If you’re in the midst of a job search, sooner or later you’ll probably be asked to do a phone interview. They’re an increasingly common way to narrow the candidate pool before conducting face-to-face interviews. Here are some of my favorite tips for successful phone screens:
First, don’t fret or stress if you find out an interview will be conducted over the phone. Your mindset is everything. If you approach the call in a nervous state or thinking you’re at a disadvantage, it will impact your performance.
Second, recognize that there are advantages to conducting a job interview over the phone. You can have notes in front of you. You are in a familiar setting. You save time and hassle by not having to commute to their office. You can more easily take notes on what they say – and can jot notes down for yourself about points to bring up or questions to ask later on in the interview.
Third, when a phone interview is scheduled, make sure to clarify who is calling who so there’s no delay in connecting.
Fourth, while one of the perks may be that you don’t need to get dressed up, I still advise clients to at least get out of their sweats or pajamas. What you are wearing will impact your tone and presence. Set yourself up for success and take the conversation seriously by conducting the phone interview at a table or desk in business casual clothes with pen and paper and a glass of water nearby – not slouched on the couch in your sweats with your feet kicked up.
Fifth, do everything possible to eliminate potential background noises on your end, and apologize if anything does happen in the background before swiftly moving on. Conduct the call on a landline if at all possible to avoid the call being dropped.
While it’s important to visit a potential employer’s office to see the environment and work dynamic, phone interviews in the initial stages of interviewing can be an effective and efficient way for both parties to decide if there’s enough mutual interest to move forward with a face-to-face conversation. Using these tips can help you leave your fear behind and let your strengths shine through.