A phone interview is a screening process that is normally conducted by the HR Manager to select qualified candidates for face-to-face interviews.

*YOUR JOB = to secure a face-to-face interview by selling yourself to the company*

 

“Must Do” steps to take to prepare for the phone interview

• Study the company website in-depth
  • Read every page you possibly can
• Search the internet for pertinent information on the company
  • i.e. news articles, promotions, new senior associates joining the firm, mergers, acquisitions, etc.
• Study the job description
  • Look for keywords/ key phrases they may ask you questions about (i.e. certain skills they are looking for, qualifications/ licenses needed, etc.)

 

How to control your environment before and during the phone interview

• Eliminate noise
  • TV, children, music, dogs barking, etc.
• Conduct your phone interview in a quiet place
  • Do not drive your vehicle, go to a restaurant, airport, or any public place during your interview
• It is recommended to use a land line for best reception
  • If you will be using your cell phone, make sure you have good reception
• Have your laptop with you with your resume available for easy access
  • This make is easy if the employer requests you to send them another copy
• Use your laptop or a notepad to take any notes the employer may give you
• Ready yourself as if you were having a face-to-face interview
  • Wearing pajamas or sweats during a phone interview can be distracting, making you feel too comfortable or even tired
  • Dress up, fix your hair, shower, do whatever it is you would do if you were meeting someone in person

 

How do you want to be perceived on a phone interview?

• Be articulate in your speech and knowledgeable of the company
• Be honest and sincere
  • Express to them how interested you are in the company and the position
• Be friendly, enthusiastic, and positive
  • Let them know that you are a fun person to work with and a fun person who can get the job done
• Be aware of your voice tone
  • If you had a bad day, it will be heard in your voice
  • Take some deep breaths before the interview to calm yourself
  • Do some basic exercises, do the hokey pokey to make yourself laugh, get encouragement from a friend or significant other – do what you can to clear your mind of the negatives

 

Do’s and Don’ts of a successful phone interview

• Keep your answers brief and to the point
• Listen carefully to what is being said
  • Take notes with your laptop or notepad, if necessary
• Do not elaborate unnecessarily
• Do not talk over the interviewer or interrupt
• Do not bad mouth your previous employer or co-workers
• Refrain from sharing too much personal information

 

What to say to secure an invitation for an in-person interview

• “Thank you for your time. I really enjoyed our talk. Based on our conversation today, I am highly interested in this position.”
• “What are your thoughts about us getting together for an in-person interview?”
• “What needs to happen for me to get to the next step?”
• “When will you be making your decision on bringing people in for an in-person interview?”

 

Appropriate follow-up after the phone interview

• Send a “thank you” email
  • Send this email as soon as you can while you are still fresh in the interviewer’s mind
• Reiterate the reasons why you think you are a good match for the position
• Express your interest in meeting with them soon

 

What questions to ask if you are invited for an in-person interview

• Who will I be interviewing with?
• What time should I arrive?
• Can you tell me something about their management style and personality?
• What is your dress code?
• What is the company culture?
• Where is the interview being held?

 

What to take with you to the interview

• Clean resume that matches the one you sent to the employer
• Portfolio or examples of your work that is pertinent to the position
• References
  • Make sure all references are up to date with correct information