Job search expert Marco Cepeda has studied interviewing and coaches job seekers all over the country on being successful in interviews. The following is a question that recently came in to his site along with his response:

QUESTION:
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I've got a 30 minute phone interview coming up, and I was interested in some pointers. I am transitioning into a new field that I have a masters in but lack work experience. Do you have any suggestions on how I can emphasize my academic work (such as projects) since I don't have any "real world" experience?

Thanks,
Aaron


ANSWER:
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On the phone, time is of the essence, so small talk needs to be kept to a minimum. The same rules I teach still apply, but it may be more difficult to exercise "control" of the interview. You can however, be more curious and enthusiastic, since this is your first intro to the company.

Remember, I've had the same success over the phone as in person, with the same tactics. I've taught others and they have the same experience. The key is to test the interviewing tactics on them in a small way at first, and see how they respond.

When a situation like yours comes up, where you are interviewing for a position you are supposedly not "qualified" for, have them convince THEMSELVES that you may be qualified.

**That way it's their idea, not yours. People (including recruiters) tend to be more receptive to their own ideas than other peoples' ideas.**

EXAMPLE:

YOU: So, I have skills in X, but your position specifically "requires" Y.

Company: That's right.

YOU: So I'm curious... knowing that, what made you want to interview me in the first place? Is there a specific reason that came to mind why I'm here right now?

If they answer this question, they are selling you on YOU. If they can't answer it, then they just wasted your time and you should move on to the next interview. It happens.

The lesson here is you should not wait for the recruiter to "qualify" you first. I explain this concept in more detail in my e-book.

Marco's BetterJobsNow e-book covers interviewing tactics like this in more depth. He shows job seekers how to use time-proven sales techniques including psychology in order to take control of interviews and present yourself to recruiters in the best possible way. He also covers strategies for training yourself to deal with rejection better so you are better able to stay motivated when looking for a new job.
For more information about his e-book course or to order it online, please click here.


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