So you were lucky enough to get a call back about the promotion you applied for a couple days prior.  How do you portray yourself to help secure the position and prove you are the right candidate for the job?

Firstly, start off by getting used to answering calls from unknown numbers.  Marketing companies posting jobs in your area often are not located nearby; therefore, you will probably see some unfamiliar area codes.  Pick up the call, stating your name first, for example, “Hello Daniel speaking”.   This helps the staffer know right away that they have reached the correct person.  They will most likely introduce themselves very politely and ask, “How are you?” ALWAYS say “great” and follow up by asking them the same thing.  Nine out of ten times they will then ask, “Is now a good time?”  If it is, respond “Yes, right now is perfect”, if not say, “I’m very sorry, but I’m busy at the moment” and then provide them with the soonest possible time you can call them back (within a few hours at most!).

The rest is up to you and the caller, but remember to always speak clearly, answer all their questions in a confident and courteous manner, use good grammar and show energy.  They want to see that you can answer questions on-the-fly and formulate your response in a positive and effective manner, because that’s exactly what you’ll be doing on the job.

Most calls just last a few minutes.  Before ending the conversation, say “Thank you so much for your call, and I very much look forward to hopefully working with you soon” or something to that effect.

Here are some more helpful tips:

-Know off-hand any experiences where you went above and beyond the call of duty.  This question is asked frequently.

-Any management experience?  Let them know!

-Play up your qualifications as to why you should be picked, i.e. you’re bilingual, know the area where the promotion will be very well, have quality people you know that you can call if they need more individuals to work, etc.