After all, if they are going to pay you $100K, then, you first need to determine if you are worth it, and then go on to determine if they are going to find you worth it.
You need to constantly analyze if you appear qualified, on paper, for a $100K job. Here are some tips regarding your resume and cover letter:
- Open with a personal ''branding'' sentence that identifies you as someone they need, For example, ''I specialize in corporate turnarounds, major sales increases, and newest technology'' — let them know in one or two sentences what is special about you.
- Don't leave too many major employment gaps. Maybe, instead of months, use years for employment duration. If you went back to school, say so, in a positive manner. You may even say that you wanted to further your career knowledge, or change your field, or become a consultant, etc.
- If you are changing careers, say why you are doing so, what motivated you to do so, and what knowledge you have of the new field you want to pursue. Don't make any negative comments about the past or past employers, put it across as a positive desire.
If you have landed a phone interview; (to save gas and time for both parties, to see if you are qualified for that $100K job), then you are among the chosen few at this stage in the game. Obviously, your resume and cover letter made it worth their time to pursue investigating you more. Many people make the mistake of thinking this is much better than meeting them in person. That is a wrong perception, as there are secret things they are looking for and there are signals that you cannot pick up on phone, such as facial expressions, body language, etc.
Some major things to keep in mind on a phone interview:
- Since they can't see you, you need to have a smile on your face and that will come through in your voice. When I was in sales, my trainer gave us each little desk mirrors, (that I still have over ten years later), saying that if you are smiling when you are talking on the phone, they will hear it in your voice. You are not sitting in front of them, so you have to give some personality over the phone.
- Speak naturally, sound positive and excited about their company, and tell them what you can do for them and how you can be a real positive team player or leader. If they are planning on paying $100K for this job, they don't want to hire somebody who doesn't fit into their culture or company. It helps if you have researched the company and what they do, so that you can speak confidently.
- Listen carefully to what the interviewer is asking you. Sometimes, they may fire two questions at you; your response should clearly say ''to answer your first question,'' then, ''to answer your second question.'' It may be a test to see if you picked up on it, so be sure you have listened carefully.
- Practice your phone interview if you can. If you are nervous, call a friend, and ask what should you say if they ask you about your layoff, etc. If you have practiced, it will make you feel more confident.
If you have made it up to this point, they have some interest in what you have said on paper, or on the phone, and now they want to size you up in person; they are thinking of paying you $100K, so you need to be prepared. This is still a classic part of getting the job.
- Dress the part. If they are going to pay you $100K, they expect you to look that way versus a mid-level manager. Men should wear a business suit with cuff links and women should wear a nice, pantsuit or classy, business skirt suit.
- Be on time for the interview, if you have to leave home two hours early to allow for traffic, flat tires, car problems, then do that. They want a prepared leader if they are going to pay $100K, not somebody who doesn't know that traffic is always tied up on that freeway, or needs new tires.
- Turn off your cell phone. What's more important than talking to your future employer? Another job, your wife, who can't live without you when you leave your house, or your friend? Are they going to pay you $100K? That is what they are thinking, so turn it off.
- Be confident, keep your posture up, and use open body language to build rapport.
