Sometimes employers will screen job candidates by doing a phone
interview first. It can be a short conversation to set up an in-person
interview or a longer discussion about your qualifications.
Here are six phone interview tips to help you be prepared:
1. Always act professionally. You may be just having a phone conversation but the other person on the phone could be your next boss. Think of how you would normally talk to someone in that position. Would you use profanity or slang while talking to them? Probably not.
Here are six phone interview tips to help you be prepared:
1. Always act professionally. You may be just having a phone conversation but the other person on the phone could be your next boss. Think of how you would normally talk to someone in that position. Would you use profanity or slang while talking to them? Probably not.
2. Keep out background noise. More than likely, you will know ahead of time when the call will take place. Always find a quiet place to talk. Even if you have to lock yourself in the bathroom or your car, make sure your potential employer doesn't hear noise that could distract from the conversation. If you will be home during the interview, have a friend or family member watch the kids for an hour. Keep pets and any other distraction away from where you'll be talking.
3. Have your resume in front of you. You may be asked about your former jobs or qualifications. Be prepared to answer questions about what you've done in the past and what you're looking to do in the future. It can be easy to forget details and accomplishments so having that information close by will help to keep you on track.
4. Confirm who is calling who and when. Make sure you know if they are calling
you or if you are calling them and at what time. You don’t want to be waiting
for the phone to ring when they’re expecting you to call them. In addition,
make sure the time is confirmed, especially if there is a time zone difference.
You may be applying for a job 5 miles away but if you’re talking to their
corporate office in another state, you will want to confirm the time of the
call.
5. Have a notepad handy. You’ll want to take notes about what is discussed in the interview. The interviewer may reveal important details about the position or provide information on the next steps in the interview process. You may also want to take notes to distinguish key points in the interview that may come up in a second interview or if a question arises at a later date.
6. Get the interviewer’s contact information. Once the interview is over, you’ll want to thank them. You can send them a nice email or letter to thank them for the opportunity to discuss your qualifications. This will show them you are a professional and you are interested in the position.
5. Have a notepad handy. You’ll want to take notes about what is discussed in the interview. The interviewer may reveal important details about the position or provide information on the next steps in the interview process. You may also want to take notes to distinguish key points in the interview that may come up in a second interview or if a question arises at a later date.
6. Get the interviewer’s contact information. Once the interview is over, you’ll want to thank them. You can send them a nice email or letter to thank them for the opportunity to discuss your qualifications. This will show them you are a professional and you are interested in the position.
Tomorrow we will discuss some questions or subjects that may be asked in your interview.
Feel free to let us know about any other phone interview tips that you've found to be helpful. We welcome your comments below.
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