What is a phone interview and what role does it play in the hiring process? Many companies use phone calls with candidates who look good on paper to determine if those applicants are ready to move to longer, more in-depth interviews. This is sometimes called a phone screen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are a few occasions when an interview happens over the phone. Many companies use a phone screen with a recruiter as the initial step in the hiring process. This is a critically important part of your job search. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The recruiter will ask you about your background, skills and experience to see if it\u2019s well-aligned with the open position. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
They may also be screened to see if you would be a good culture fit for the company. If all goes well, the recruiter will move you onto the next stage. But if they come away with a poor or incomplete impression of you, things are unlikely to progress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The next stage of the interview process is also typically conducted over the phone. In this phase, you will probably speak with the hiring manager or another individual on the team that\u2019s hiring. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This interview is usually more in-depth than the phone screen, as the interviewer has a deeper knowledge of the open role and what qualifications would make someone successful in it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Both interviews usually last around 30 minutes. Consider phone interviews your opportunity to sum up what\u2019s most attractive to you about the job and the company, as well as the skills and qualifications you bring to the table.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
READ ALSO:\u00a010 Best Schools for Food Science in the World<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Phone interviews are just as important as in-person interviews, so adequately preparing for them can influence your success. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If your interviewer does an initial phone interview, being successful in this first round can ensure you move on to the next. Here are 30 tips to consider when preparing for a phone interview: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Mostly, phone interviews are used to screen candidates to narrow the pool of applicants who will be invited to a second interview, which is usually in person.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It gives hiring managers the chance to gauge your fitness, availability and interest in the job, find out your salary expectations, clear up any questions about your CV, and determine whether you\u2019re worth their time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sometimes, meanwhile, companies use phone interviews to minimise the expenses involved in interviewing out-of-town candidates or for remote positions and maybe the only type of interview used in the hiring process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A day or two before the scheduled call, send a quick email to the company\u2019s representative to confirm the details: the date and time of the call, and the caller\u2019s name and phone number.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not only does this show that you\u2019re professional, but it also shows that you\u2019re respectful of the interviewer\u2019s time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The company will typically schedule a phone interview with you in advance by email, which will include the contact details of the person who\u2019ll be calling you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This gives you the opportunity to do a little research into the interviewer (via their LinkedIn profile or their bio page on the company website), specifically any shared interests or background that you can use as an icebreaker or (strategically) work into your conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Meanwhile, if you know someone who works at the company with the interviewer, you can ask your contact what\u2019s it like working with them to get an understanding of their values and who they are.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Though you\u2019re more likely to be asked \u2018What do you know about the company?\u2019 in the second interview, there\u2019s a good chance it will also come up in the initial screening interview.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Even if it doesn\u2019t, by reading up on everything you can about the company before your phone interview, you\u2019ll be able to craft meaningful responses to questions that align with the company\u2019s mission, values and culture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n READ ALSO:\u00a021 Best Nail Tech Schools in 2023 | Requirements, Admission<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Go over the job description again to jog your memory on what the employer is looking for and what responsibilities the job entails. This will help you tailor your answers to questions that the interviewer will ask you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, if the job description mentions specific technical skills that you possess and software that you\u2019re familiar with, be sure to work them into the conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Take stock of all the projects you completed, solutions and results you achieved, challenges you overcame, awards you won, and anything else that you accomplished throughout your career.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once you\u2019ve brainstormed your success stories (and created an outline for each one), you\u2019ll be better prepared to answer the interviewer\u2019s questions, all the while showing your work ethic and showcasing what you can do for the company.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Before any interview, take the time to research and prepare for questions that the hiring manager might ask you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n During phone interviews, hiring managers typically ask the same questions that come up in traditional, face-to-face meetings, but mostly focus on general questions about yourself and your background to determine whether they should move forward with your application.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some common questions include \u2018Can you tell me a little about yourself?\u2019, \u2018Why are you interested in this role?\u2019 and \u2018When can you start?