Are you ready for that Phone Interview?
Are
you ready for your Phone Interview?
You think, “it is only a phone
interview it’s no big deal right”? Wrong! It is very common to underestimating
the importance of a phone interview. Many jobseekers think they do not have to
prepare for a phone interview. After all, they just want to know I am a real
person and that I have the qualifications for the job I’m applying to. Well,
you cannot be more mistaken. Phone interviews usually are just for screening
purposes. Those who do well move on to the next step which is an in person live
interview. Here are some tips:
Sometimes a potential employer will call you without scheduling the call, it is
unexpected. If this happens, stay calm. Make a quick evaluation of your
situation. Are you driving? Are you in the supermarket? Are you having coffee
with some friends? If so, do not be afraid to politely request that you
reschedule the call for later on in the day or the next day. If the person
calling says they cannot reschedule then of course move forward with the phone
interview. Be smart though, put yourself in the best position you can at that
time. Remove yourself from as much noise as possible. Excuse yourself from
friends to a quiet place. If you are with your children and cannot get to a
quiet place, make sure you inform the interviewer. Let him/her know that there
will be back ground noise and distractions but you will stay focused.
Assuming your phone interview is
scheduled, does making sure you are professionally dressed matter. Obviously,
the interviewer cannot see you so it doesn’t matter to them. However, there is
a psychological component to this for you. If you are dressed professionally,
you will present yourself more professionally. Being in your PJ’s or under ware
will affect your attitude and mental state for the interview. Think about it.
Dressing for a phone interview will make you feel that you are prepared and
professional. Just saying!
Make sure you have copies of your resume and the job announcement so you can reference
them as needed. Don’t leave remembering at that moment to chance. Also, have
your calendar readily available so you can quickly respond to the interviewer should
he/she ask about your availability for a live interview.
If you have time, look up your
interviewer on LinkeIn and find out their interests and education. You never
know, you may have some commonality with them. Prepare notes for yourself about
the company so you have them readily available. Look up phone interview
questions on the NET for your intended position. Practice your answers to those
questions. Speak clearly, keep it conversational and most of all be
enthusiastic.
Things to do during the Phone Interview
Be sure to listen closely and make
sure you fully understand the question before you answer it. Keep your answers
short and sweet. Your responses should be 2 minutes or less to avoid dominating
the conversation. Two minutes is enough time to give a full, comprehensive
answer while still keeping a balanced discussion.
Once the interview is done, before you hang up the phone, ask what the next
step in the process would be. It is also OK to ask the interviewer if they felt
you adequately answered their questions. This can give you a second chance to
correct/add to a deficient answer. Also ask the interviewer when you can expect
notification for whether you advance to the next step.