 |
"The combination of T.J.'s business acumen, career/life counseling, and long-term vision are invaluable in this economic climate. T.J. is the type of teacher, advisor, and business partner that every business professional needs." M.S. Director of Operations and Finance — Industrial Manufacturing
More from our clients 
"I have been very impressed with the professionalism and expertise of Centennial, in the way they listen to their clients needs and have the ability to find the type of talent my organization is seeking. I have rarely come across talent searchers that genuinely want to understand the needs of the clients through a series of well prepared questions and can convert that into win-win results. Mike Jr. is enjoyable and sociable individual and I would not think twice about asking Mike and his firm to do more searches for us." R.C. Vice President of Sales — Consumer Package Goods
More from our clients
"It's really simple...Trust, Integrity and Expertise. Whenever there is a recruiting, search, talent or business adviser needed, I personally turn to Mike at Centennial because I trust him, he is a man of integrity and has exceptional expertise." D.D. President — Marketing Communications
More from our clients
"From the initial contact throughout the entire process, Centennial was top-notch in identifying our needs and then meeting them. The process and interactions were consistently positive, professional and enjoyable. Consequently, the next search assignment will begin with Mike & Centennial." D.B. Human Resources Director — Consumer Package Goods
More from our clients
"As Vice President of Supply Chain, I have had the pleasure of working with Mike Sipple Jr. on several assignments that required professionalism, compassion, and confidentiality. Mike and team have exceeded our expectations in all categories. Mike has proven to be a great resource and partner when called on for general questions regarding topics related to human resource trends." M.L. Vice President of Supply Chain — Distribution
More from our clients
"Mike is a detailed professional recruiter and talent coach. Mike communicates clearly and timely, and maintains a high degree of patience with his clients as they identify the right candidate for the position to be filled. Mike maintains a high level of ethics and professionalism." D.C. President — Industrial Manufacturing
More from our clients
"I've worked with Mike in several capacities, most recently when he recruited me into a new marketing management position at my current company. Very professional, open, and helpful; good sounding-board. I highly recommend him. Additionally, I've had a mutually beneficial professional relationship with Centennial (not as an employee) for nearly 15 years." B.P. Marketing Manager — Transportation Services
More from our clients
"Centennial's genuine interest in both candidate and employer, and ensuring a good match between them shines through. It does not end with job placement. Three years later, Mike Sipple Jr. and the team still display an active interest in my career and personal growth. I regard the Centennial team as friends and partners." B.D. Director Corporate Services — Global Communications
More from our clients
"Centennial has always impressed us as a creative hard working partner of clients AND as an organization of impeccable character. It is rare for one to work w/ persons who have a level of conscientious and humble attitude AND gifted talent for their profession. I would trust the Team @ Centennial with any aspect of my business or life as well as hire their organization for any mission critical talent acquisition issue or opportunity." M.F. Chief Executive Officer — Corporate Consulting
More from our clients
"I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your guidance and leadership throughout my career transition. I admit I was apprehensive when first introduced to the idea of using a career coach, but after our first session I knew that I had made the right decision. I needed a person that could give me direction, coaching and accountability, but most of all needed to know that someone was on my side. I not only accomplished my goal of a career in a new field, I also feel that I gained a friend."
More from our clients
"I would recommend to anyone who is struggling in their job campaign to enlist the help of you and your associates. You are very knowledgeable and up-to-date about the job market; you are professional, yet personable; and you are patient and understanding towards the frustrations we deal with as job seekers. If I had to do it over again, I would have called you sooner…much sooner!"
More from our clients
"The challenge you helped me most with involved showing myself in the broadest terms possible. As a professional pilot and manager of aviation operations, I had difficulty communicating the breadth of my experience and allowing others to see me in a way that would be valuable to their organizations. Once you identified my strengths and experience in information technology, team leadership, process improvement and training, a whole world of opportunities emerged. Your coaching during the offer/negotiation process enabled me to leverage this opportunity to maximum financial compensation."
