Author: Madison Fraitag

How to Make an Awesome First Impression Over a Phone Interview

First impressions are everything, and the struggle to put your best foot forward is never more real than during job interviews.

And while all job interviews can be intimidating, phone interviews can often be the most daunting of them all. After all, how do you know you’re making a good impression if you can’t physically see your interviewer? How will you pick up on facial cues and body language? How can you seem prepared without reading notes? If you’re not sure, here are several key things that’ll help you ace that phone interview.

1. Start Strong

Since you won’t be able to make a physical first impression, you need to kill it on your vocal one. Answer the phone confidently as if you’re expecting it to be your future employer. Have a brief yet effective introduction for yourself prepared and let them know right off the bat that you are ready for this interview.

For example, if you were to be interviewing for a job at WayUp you could say “Hi [name of interviewer], I am thrilled to have the opportunity to speak with you about becoming a [position] at WayUp!” This tells the interviewer that you know what you want, and you’re enthusiastic.

2. Do Your Homework

This should be a basic rule of thumb for any interview, but being prepared to talk shop with a phone interviewer can be even more challenging. In person, you can observe an office and make conversation based on the environment. In this case, any conversation you make needs to be planned.

However, not being in a physical office offers you an advantage: You can keep notes on hand about important aspects of a company and the position. While you still don’t want to read off of what you wrote, you may get a couple of cues you wouldn’t otherwise get during an in-person interview.

3. Be Clear and Concise

Phone interviews are particularly hard because you cannot read the interviewer’s body language. Even on Skype interviews, you can tell how a person is feeling to some extent.

Because of this, it’s crucial that you remain upbeat and clear when you speak. This means no mumbling, “ums” or slang. Refer to the interviewer however he or she is introduced to you, avoid stammering and speak confidently.

Another pro tip: Stand up while you’re speaking; sitting down may cause you to slouch or feel tired. And hey, strike a power pose if you’re feeling it.

4. Let Them Finish

Nothing is worse than an awkward phone conversation. To avoid cutting off an interviewer, be patient and give him or her some time to breathe. Be eager to answer, but be sure that the other person is done talking first.

People will often chime in with more thoughts after they finish their sentences, so that extra second or two is crucial and trust me, hiring managers are used to this when conducting phone interviews!

5. Don’t Let The Call Drag On

“You hang up!”

“No, you hang up!”

This is the last thing you want happening on an interview call. If an employer seems like they are wrapping up your conversation, let him or her do it. Final impressions can be as influential as the first. As long as you are sure an interviewer is looking to hang up, be sure to thank him or her for taking the time, express your interest in the position and let him or her know you are looking forward to hearing from them in the near future. Be polite and be professional, and you will be remembered.

Next time you’re preparing for a phone interview, don’t stress about not being face-to-face, rejoice in the advantages you’ve gained. Have your notes ready, get comfortable and make that call. If you do it right, it could be the call that lands you your dream job.

10 Study Snacks That’ll Help You Get Down to Business

It’s that time of year again: For college students everywhere, finals are approaching and professors are dying to cram a few more assignments in before finals and winter break. There’s no question that we can all benefit from a few more good grades, but getting them is definitely easier said than done.

While getting plenty of sleep and managing your studying time are essential, an easy way to improve mental health and focus during these stressful times is by controlling what you consume. Here are 10 of the most beneficial foods and beverages to consume to make those hours of studying count.

1. Green Tea

In addition to caffeine, green tea contains L’Theanine, which helps to release caffeine slowly into your body rather than all at once, preventing a crash in energy later on. In addition, L’Theanine increases relaxation, making studying slightly less awful.

2. Dark Chocolate

Despite being delicious, this treat contains flavonols, which are said to lower blood pressure and calm you in stressful situations. If you’re not a fan of the bitterness of dark chocolate, you can always temper it by trying dark chocolate covered nuts or fruit.

3. Blueberries

While all fruits and berries are delicious and nutritious, blueberries contain gallic acid, which protects the brain from stress. To avoid over-indulging in these easy to eat treats, try making a smoothie or juice with a healthy amount of berries. Your brain will thank you for it later.

4. Celery

Celery is often viewed as that green stuff served with wings, but there is much more to these underrated veggies. Celery is high in antioxidants, which aid in reducing inflammation and can help you study without any discomfort or feelings of sickness. An easy way to enhance this otherwise boring snack is by adding a light salad dressing or a nut spread.

5. Walnuts

While there are a lot of different nuts out there, walnuts are the ones you’ll need at your study session. They contain a variety of vitamins like vitamin E, which helps improve memory, increases alertness and reduces future susceptibility to Alzheimer’s disease. Also, this brain food is extremely shareable, making for a perfect addition to any study session.

6. Popcorn

Popcorn isn’t just for movies. This fun and easy snack is loaded with fiber and carbs, both known to improve alertness. Whether you’re popping your own or grabbing a party sized bag of SkinnyPop, revel in knowing this fan favorite has some solid benefits too.

7. Coconut Oil

At some point, every student needs to take a break and eat a meal. Why not make that meal work for you? Cooking with coconut oil is a perfect alternative to heavy, greasy oils that will weigh you down and make you tired. Coconut oil fights inflammation, boosts memory and fulfills salt cravings. Some easy ways to incorporate this beneficial ingredient into your kitchen is in coffee and smoothies, as well as replacing things like butter, olive oil and mayonnaise.

8. Flax Seeds

Flax seeds are one of nature’s greatest gifts to us. This superfood is loaded with B-vitamins, fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, which all assist with mental clarity, weight loss and focus. Another easy snack to grab-and-go, these seeds are a perfect addition to any late night work in the library.

9. Citrus

Citrus is a great snack to enjoy early in the day. In addition to vitamin C, these fruits contain flavonoids and sugar, which both increase alertness. You aren’t limited to simply eating an orange to reap these benefits. You can also drink citrus juices, incorporate citrus into smoothies or add citrus juice to your beverage of choice.

10. Water

Some known benefits of drinking water include increased energy, fatigue relief, weight loss, improved skin quality, boosted immune system, headache relief and cramp prevention. Known disadvantages of drinking water do not exist. Drink water!

So, now you know what it takes. Unfortunately I cannot write your paper, take your exam or study for you, but I can promise you that eating well and taking care of your body will help your mind get to where it needs to be to succeed.

Eating mindfully may be the easiest way to be aware and proactive about mental and physical health while simultaneously working for your grades. So work hard, study harder and eat up!