By Norman Fraley Jr., distance learning manager for Kelly Scientific Resources
 
 

If you thought the job search and resume optimization process was hard, just wait until you get to the next step—coming face-to-face with the manager of the job of your dreams. Here are some insights to help you succeed in one of the most frightening parts of the interview process.

 Let us imagine that you have already been successful in your bid to be considered for a new position. The resume filter process left your C.V. on the desk of the right person! This is no small thing and is certainly cause for celebration. Then it happens—someone at the company actually calls the telephone number that you put on the top of the C.V.

 As with the resume-filtering process (please read COLUMN: The Research Resume—Optimizing Yours To Fit The Hiring Process), there are two scenarios that can occur with the interview: A) Human Resources (HR) lets the lab manager handle the interview process, or B) HR controls everything.

 Scenario A—HR lets the lab manager handle the interview process.
Often this begins with a call from a secretary or administrative assistant. Through this call, you learn that the resume found its way to the right pile. Typically, this is just a "hello" and an attempt to set up a time for a telephone interview. The lab manager wants to know if you are still available (because it has probably been several months since you sent your resume in) and if you are still interested in the position.

 If you are like most people, your trusty answering machine receives the message. This is a good time to point out a useful technique seldom used by employment seekers.

 Technique #1: Put a custom message on your answering machine telling callers that you are still looking for work, and mention an alternate telephone number where you can be reached. This does two things for you. First, the administrative assistant can now jot the number down and call you right away. Second, it lets everyone who calls you know that you are looking for a new job.

 This is networking, folks, in its simplest form. Your phone becomes another advertising venue for you to let others know that you are on the job market. If you are trying to conduct your search in secret, you can still use this technique—just be more subtle in the way that you phrase your voicemail message. Simply leave your alternate contact information on the machine.

 Technique #2: Call them back. Now. Right Now. Even if it's 9 PM, call back as soon as you get the message. If you reach their voice mail, leave your own message and set a date and time for the actual interview. This will help to ensure that the next call you hear from them is either an interview call or a commitment to another date and time. This shows them that you are prompt and have a can-do attitude.

 Whether you get voice mail or a live person, make sure that your voice conveys, "I'm glad you called. You are lucky, I happen to be available to speak with you right away." Of course, you shouldn't use these exact words, but make sure that the words that you do choose place urgency into the situation. Remember that the lab manager has been without the authorized help for months. He or she is really hurting for help and wants this lengthy process to be over.

 To learn more of Norm's tips and to hear about Scenario B—HR controls everything in the interview process, please read "COLUMN: Optimizing Your Job Interview Part II." This will be posted on Laboratory Network.com on January 11.

 Please send comments or questions to columnist Norman Fraley at nfraley@verticalnet.com. Managing editor Laura Vandendorpe can be reached via e-mail at lvandendorpe@vertical.net.