More from our clients
"The point you make of networking to find the unadvertised positions is right on track. Developing a target list of companies and than utilizing a methodical approach to network into these organizations really works. I will always be grateful for your assistance and could not have succeeded without it."
More from our clients
"This letter is to express my sincere thanks and appreciation to Mike Lynch for his tremendous contribution to the success of my campaign. His dedication, professionalism, knowledge, and encouragement were a constant source of positive reinforcement, which always managed to keep me focused on the objective. Mike’s logical approach to career search challenges and friendly, professional coaching enabled me to establish a solid foundation of incremental successes on which to build. It was these successes that validated the effectiveness of Mike’s methods and served as the motivating force in my campaign. This week I accepted a new management level position in a completely unrelated industry, with a salary increase of nearly 25%. Thank you Mike!"
More from our clients
"I want to take a few moments to thank you for your assistance in my job campaign. It is like a jungle out there, and, fortunately, you were my guide. I soon realized that working hard in your career search does not always mean quick and definite results. It depends on what you know about today’s job market and of the proven tactics that will make a difference. That’s where you came in, Mike. The tools you gave me made the difference."
More from our clients
|
|
|
|
Mike Sipple, Sr. President
Centennial, Inc.
Q: What are the top three challenges facing leaders today?
View his answer >
Mike Sipple, Sr. President
Centennial, Inc.
Q: What's next after we get good candidates in the door?
View his answer >
Mike Sipple, Sr. President
Centennial, Inc.
Q: How do we attract the best talent that will be successful in our company?
View his answer >
Mike Sipple, Sr. President
Centennial, Inc.
Q: What should be included in a job requisition to ensure that we get highly qualified applicants?
View his answer >
T.J. Bugg
Vice President
Centennial, Inc.
Q: What are the top three challenges facing leaders today?
View his answer >
T.J. Bugg
Vice President
Centennial, Inc.
Q: What's the best way to find the "needle in the haystack" when we get hundreds of resumes for every job posting?
View his answer >
T.J. Bugg
Vice President
Centennial, Inc.
Q: How can we ensure we're spending time with the "right" candidates?
View his answer >
T.J. Bugg
Vice President
Centennial, Inc.
Q: How can companies benefit from partnering with us, even with internal corporate recruiters?
View his answer >
T.J. Bugg
Vice President
Centennial, Inc.
Q: What are the top three challenges facing leaders today?
View his answer >
T.J. Bugg
Vice President
Centennial, Inc.
Q: As a job seeker, how can I differentiate from the masses?
View his answer >
T.J. Bugg
Vice President
Centennial, Inc.
Q: How can we attract people who will be successful in our company?
View his answer >
T.J. Bugg
Vice President
Centennial, Inc.
Q: When evaluating multiple job offers, how can I decipher which is the best one for me?
View his answer >
T.J. Bugg
Vice President
Centennial, Inc.
Q: What should be included in a job requisition to get highly qualified candidates?
View his answer >
T.J. Bugg
Vice President
Centennial, Inc.
Q: Should a job description double as the job requisition?
View his answer >
Mike Sipple, Jr.
Vice President
Centennial, Inc.
Q: What are the top three challenges facing leaders today?
View his answer >
Mike Sipple, Jr.
Vice President
Centennial, Inc.
Q: How can we find the "best" people for our company?
View his answer >
Mike Sipple, Jr.
Vice President
Centennial, Inc.
Q: How can we encourage "A" talent to choose our company?
View his answer >
Mike Sipple, Jr.
Vice President
Centennial, Inc.
Q: Should we try to hire talent on our own before engaging a recruitment firm?
View his answer >
Mike Sipple, Jr.
Vice President
Centennial, Inc.
Q: Why should you partner with a recruitment firm if you have in-house recruiting?
View his answer >
Mike Sipple, Jr.
Vice President
Centennial, Inc.
Q: As a job seeker, how can I differentiate myself from the masses?
View his answer >
Mike Sipple, Jr.
Vice President
Centennial, Inc.
Q: How can I be enthusiastic in my job search without appearing desperate?
