If a job recruiter or any other type of interview screener from a company requests a phone interview with you, here are some helpful tips to help you advance through that phone-screening process. Remember that phone interviewing it is just about making sure you impress enough to be selected for a face-to-face. Don’t waffle and keep your points concise.
When the call comes for a phone interview, use the following suggestions to enhance your chances of landing an in-person interview:
• If you have a home office, use it - An office just feels more business-like. You may find it helpful to face a blank wall to eliminate distractions of gazing out a window or spotting dust on your favourite painting. Pick the right environment to help!
• Gather essential information - At the start of the conversation, get the caller’s name, title, company and phone number. It is important to know who you speaking too and just in case there an issue with phone, you’ll need a number to contact them back!
• Market yourself - Assume the role of “seller” during the interview. If you sell your skills and abilities effectively, the listener sees value in bringing you in for an interview.
• The right tone - Be enthusiastic and make sure you don’t dominator the conversation.
• Answer ready - Be prepared to answer the “tell me about yourself” request early on; keep your answer to no more than two minutes.
• Ask smart questions - Demonstrate your industry knowledge e.g. asking how company is meeting new technology, new markets, changes in…….ect!
• Don’t rush or drone on - Speak clearly and be aware of your pace — not too fast, not too slow. Don’t waffle or over-explain. Keep your answers short and concise; if the interviewer wants more information, they’ll ask for it.
• Check-back phrases - After answering a question, you can add such follow-on phrases as ‘Does that answer your question?’ ‘Have I sufficiently answered your question about my managerial experience?’ ‘Is this the kind of information you’re seeking?’
• Be a listener - Prove that you’re paying attention to the interviewer. You can comment on statements made e.g. The company is expanding – you can ask ‘Expanding how?’ or ‘In what ways the company expanding?’ etc!
• Get specific – When selling your past accomplishments, use figures, statistics or even amounts (e.g. money) to help evidence & highlight your achievements.
• Thanking them - Express your appreciation for them giving you their time and an opportunity.
• Thank-you letter - Just because the interview was via phone doesn’t negate the wisdom of putting your thanks in an e-mail/letter. Make it a sales letter restating the what you bring to the job role.
When the call comes for a phone interview, use the following suggestions to enhance your chances of landing an in-person interview:
• If you have a home office, use it - An office just feels more business-like. You may find it helpful to face a blank wall to eliminate distractions of gazing out a window or spotting dust on your favourite painting. Pick the right environment to help!
• Gather essential information - At the start of the conversation, get the caller’s name, title, company and phone number. It is important to know who you speaking too and just in case there an issue with phone, you’ll need a number to contact them back!
• Market yourself - Assume the role of “seller” during the interview. If you sell your skills and abilities effectively, the listener sees value in bringing you in for an interview.
• The right tone - Be enthusiastic and make sure you don’t dominator the conversation.
• Answer ready - Be prepared to answer the “tell me about yourself” request early on; keep your answer to no more than two minutes.
• Ask smart questions - Demonstrate your industry knowledge e.g. asking how company is meeting new technology, new markets, changes in…….ect!
• Don’t rush or drone on - Speak clearly and be aware of your pace — not too fast, not too slow. Don’t waffle or over-explain. Keep your answers short and concise; if the interviewer wants more information, they’ll ask for it.
• Check-back phrases - After answering a question, you can add such follow-on phrases as ‘Does that answer your question?’ ‘Have I sufficiently answered your question about my managerial experience?’ ‘Is this the kind of information you’re seeking?’
• Be a listener - Prove that you’re paying attention to the interviewer. You can comment on statements made e.g. The company is expanding – you can ask ‘Expanding how?’ or ‘In what ways the company expanding?’ etc!
• Get specific – When selling your past accomplishments, use figures, statistics or even amounts (e.g. money) to help evidence & highlight your achievements.
• Thanking them - Express your appreciation for them giving you their time and an opportunity.
• Thank-you letter - Just because the interview was via phone doesn’t negate the wisdom of putting your thanks in an e-mail/letter. Make it a sales letter restating the what you bring to the job role.