Yvette Cooper seems to have dropped any softly-softly approach to reforming the British labour market and dropped a big one on the business community, not least the business secretary Lord Mandelson.

Combined with yesterday’s announcement of the 3 month paternity leave, the right for everyone to ‘ask’ for flexible working arrangements clearly defines a new approach to Britain’s labour market in favour of lifestyle/family versus money/working hours. HR departments around the country are staring teary-eyed at the mountain of paperwork that awaits.

Is this a reaction to cuddly Cameron’s ‘broken Britain’? Legislation that will allow Britain’s families to be families rather than chasing the mighty £ at the cost family time. Who cares? If Cooper pulls it off it will finally tip the scales in favour of families.

No longer will parents be the only ones that can claim flexible work – it’ll be a level playing field. If you don’t want flextime, as a non-parent, don’t have it. But it is there if you want it and that makes all the difference in the subtle hierarchies of the workplace. Before parents had something the others didn’t, now they can choose to use what everyone has the option to use. Big difference.

This is Cooper’s email, whether you’re a Brit or not send her a message of support. She’s going up against small-minded business and the Dark Lord himself, she’s going to need it.

BTW – this is the second day in a row I’ve big’d up a labour minister, it won’t become a habit, I promise.

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• Good Britain Vs. Equal Britain (online.wsj.com)
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The recruitment process is all about finding the one perfect candidate among the basket full of candidates. The phone interview has become a popular, flexible, inexpensive and speedy way of finding that one person:

Preparing for a Phone Interview

Before you begin your phone interview make sure that you are confident in your understanding of the position you are applying for and the company you are applying with. Do extra homework on the company’s history and research recent company news. Preparation is the key and will make a great impression on your interviewers.

Prepare your Interview location. Make sure you’re in a comfortable place with no distractions. Keep your resume in clear view, have a pen and pad to take notes and a glass of water sitting close by. Minimize any outside distractions that could potentially take your mind off the interview (HOT TIP: Disable call waiting on your phone). Dress the part so you feel and sound professional. The more professional you feel the more professional you will come across on the telephone.

Most importantly – Practice Interviewing. Rehearse and Practice. There are many ways to help you prepare for the telephone interview. Have a friend/ family member conduct an interview. Ideally, rehearse with someone from the same industry. The best way to hear how you sound is to tape yourself. Remember the more preparation you put into the interview the better prepared you will be.

Preparation is the key! Write down answers to questions you believe are going to be asked. Have questions ready to go so when the interviewer says ‘Do you have any questions to ask us’ you’re ready and prepared.

What to do during the phone interview:

• Remember to Smile. Experts say that smiling puts you in a better state of mind and will project a positive image to the listener
• Speak in a steady voice. Don’t rush what you’re trying to say. Ensure that you sound enthusiastic and passionate
• Don’t forget to breathe. It will help you stay calm and sound more relaxed
• LISTEN – Answer the questions which are being asked. Do not make the mistake of telling the interviewer what you want to tell them. Give them the answers to their questions.
• Keep a glass of water handy – Nothing is worse than having a dry mouth
• Address the interviewer in the appropriate way. Do not shorten people’s name. They are your potential employer not your ‘mate’
• Take your time – Don’t rush the interview. This is your time to shine. If your feeling nervous take a moment or two to collect your thoughts
• Cheat Notes. Prepare beforehand with notes to help drive you through the interview. If the interview is going to be technical then have notes ready to prompt yourself if needed
• Don’t forget to ask questions

What NOT to do during the interview:

• Do not eat
• Do not chew gum
• Do not drink
• DO NOT SMOKE
• Don’t interrupt the interviewer
• Don’t answer with just a ‘yes’ and ‘no’ - elaborate your answers, provide examples if applicable
• Don’t be too Casual/informal
• Long winded answers to questions

Conclusion:

The only way to master a phone interview is to practice, be professional, and show your passion for the job role. Remember you have made the phone interview stage so don’t blow your interview by not being ready.

Good luck!

Gavin Davis is the owner of RedStarResume and one of the hiremyparents experts – hmp members can take advantage of his very special and very limited offer here

Telephone Interview Technique

Related articles …

• Better Talking Lets You Practice And Review for Interviews [Interview] (lifehacker.com)
• How To Ace a Telephone Interview and Get the Job (howcast.com)
• Thank You Letter After Interview (slideshare.net)