\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Always prepare your own questions to ask the interviewer. Remember: you\u2019re interviewing the company as much as they\u2019re interviewing you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Asking insightful questions helps you evaluate the company and whether they\u2019re a good match for you and shows the hiring manager that you really are interested in the job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But don\u2019t wait till the end of the interview to ask your questions. Try to work them into the conversation throughout the interview.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s quite common, if not standard, for recruiters to ask you about your salary expectations during a phone interview, so it\u2019s a good idea to do your research before the call and know the specific number you\u2019re going to ask for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here\u2019s a little tip: ask for a little more than what you want \u2014 the hiring manager will feel like they\u2019re getting a better deal if they negotiate down to a number you\u2019re comfortable with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Interviews, whether by phone or in-person are highly stressful, even for the most experienced job seeker. And these nerves often get the best of us and make us forget about the things we want to bring up during an interview.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The solution? Create a cheat sheet. This could include things like key information about the job, company and interview you found during your research, your salary number, questions you want to ask, and anything else that will help you along with the call.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you miss the scheduled call because the phone service dropped unexpectedly or you had to hurry to the restroom (you never know when nature will call!), you\u2019ll save face with a professional voicemail message.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Something simple like \u2018Hi, you\u2019ve reached John Smith. I can\u2019t come to the phone right now, but please leave a message and I\u2019ll call you back as soon as I can\u2019 will do the trick.<\/p>\n\n\n\n SEE ALSO:\u00a0How can I become a Massage therapist in 2023? Schools, Cost Programs & Salary<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Make sure your phone is fully charged before the scheduled interview. The last thing you want is the call to get cut short because your phone battery died.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s also a good idea to have your phone charger on standby, or perhaps use a landline to make the call.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Make sure you have everything you may need during your phone interview at arm\u2019s reach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This may include a headset (or headphones), your phone charger, a notebook and pen, the cheat sheet you prepared earlier, and even a glass of water and some tissues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The call unexpectedly drops. Roadworks are happening right outside your home. The interviewer forgets about your interview. The call is lasting longer than you expected and you have another interview in five minutes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n While these scenarios are unlikely to happen, they\u2019re still possible, so it\u2019s a good idea to take the time to think about what could go wrong and come up with a contingency plan for each situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dress as if you were attending an in-person interview. You won\u2019t be dressing for the interviewer\u2019s benefit here (they can\u2019t see you, after all), but rather for your own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Indeed, choosing a more interview-appropriate outfit will generally make you feel much more confident than, say, your pyjamas and this will come across in your tone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n RELATED POST:\u00a0How Can I Become a Dermatologist? Salary, Cost, and Programs<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Choose a quiet environment to take the call like a home office and make sure to let friends and relatives know the time of your phone interview to avoid any unexpected visitors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you have to take the call at work, meanwhile, book a conference room for at least 30 minutes. That should give you enough leeway in case the call goes over the typical 15-minute mark.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Whatever you do, though, avoid taking the call in a busy coffee shop or other public spaces, or your car (especially when driving).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Though you can\u2019t control everything<\/em> around you (like loud neighbours), it\u2019s important that you eliminate as many distractions as you can while you\u2019re doing your phone interview.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not only will the background noise distract you and affect your confidence but it will also distract the interviewer, which is the last thing you want.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Better yet, be early. If your phone interview is scheduled for 3:30 pm, for example, make sure you\u2019re ready to go at least ten minutes earlier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Though it\u2019s unlikely the interviewer will call you before the agreed time, you\u2019ll save yourself from scrambling to answer the call at the last minute.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Meanwhile, if the interviewer is in a different time zone, it\u2019s a good idea to double-check the time difference and plan accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The interviewer will probably ask you questions about your CV or portfolio, so it\u2019s a good idea to keep them close by.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Either print out the documents or open the relevant files on your computer and refer to them as needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In a phone interview, it\u2019s essential that you speak clearly and slowly to avoid any miscommunication or misunderstanding. Take your time answering questions and articulate your words carefully.