Phone interviews are becoming more and more important in the job search. They are your gateway to get to the face-to-face interview. Employers try to screen candidates out with phone interviews because they need to narrow down their list of applicants to bring on site.
So, in your job search, you need to do everything you can to give yourself the edge and ace that phone interview so you can move forward in the job search process.
However, phone interviews can present some unique challenges. It can feel unnerving to not be able to see the interviewer's face or have them see yours.
So, what can you do?
Beyond knowing great answers to phone interview questions, keeping cheat sheets in front of you, and asking questions of your own, here are three surprising tips that may help you ace your phone interview...
Look At A Picture Of Your Interviewer
Looking at a picture of the person interviewing you can help you feel more comfortable and relaxed as you answer their questions. It may even help you establish better rapport.
You can get their picture from their LinkedIn profile, which you should be looking at anyway as part of your pre-interview research. As a bonus, having their picture in front of you means that you will see them smiling at you, which may help you feel more confident too.
Look In The Mirror (Or Stay Away From One)
Some people say that looking in a mirror while you're interviewing on the phone helps you remember to smile. Since smiling while you talk makes you sound more relaxed and confident, that could be great advice.
However, others say that looking in the mirror makes them feel incredibly self-conscious and unable to focus. I say that you should try doing both in another conversation (especially in a mock interview) and see if looking in the mirror works for you or not.
Stand Up
When you stand up rather than sit, your voice is stronger and you sound more enthusiastic and energetic. Those are both great qualities to convey to a hiring manager.
One thing to watch out for: you may be tempted to walk around while you talk, but be careful that you don't move around too fast and get winded. That won't communicate positive qualities for you.
Phone interviews do present some challenges, but they also provide you with some benefits because the interviewer can't see you. Take advantage of the situation and give yourself a performance boost.
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This article was originally published at an earlier date.
In every interview, it's important to ask questions. This especially includes phone interviews.
Asking questions during any type of job interview makes you seem more intelligent and interested in the job. It also makes you more appealing to hiring managersâas long as you don't ask questions you could easily find the answers to. If you ask the right questions, you also gain a strategic advantage. You can find out what the interviewer really cares about.
So, what questions are the best ones to ask?
Here are four ideal questions to ask during a phone interview:
1. If You Could Choose The Perfect Job Candidate, What Qualifications, Experience, Or Characteristics Would That Person Have?
You can simplify this question in a couple of different ways:
"What does your ideal candidate look like?"
"What's on your wish list for an absolutely perfect candidate?"
Some job seekers are a little afraid to ask this question because they don't want to highlight their imperfectionsâbut that isn't what this question does. Their answer gives you a blueprint of what they really hope to find, which means that you can tailor all your answers to their questions much more closely than you could without this information. Your responses will stand out from the competition.
2. Why Did The Last Person In This Role Leave The Job?
If the previous person was promoted, what was their next job title? Is that typical? Is that where you'd like to end up? What did they do to get promoted? These are things that could help you know how to be successful in the role and decide if it fits with your chosen career path.
If the person was fired or left the company, the reason why may give you valuable information as well.
3. What Are The Biggest Challenges Of This Position?
Every position has a certain number of problems and challenges associated with it.
If you know what their biggest problems and challenges are, you can talk more effectively about how you can solve them and help the company. You'll sell yourself for the job.
4. From What You've Told Me, I Think I'd Be A Great Fit For The Job And I'm Very Interested. When Can We Schedule A Time To Discuss This Further?
In any interview, it's important to ask for the next step. This question, or a version of this question, will allow you to show your excitement for the opportunity and eagerness to move forward.
By demonstrating your enthusiasm and interest, you'll automatically stand out to potential employers, and you'll actually give yourself a better chance of making it to the in-person interview.
Asking questions like these brings out information you can't learn anywhere else. They help you show your professionalism and interest in the job. Make a list of questions to ask and keep it in front of you during the interview. (That's one of the advantages of phone interviewsâthey can't see you.)
