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.
When you have an employer calling and saying they want to schedule a phone interview with you, that means you look good on paper and they now want to see if you are all that you say you are.
The phone screen is a critical stage in the job search process because how well you communicate and perform will pave the way to the big opportunity of a meeting at their office with the decision makers.
In most instances, the phone screen is conducted by someone from HR. They'll primarily review your professionalism and communication skills to see if you are articulate, knowledgeable, and have the right experience and skills for the job.
The ultimate mission is to screen out candidates so that the ones who are invited for an in-person interview are the best in the bunch. So, here's how you can ace the phone screen:
1. Watch Your Intonation & Build Rapport
Your intonation and body language account for 90% of the effectiveness of your communications. If you are on the phone with no video, your intonation is all you have so be enthusiastic and try to build rapport as people hire people they like.
At this point in the process, the screener is also looking to clear up any questions or hesitation they may have about you from reviewing your resume. Be aware of anything on your resume that may be a red flag and prepare to respond to it without coming off as defensive.
You want to be honest and address any concerns, but also know how to steer the response to something more positive that brings back the message of "this is what I have to offer that you need."
2. Dress The Part And Talk The Part
Are you struggling with confidence before your phone screen? Wear your favorite interview outfit. The one you know you look good in. You'll feel confident and professional.
Also, today's "phone screens" don't necessarily mean just voice. Many employers may request a virtual interview, so be prepared to not only talk the part but dress the part too.
How you look and sound leaves an impression, just like it would from an in-person meeting. Express energy and enthusiasm in your tone.
3. Speak Of Accomplishments When Asked About Previous Jobs And Responsibilities
Employers asking about your past experience aren't looking for a description of your job. If you want to impress, you need to speak of accomplishments and success and how those experiences have prepared you to contribute and bring success to future employers.
Quantify your experience. Do your research and talk to the need that the job posting highlights and then talk about how you've been there, done that, and can directly contribute to the employer's needs.
4. Be Prepared To Handle The Offbeat Question
Some phone screens have standard questions directed toward your experience and skills, but there are also employers who may put you on the spot with a scenario to see how you react and respond.
The important thing is to not let these types of questions rattle or stump you. Keep a can-do attitude. Make sure you know your experiences, accomplishments, skills, and strengths like the back of your hand. Also, know how you can help the company reach its goals. It'll be hard to stump you when you've done your research.
5. Be Ready To Talk About Salary Requirements
You will be asked this to see if you are in their salary range. This can be tricky because if you present a number below what the employer has budgeted, you lose any chance of securing a higher salary, one the employer may (or would) have considered. And if you present a number that is too high, the employer may decide to dismiss your application and resume even before you have had the chance to make your case in an interview.
The best way to respond to a question about salary during a phone screen is to say, "Although the job and the challenge are most important to me, you should know that I am considering a salary in the XX to YY range." If you make it through the interview process to the last round of interviews, you'll also want to hone your salary negotiation skills.
Each employer will have a different method of screening applicants over the phone. But with these tips, you'll be prepared for whatever comes your way.
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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.
If your resume has made it into the "yes" pile, then the first thing a company will do is a phone screening. The purpose of this is to test your communication skills and to do a quick check of your skills and experience to determine if it's worth bringing you in for an interview.
Here are six important tips that will help you ace your next phone interview:
1. Be Prepared
Basic preparation steps include having your resume in front of you, making sure you are on a good phone line where there are no disturbances, and allocating enough time for the phone interview, even if it goes beyond what was scheduled.
2. Research The Company And The Interviewer
The first question I used to ask job seekers was, "What do you know about us?" If I did not think they had spent the time to do their homework, they were immediately downgraded. So, spend some time researching the company before your phone interview. Check out their website and social media accounts, and see what employees say about them on Glassdoor.
Also, go to LinkedIn and review the background of the person conducting the interview. Check if the manager you will be reporting to participates in LinkedIn groups and discussions, and see if you have anything in common.
3. Exude Energy And Interest
The words you use account for only 15% of the effectiveness of your communications. Intonation and body language are most important, and since you are on the phone, you live and die by your intonation. Put energy in your voice and demonstrate a high level of interest. An old telemarketing trick is to have a mirror in front of you and smile when you speak since that automatically affects your tone in a positive way.
4. Ask Questions And Build Rapport
People hire people they like, so it is important to turn the interview into a conversation by asking intelligent questions. Show off your expertise by following up their question with an insightful question of your own. Those who just answer questions and wait for the next question will lose here. Use a conversational tone, as if you are having lunch with a friend, telling a story, instead of just responding to questions.
