The first round of job interviews is often a phone interview with a recruiter, also known as a screening interview. Phone interviews may feel less formal than in-person interviews, but they are just as important in determining whether you’re a good fit for the role and should advance to the next round. By preparing effectively, minimizing distractions, and staying focused, you can make a lasting impression on the recruiter. With these phone interview tips, you’ll be well on your way to moving forward in the hiring process and ultimately securing your dream job.
Prepare for the interview:
Treat your virtual interview just like an in-person one. Prepare thoughtful answers to common interview questions and create bullet points to guide your responses. Research the company thoroughly—review its website, recent news, social media accounts, and blog or press releases. Pay close attention to the “About” and “Careers” pages to understand the company’s mission, values, culture, and history. Reread the job posting so you can confidently explain why you’re a good fit for the job. Don’t forget to come prepared with insightful questions to ask to learn more about the role, company, and team to determine if it’s the right fit for you.
Dress professionally:
Even though the interviewer can’t see you, dressing professionally is still important. Wearing a professional outfit boosts your confidence and helps you feel more polished.
Keep your notes handy:
While you should never read your notes word-for-word during the interview, having them nearby can help you stay focused and organized. During the interview, write down anything important you learn like the salary range, hiring timeline, and next steps in the hiring process.
Minimize distractions:
One of the most important phone interview tips is to go somewhere quiet so you can focus only on the interview. If you work from home or don’t have a job yet, take the call from home and make sure there aren’t background noises like music, your dog barking, or family members speaking loudly.
If you work in an office and have to schedule the interview during the workday, schedule the interview around lunchtime and go somewhere as quiet as possible. Don’t book a conference room at work, go to the coffee shop where your coworkers usually go, or walk around the block. It can be uncomfortable if people from work know that you are searching for a job, so try to keep it private. Avoid taking the call in spaces where your colleagues might overhear you.
Don’t go on a tangent:
One of the difficulties of phone interviews is that you can’t see the person’s reaction. Try not to have long-winded answers. It is best to keep your answers concise and simple without going on a tangent just because you can’t visualize the interviewer’s reaction. Wait two or three seconds before answering the question. This gives you time to collect your thoughts and it also prevents you from accidentally interrupting and starting your answer before they are done asking the question.
Send a thank you note:
After the phone interview, be sure to send a personalized thank-you email to the recruiter. This is your chance to express appreciation and reaffirm your interest in the role. It’s also a great time to reference something specific from the conversation, which helps you stand out and shows that you were engaged.
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