Along with these questions, you'll probably have a few more that specifically address that job. Just make sure to write them down so you don't freeze up and forget in the stress of the call.
Take the time to prepare for your phone interview and make sure you get invited to the in-person interview. Discover more phone interview tips and download a free phone interview prep podcast here.
Today, more and more employers are conducting phone interviews before inviting job candidates to an in-person meeting. With more applicants available for each opening, employers do not have the time to invest in a meeting for every candidate that simply looks good on paper.
Phone interviews make it easier to screen candidates. Some of these phone interviews may include standard questions that ask about facts, such as your experience and any specific skills you have. However, there are also employers who dive right into some of the most challenging questions, such as giving you a scenario and asking for your response and plan to handle the situation described.
As a job applicant, there are benefits and disadvantages to a phone interview. Some people are well-spoken and are great on the phone, but in person, their nervousness gets to them. Some are more comfortable speaking in person but lack personality on the phone. Under both situations, it can be a challenge when you donât have feedback that may typically appear through face-to-face contact.
Regardless of the situation, you need to put your best voice forward to leave the employer with a good impression. This may be the only shot you have at getting a step closer to securing a job offer with them. Remember that the employer may change their mind about inviting you in for an interview if you fall short of their expectations or leave a negative impression on the phone.
Note that in a phone interview, your intonation is most important in how you come across, so you should be energetic and enthusiastic and change your tone to better engage the interviewer. You should also be prepared to ask some basic questions, although save the big ones for a formal interview.
Take the tips offered here to help put your best voice forward and further advance on an opportunity to a job offer:
Treat Every Call You Receive Like It Was An Interview
Phone interviews may not always be scheduled. An employer may call you to respond to your submitted cover letter and resume, and the moment you pick up the phone an interview may occur right then.
Most employers will be courteous to first ask you if this is a good time, but that does not always happen. So, if you believe there is a chance an employer may be calling, be prepared by providing a professional greeting on your voicemail or when you pick up. Also, be conscious of what the caller may hear in the background if you pick up the phone. If itâs not an appropriate time or place to talk, let it go to voicemail, but try to call back immediately when it is more appropriate for you to talk.
Talk Enthusiastically
Since the interviewer will not see your face, all they have to work off of is the voice you present, so make sure it sounds enthusiastic and energized with confidence. Try keeping a smile on your face as you talk and be aware of your tone and pitch so you do not come off sounding monotone.
Watch Your Words
Keep a âcan doâ attitude when you talk. It will leave a more positive impression than if an employer were to hear, âI canât,â âI donât,â or âI havenât.â Also, be conscious of how you speak; avoid the âAhs,â âErrs,â and âUms.â You can come across as unsure of yourself and lacking in confidence.
Use A Clear Line
Many people list their cell phone number on job applications, cover letters, and resumes, which is fine, as long as when the phone is answered you have good reception. If you are the one initiating the phone call, use a landline to avoid static or dropped calls. It's also important to find a quiet location where you will not be disturbed or distracted.
Treat It Like An In-Person Interview
Keep in mind points that you can use to help explain how your previous experiences or skills make you a good fit for the open position. Also, always have questions in mind to ask during the interview that show your interest and desire to work with the company. Donât forget to also keep your resume, a sheet of paper, and a pen on hand. Youâll need these items for reference or to take notes while on the call.
Find Out The Next Steps
Interviews, whether in person or over the phone, should end with an understanding of what the next steps are. If it was not covered, be sure to ask. The employer may also view this question in a positive way that you care about this opportunity and have a desire for it.
Remember, phone interviews deserve a follow-up thank-you note or email to the individual(s) you spoke withâjust as you would do after an in-person interview.
Treat phone interviews as important as face-to-face interviews. The impression you make on the phone will also be taken into consideration when the employer is trying to decide between you and another candidate for the position.
We know how difficult it can be to ace a job interview, on the phone or in person. If you're still not feeling confident in your interview abilities, we can help.
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This article was originally published at an earlier date.