View his answer >
Mike Sipple, Jr.
Vice President
Centennial, Inc.
Q: How can a Career Coach help me in my transition?
View his answer >
Mike Lynch
Vice President
Centennial, Inc.
Q: As a job seeker, how can I stand out from the crowd?
View his answer >
Mike Lynch
Vice President
Centennial, Inc.
Q: Networking. Everyone is doing it. Do you know how to be strategic about it?
View his answer >
Mike Lynch
Vice President
Centennial, Inc.
Q: What are some effective resume tips that will help get me noticed?
View his answer >
Mike Lynch
Vice President
Centennial, Inc.
Q: When evaluating multiple job offers, how can I decipher which is the best choice for me?
View his answer >
|
|
|
 |
Career Management Resources
Telephone Interview Preparation
Employers use telephone interviews as a way of identifying and recruiting candidates for employment. Phone interviews are often used to screen candidates in order to narrow the pool of applicants who will be invited for in-person interviews. They are also used as way to minimize the expenses involved in interviewing out-of-town candidates.
While you're actively job searching, it's important to be prepared for a phone interview on a moments notice. You never know when a recruiter or a networking contact might call and ask if you have a few minutes to talk.
Be Prepared
Prepare for a phone interview just as you would for a regular interview. Compile a list of your strengths and weaknesses, as well as a list of answers to typical interview questions. In addition, plan on being prepared for a phone conversation about your background and skills.
- Keep your resume in clear view, on the top of your desk, or tape it to the wall near the phone, so it's at your fingertips when you need to answer questions.
- Have a short list of your accomplishments available to review.
- Have a pen and paper handy for note taking.
- Turn call-waiting off so your call isn't interrupted.
- If the time isn't convenient, ask if you could talk at another time and suggest some alternatives.
- Clear the room - evict the kids and the pets. Turn off the stereo and the TV. Close the door.
Practice
Talking on the phone isn't as easy as it seems. I've always found it's helpful to practice. Have a friend or family member conduct a mock interview and tape record it so you can see how you sound over the phone. Any cassette recorder will work. You'll be able to hear your "ums" and "uhs" and "okays" and you can practice reducing them from your conversational speech. Also rehearse answers to those typical questions you'll be asked.
During the Phone Interview
- Don't smoke, chew gum, eat, or drink.
- Keep a glass of water handy, in case you need to wet your mouth.
- Smile. Smiling will project a positive image to the listener and will change the tone of your voice.
- Speak slowly and enunciate clearly. – But make it natural!
- Use the person's title (Mr. or Ms. and their last name.) Only use a first name if they ask you to.
- Don't interrupt the interviewer. Be a good listener.
- Take your time - it's perfectly acceptable to take a moment or two to collect your thoughts.
- Give short answers.
- Remember your goal is to set-up a face-to-face interview. After you thank the interviewer ask if it would be possible to meet in person.
After the Phone Interview:
- Take notes about what you were asked and how you answered.
- Remember to say "thank you." Follow with a thank you note which reiterates your interest in the job.
Awaiting the Call
There are several things you can do to prepare for a phone interview. For an unexpected contact:
- Tape your resume to a wall in view of the phone. It will be there for the call and will be a constant reminder for your job search.
- Keep all of your employer research materials within easy reach of the phone.
- Have a notepad handy to take notes.
- Keep a mirror nearby (you will see why in the next few pages).
If the phone interview will occur at a set time, there are additional steps you can take:
- Place a "Do Not Disturb" note on your door.
- Turn off your stereo, TV, and any other potential distraction.
- Warm up your voice while waiting for the call. Sing an uplifting song to yourself.
- Have a glass of water handy, since you will not have a chance to take a break during the call.
- Speaking of breaks, if your phone interview is at a set time, make sure you answer nature's call first.
- Turn off call waiting on your phone.
- Keep your mind focused on your phone call. Remove all distractions from you line of sight.
The Open and Available Technique
You have a major advantage in a phone interview which does not exist in a face-to-face interview. Namely, that you cannot be seen. Use this to your advantage.
