You received a call or email from your dream job and they want to set up a phone interview. The phone interview is usually the first step in getting your foot inside the door. This is why it is extremely important that you treat the phone interview seriously.
The phone interview is becoming more and more common these days. It is the first step of most likely a long process of getting the job. The phone interview usually last about 15-30 minutes. There could be one person or a few people on the other side of the call.
1. Do your Research
You will want to research the person who will be interviewing you. To do this I suggest looking them up on LinkedIn to find out who you are up against. Maybe there is something you have in common that can work to your benefit.
-Study the job description.
Think of questions that could be asked during any interview. Glassdoor.com is a great resource to research potential interview questions. Make an appointment with your Career Services Specialist at your campus to practice answering interview questions and to learn effective techniques.
2. Set up your interview space
-Go to a space that is well lit and free of distractions. The interviewer does not want to hear a dog barking in the background, a screaming child, or a squeaky chair.
-Have your resume and cover letter in front of you.
-Create a reference sheet. On this reference sheet write some information about the company, such as their mission statement or any information that is in the news. Also write down any important or relevant information you want to mention to the interviewer.
-Make sure you are using a high-quality phone or a landline. Don’t let a bad connection be the reason you do not get the position. Recruiters are very busy and if they can’t understand you they will move on to the next candidate.
-Pour yourself a glass of water. Interviews can be stressful and make everyone nervous, and you don’t want a coughing fit or dry throat to ruin it. Having a simple glass of water handy can save the day.
-Don’t forget a pad and paper to write down any important information, such as the date, time and address of your first face-to-face interview.
-Prepare at least 5-10 questions to ask the interviewer at the end of your interview. Make sure they are written down, as then it is one less thing you have to worry about memorizing. I always suggest preparing extra questions because most of them will get answered during the interview.
3. Prepare yourself
Dress up because when we feel good about ourselves, this positive attitude will be evident through the phone.
Make sure that you are sitting up straight or stand up.
4. Ask the interviewer what the next step is and ask for their contact information.
5. The last and most important step: SMILE and don’t forget to breathe!