Never underestimate the importance of a telephone interview. It’s much more than just a formality.
Be excited and pat yourself on the back, because even getting this far in a potential employer’s hiring process is a victory. It means your resume has passed muster and yes, they’re interested in learning more about you. But, this phone screen is the official next round, so you need to do whatever it takes to ace it, as well.
Here’s a checklist of phone interview do’s and don’ts:
Do
- Prepare by doing your research. A phone interview is no different from a face-to-face interview in this regard. This includes researching both the company and your interviewers, and making a list of your own questions. The latter step is a deal breaker: not having anything to ask will convey a perception of disinterest in the opportunity.
- Check your phone connection. Chances are, you’ll be using a cell phone, so be sure you have clear service and that your battery is fully charged.
- Gather all your essentials: a copy of your resume, portfolio, cover letter and any other relevant documents, as well as water to sip on and your battery charger, just in case. Also, have pen and paper handy so you can take notes.
- Call in on time. Demonstrate your reliability and professional courtesy right up front. If your interviewer is late, wait three to five minutes and then call again.
- Speak up if you can’t hear well. If either party has a poor signal, muffled voices or unexpected background noise, respectfully inform your interviewer that you’re having trouble hearing them. The sooner you resolve this, the better, so you don’t miss any important questions or discussion points.
- Speak thoughtfully and professionally. In the absence of visuals, your words and tone of voice are doubly important. Think before you speak, without delaying your responses or comments for too long. If you’re nervous, you may start to speak too quickly. Maintain a pace that makes it easy for you to get your point across and for your interviewer to hear and understand it.
- Send a thank-you. Just as you should after an in-person interview, send a thank-you note after your phone interview, ideally within 24 hours.
A Few Key Don’ts
- Don’t multitask. Give your interviewer your undivided attention. Actively listen to what they’re saying. Even though they can’t see you, hiring managers can quickly tell when your attention is elsewhere – and this will not reflect well on your level of interest in the position. On a related note, don’t put your phone on speaker, call from a public or noisy location, or put your interviewer on hold unless it’s a dire emergency.
- Don’t talk about your personal life. Unless asked. The point is for your interviewer to get to know you better as a professional.
For further phone and in-person interview tips, as well as expert coaching throughout your job search process, contact PrideStaff Fresno today.