Have all of your materials on yourself and the employer open and available on your desk as you are speaking on the phone. This includes not only your resume, but also a "cheat sheet" of compelling story subjects which you would like to introduce. It can also include a "cheat sheet" about the employer, including specific critical points describing the employer and their products.
As I am speaking with you on the other end of the phone, I have no idea that you are actually being prompted from a document as you are speaking. All I can hear is a well-informed, well-prepared interviewee. Keep in mind that this preparation is not "cheating" at all. It is preparation, pure and simple.
So have your materials open and available when you are preparing for a phone interview. They are there to support you and enhance your value to the employer, who will greatly respect your ability to answer questions with focus and meaningful content.
The Stand and Deliver Technique
Here is a simple technique to increase the enthusiasm and positive image that you project over the telephone: stand up. Whenever you are talking with a potential employer on the phone, stand up. It gets your blood flowing, improves your posture, and improves your response time.
It's interesting to note that many telemarketing companies have come to realize that standing can actually improve their sales, so they often provide the telemarketers with hands-free headsets that allow them to stand and pace back and forth. It helps give an action perspective to an otherwise passive activity. So apply this same technique to improve your telephone presence.
The Vanity Technique
When I was in college I had a roommate who enjoyed flexing his muscles in the mirror. He could do it for hours at a time. A little vain? Well, I am going to ask you to do the same thing (except leave out the flexing muscles part). In prep for a telephone interview (or any telephone contact), make sure that you have a mirror within view. Why? Because I want you to look into that mirror consistently throughout the phone call. And smile. You will improve your telephone presence 110 percent just by using this simple technique. You will find yourself coming across much friendlier, more interested, and more alert. If you are at all self-conscious about seeing yourself in the mirror, you can use the mirror as an occasional checkpoint. But for most of us, seeing oneself reflected back gives us the kind of feedback necessary to make instant modification toward a more positive presence.
Remember, you are standing, so a wall mirror usually works best. You can pick up a small wall mirror for a limited amount of cash. It's worth it.
Try it the next time you are on the phone. But don't do it with your roommate around.
DOs and DON'Ts of Phone Interviews
- When in job-hunting mode, don't have a disproportionately silly or long greeting on your answering machine or voicemail.
- Do ensure that household members understand the importance of phone messages in your job search.
- Do know what job you are interviewing for.
- Do practice, if possible. Have a friend call you to do a mock phone interview so you get the feel of being interviewed over the phone.
- When being interviewed by phone, do make sure you are in a place where you can read notes, take notes, and concentrate.
- If you cannot devote enough time to a phone interview, do suggest a specific alternate time to the recruiter. It's often best to be the one who calls back so you can be mentally prepared.
- Do consider keeping some note cards or an outline in front of you to remind yourself of key points you want to cover with the interviewer. You don't want your responses to sound scripted, but you don't want to fumble for important points either. Do also have your resume in front of you so you can remember highlights of your experience and accomplishments.
- Do ensure that you can hear and are being clearly heard.
- Do consider standing when being interviewed on the phone. Some experts say you'll sound more professional than if you're slouching in an easy chair.
- Do consider dressing nicely for the phone interview. It may sound silly since the interviewer can't see you, but you really will project a more professional image if you're dressed for the part instead of wearing, for example, a ratty bathrobe.
- Don't feel you have to fill in the silences. If you've completed a response, but the interviewer hasn't asked his or her next question, don't start babbling just to fill in airtime. Instead, ask a question of your own related to your last response.
- Do create a strong finish to your phone interview with thoughtful questions.
- Don't panic if you have special needs. If you are hearing-impaired, for example, phone interviews are still possible.
- Don't snuffle, sneeze or cough. If you can't avoid these behaviors, say "excuse me."
- Don't chew gum or food or drink anything noisy.
Download this as a PDF
today to discuss how Centennial
can add value to your efforts.
Reach Centennial directly at 513.366.3760.
|
|
|
