Phone interviews are becoming more common these days as employers screen potential employees. Usually, this is the step before the in-person interview. Although you will not be face-to-face with an interviewer, it doesn’t mean you don’t need to bring your A-game. If you are looking for great advice on how to ace your upcoming phone interview, check out Louis Douglas’ recent FOX 35 Good Day Orlando segment!
Step 1: Prepare
It can take days to prepare for a phone interview! Therefore, it is important to do research on the company ahead of time. Be sure to head to the company’s website to read about how it got started and make sure you have a clear understanding of the company’s mission statement. It would also be beneficial to research the person who is interviewing you. Take a look at their LinkedIn profile or the company’s website to gain more insight.
Be sure to also write out a list of questions to ask at the end of your interview. Asking questions demonstrates your interest in the company, enthusiasm for the job and shows you are a highly qualified applicant. Remember - phone interviews are a great opportunity to find out more details about the job and the company.
Step 2: Take care of the basics
If your house is usually a noisy environment, find a place where you can nix any interruptions. It is important that the interviewer doesn’t hear barking dogs, crying children or even car horns. It can also distract you from delivering your best responses. Find an isolated room where you can lock the door for privacy.
If it is possible, use a landline instead of your cellphone. A cellphone’s connection is usually less reliable than landlines. If you must use a cellphone, make sure it is fully charged and that you will be in a place where reception is at its best. Always remember to get the interviewer’s phone number in case you get disconnected.
Step 3: Put on your game face
If you dress as you would for a face-to-face interview, you will feel and sound more professional. Remember to smile during the interview! It is hard to sound bored or uninterested if you have a smile on your face. If you think you’ll forget, keep a mirror on your desk to see your facial expressions when you talk. In a phone interview, the interviewer will not see your body language so it is important to take control of your voice.
Step 4: Take advantage of the invisibility factor
Phone interviews are a lot like open-book tests. It is possible to have all the information you need to know right in front of you without the interviewer knowing. Keep a copy of the job description and information about the company and the interviewer for easy access. Tape a copy of your resume to the wall at eye level so you can easily glace at it for reference.
Step 5: Concision, Concentration and Courtesy
Remember the three C’s when it comes to your interview: concision, concentration and courtesy.
Phone interviews are usually shorter than an in-person interview, which means there is less time to make a good impression. Remember to keep things concise to avoid long-winded answers that could make you lose your audience. Keep your responses to no more than three sentences. Also, practice saying your questions aloud and rehearse answers to potential questions the day before the interview.
Keep your concentration strong during the interview. Be sure to stay focused and take notes. It’s not the time to organize your mail or reply to emails. If you are easily distracted, remove or turn off anything you might be tempted to use. Listen carefully to the interviewer so your responses are on point.
Courtesy is vital when it comes to interviews. Be professional and polite. At the end of the call, ask, “Do my qualifications meet the company’s needs?” Then ask when you can meet with them in person. However the interview goes, always end the call with a thank you. The last few words of a conversation are often the most remembered.
Step 6: Follow up
Don’t forget send an email thanking the interviewer for the opportunity and summarizing what you spoke about during the interview. If you are still interested in the job, now is the time to restate your interest. If you really want to impress, include a link to a news article about the company you found during your initial research.
Employment Firm - Kavaliro Employment Agency has offices in Tampa, Fla., Charlotte, N.C., Orlando, Fla., Washington, D.C., Jacksonville, Fla. and Petaluma, Ca. and can make sure you find the right people for any important role. We are ready and waiting to help you anytime and look forward to hearing from you.