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s also a good idea to speak louder than usual, particularly when making a point or agreeing with the interviewer. But don\u2019t yell, pay attention to the volume of your voice and adjust it accordingly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Really listen to what the interviewer is saying – from the very beginning of the call, they\u2019ll be giving you information (whether directly or indirectly).<\/p>\n\n\n\n But if you\u2019re not hearing it, you\u2019re missing out on insights into the job, company and culture that will help you tailor your answers to the interviewer\u2019s questions and, ultimately, help you decide whether the job is a right fit for you<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Though a phone interview might not feel as formal as a traditional in-person interview, it\u2019s not your typical phone call with a friend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Always keep it professional and be respectful and courteous. Don\u2019t answer the phone with \u2018Hey, what’s up?\u2019, for example, and address the interviewer appropriately (Mr, Mrs, or Miss). Likewise, don\u2019t chew gum, eat or smoke during the call.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Read this:\u00a015 Skin Care Specialist Schools in the World | Rankings 2023<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n With any question you answer, it is important that you tie your background to the job by providing examples of solutions and results you\u2019ve achieved. Use every opportunity to address the requirements listed in the job description.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Yes, you should be professional throughout your phone interview, but that doesn\u2019t mean being overly formal. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You should still sound friendly. Remember: an interview should be a two-way conversation, not an interrogation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Engage in small talk (particularly memorable topics like a common interest or something company-related) and don\u2019t be afraid to make an appropriate<\/em> joke. This helps you build rapport with the interviewer and sets the tone for the entire call.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When the interviewer is speaking, be careful not to interrupt them. It\u2019s unprofessional and downright rude. Let them finish what they\u2019re saying and then say what you want to say.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re worried you might forget what you want to say, that\u2019s where that notebook and pen come in handy. Jot down questions or talking points you have and bring them up when it\u2019s your turn to speak.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Remember: phone interviews typically last no longer than 15\u201320 minutes, so make every second count.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In other words, don\u2019t ramble on or over-explain. Keep your answers short and on topic. If you need to offer a detailed answer, make sure you keep it for two minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As the interviewer answers your questions and provides you with insights into the job and company, keep notes of all the important information you learn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is especially important as, with the nerves that come with interviewing for jobs, it negates the risk of forgetting things you discussed, which will help you in the next round of interviews. The information you learn can also help you determine whether the job is a good fit for you<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You might feel a little silly smiling down the phone, but it makes you sound warmer and friendlier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although the interviewer can\u2019t see<\/em> you smile, they can definitely hear<\/em> it. In fact, research shows that smiles have a distinct \u2018sound\u2019 that the other person on the line can pick up on \u2014 and then mimic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Do be careful, though: too much smiling can work against you.<\/p>\n\n\n\nTelephone Interview Tips<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
#1.<\/strong> Understand Why Hiring Managers Use Telephone Interviews<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
#2.<\/strong> Confirm The Details<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
#3.<\/strong> Know Who Will Be Calling You<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
#4.<\/strong> Research The Company<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
#5.<\/strong> Review The Job Description<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
#6.<\/strong> Curate Your Success Stories<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
#7.<\/strong> Consider Possible Interview Questions<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
#8.<\/strong> Prepare Questions You Want To Ask<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
#9.<\/strong> Know Your Salary Number<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
#10.<\/strong> Create A Cheat Sheet<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
#11.<\/strong> Set A Professional Voicemail Message<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
#12.<\/strong> Charge Your Phone<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
#13.<\/strong> Gather your tools<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
#14.<\/strong> Plan For Worst-Case Scenarios<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
#15.<\/strong> Dress For Success<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
#16.<\/strong> Find A Quiet Environment<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
#17.<\/strong> Cut The Distractions<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
#18.<\/strong> Arrive Early<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
#19.<\/strong> Have Your CV and Portfolio Ready<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
#20.<\/strong> Speak Clearly and Slowly<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
#21.<\/strong> Listen<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
#22. <\/strong>Tie your Answers Back to your Skills and Accomplishments <\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
#23.<\/strong> Maintain A Conversational Tone<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
#24.<\/strong> Don\u2019t Interrupt The Interviewer<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
#25.<\/strong> Keep Your Answers Short<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
#26.<\/strong> Take Notes<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
#27.<\/strong> Smile<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n