For example, here are two ways to respond to, "Can you tell me about your experience at Bank of America"
"At Bank of America, I was hired to oversee the integration of systems that were the result from acquisitions."
Or...
"You know, that was a really challenging experience because I had to integrate all the different systems that were the result of acquisitions. You can just imagine how tricky that would be since there were so many differences between them, and I had to research and document the trade-offs from an integration of each one."
Which is more interesting? I did some interview coaching with a highly accomplished technical manager at Intel who was getting interviews and no call backs. It was immediately clear that he was just responding to questions in a fairly monotone manner and was about as interesting as a memory chip. After some coaching on how to build rapport using the above technique, he had three offers in four weeks.
5. Ask The Most Important Question
Companies have a reason they are looking for talent and it is your job to find out what their chief source of "pain" is. Do this by asking:
"What is the biggest challenge someone will face in this job in the next six months?"
This lets you target your responses and demonstrate how you have successfully handled these challenges before.
6. See If They Have Any Concerns
Don't just end the call wondering how you did. Ask them. If you are going for a sales position, this is mandatory. State something like:
"Based on what we discussed today, do you think I am a good candidate for this position?"
Now, when they respond, you can handle any concerns they may have.
By using these six simple techniques in your next phone interview, you'll be sure to make a good impression on the employer and, hopefully, move on to the next step in the hiring process.
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This article was originally published at an earlier date.
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.
It finally happens! The phone rings and, being in active job search mode, you eagerly answer every unrecognized number because it could be your next employer. But at the particular moment, you're at the gym, in line at the grocery store, or picking up your kids from after-school sports.
When the phone rings in these situations, it can be mentally jarring, and therefore difficult to focus. Not to mention you're unlikely to have your resume or other notes in front of you about the particular company. (You did take notes on your company research, right?) So, resist the urge to proceed with the phone interview anyway, out of fear that you won't get another chance. You will, as long as you set the proper tone of this initial conversation with the recruiter.
Here's what to say when an interviewer calls at a bad time:
Answer The Phone Correctly
Since most jobs are going to require that you speak to some other human being inside or outside the company, it's important to demonstrate how you would answer the phone in professional circumstances.
The first impression you give the interviewer should be an indication of the first impression you would give to that company's vendors or customers. Eliminate the awkward five seconds when the recruiter, probably thinking it's you, is required to ask for you, only for you to respond with, “Who's calling?" (or the more defensive version, “Who's this?"). The wrong inflection can make you seem like you're avoiding bill collectors, and the entire exchange slows the flow of conversation. Instead, smile—yes, smile through the phone (people can tell!)—then announce your name.
A simple, “Hello. This is Joe," will immediately confirm to the recruiter they've reached the right person and set the stage for a pleasant exchange.
Express Gratitude And Enthusiasm
Over the phone, your voice, tone, and attitude are the sole criteria available to the recruiter in these initial moments. This is the opportunity you were waiting for, so be happy about it. Regardless of the busy scenario you're caught up in, if you had a second to answer the phone, then you have a second to ensure your tone is positive.
Continue to build on your pleasant-sounding foundation. Say, “Thanks so much for calling. I was hoping I'd hear from you. I've been really excited about this opportunity since I first came across it."
Speak The Truth (Or Something Like It)
Clarify that you can't talk right now, but don't overshare. When you call someone at work who can't speak right now, their administrative assistant says, “She's in a meeting at the present moment," regardless of what the case actually is because it really doesn't matter. Maintain the same level of professionalism—no need to say you're two minutes from completing your 10-minute mile on the treadmill. Your objective is to politely and firmly end the current call.
Demonstrate your professionalism and initiative by setting up the next call. It's like a date. When you ask someone out, if the response is, “No, I can't," then you have to wonder if that means no forever or just no to that particular day. Either way, not a good feeling. But if the response is, “I can't on Tuesday. How about Thursday?" then you have something definite to go on. Apply the same concept to the conversation with the recruiter. Say, “I need to be in a quieter place in order to focus. May I return your call in one hour?"
Phone interviews can be nerve-wracking, especially when you're caught off guard. The next time an interviewer calls you at a bad time, remember these three things. You'll be sure to leave a great first impression and successfully avoid an awkward phone call.
Many job applicants prepare phenomenal resumes but fail to secure a physical interview. Often times, this is because of improper phone etiquette, poor voice presentation, and bad voicemails. Here are five things to remember before leaving your next voicemail if you want to make a good impression and increase your chances of getting an in-person interview… 1. Never Underestimate The […]
