12 Phone Interview Tips You Should Know to Get a Second Interview
Today, over-the-phone interviews are an integral part of the hiring process. It is because they save every person involved much time and effort. Nonetheless, that in no way means that candidates require zero energy. For success, they should spend their ample time preparing for these interviews even though the majority of companies view phone screening as the first round of the formal recruitment process.
As such, all applicants should go into the phone screening process while having sufficient information on the organization, the post, as well as their qualifications, strengths, and skills. With all that said, here are some things you can do to ensure that you cope with this kind of interview:
1. Secure a Quiet Place to Take the Phone Interview
Many interviewers say that they can hear what is going on in the background during the meeting, for instance, screaming children, songs, barking dogs, and so forth. So, to avoid any unnecessary voices during the phone screening process, it makes sense to look for a quiet place in advance. This way, you will come off as organized, thus increasing your chances of succeeding.
2. Focus on Your Professional Goals During the Telephone Interview
The purpose of a phone screening is to know more about an applicant’s professional goals as well as experience. So, unless you are asked a personal question, you should steer clear of providing details regarding your life. Instead, stick to information that shows why you are the best fit for the role that you want.
3. Avoid Multitasking During the Phone Screen Interview
Even if there is an irresistible urge to multitask during the interview, do not give in to it. Most hiring managers can easily discern if your attention is on other things. As such, you should avoid warming up something in the microwave, whispering to a friend or family member, washing dishes, and so forth. Such things undermine the level of interest you have in the role you wish to get.
4. Avoid Bringing Up Your Salary Expectations
You should not bring the money conversation at this point because it is quite early for it. Instead, this is the right time to sell your qualifications, skills, and experience. You need to be telling the recruiter what value you will bring to their company once they bring you onboard. See, if the employer feels that you will make an excellent addition to their organization, they will tell you more on what is it for you. Besides, with these tips, you can always have an effective salary negotiation once you are hired.
5. Prioritize the Interviewer and Never Put Them on Hold
Given that these interviews do not go on for long, you should never pause your conversation. However, if you are expecting an important call later, then be sure to inform the interviewer about the same from the onset. And if you feel that some negative thoughts might sneak into your head and undermine your confidence, be sure to fight them with these tips.
6. Always Have Some Questions to Ask in a Phone Interview
When the interviewer asks if you have any questions, use this moment to ask relevant queries. Failure to do the same might show that you are uninterested, yet this is not the case for you.
7. Being Early Is One of the Most Basic Phone Interview Tips
Show up early for an interview is a pretty simple piece of advice. However, many people are not always on time for their meetings, especially phone interviews. Being late will show the hiring manager that you are not detail-oriented or organized. However, the trick is not to be too early, but right on time. If the interview is scheduled at noon, don’t call 15 minutes earlier or later. A minute or two early or exactly at midday would be best.
8. Always Test Call before the Interview
You don’t want to frustrate the hiring manager by having them repeating questions constantly. So, test your reception before you call up the interviewer. You could call a friend or your landline to make sure the signal is strong before the interview.
9. Give the Interviewer Time to Speak
Wondering why you didn’t get to the next stage after the interview? You probably didn’t give the interview time to talk. A candidate who continually interrupts the interview will most likely not land the job, even if he or she is adequately qualified for it. So, give the interviewer time to ask the questions before you answer.
10. Do Sufficient Research When Preparing for a Phone Interview
Never go for an interview blindly just because it is on the phone. It is always good practice to research the company as well as the role you are being interviewed for before the interview. Have all this information in your fingertips so that you won’t have to search for answers on your computer while you are on the phone. If you start looking for answers online during the interview, any experienced interviewer will know as you will take too long to answer or use filler words to buy time. They will most likely also hear you typing the question down on your keyboard.
11. Try Preparing for Phone Interview to Avoid Providing Filler Words
If you are in the habit of using words such as “um,” “like,” “so” or “uh,” you would want to avoid them during the interview. Never use filler words as they indicate a lack of confidence and poor communication skills. Remember, your words are more pronounced when you are on a call than in a face-to-face interview.
12. Provide Concise Answers to the Typical Phone Interview Questions
People’s attention span is even shorter on the phone than during face to face conversations. Therefore, keep your answers short during phone interviews. To make sure you don’t rumble, practice common interview questions beforehand so that you know what to say when asked.
To conclude, phone interviews don’t mean you put little effort in pre-interview preparation. Small things can get you crossed off the list of prospective employees. So, practice as much as you can.
