Phone
Interview Tips
Don Schmitz /Human Resource Staffing
Due to urgency, an increasing number of first-round interviews
are conducted over the phone. Since you will have less than
a minute to make a favorable impression, you need to be prepared.
Employers use telephone interviews primarily to screen candidates
out. Only a few applicants will be invited for in-person interviews.
The interviewer is listening for any mismatches between the
job requirements and the candidate's responses.
Preparation
Dress up and look in the mirror to practice. If you are smiling,
interviewers will hear it in your voice.
Use a headset to leave your hands free to use props, written
notes or even a script while you talk.
Have your résumé and a copy of your job description
within easy reach.
Talking too much and giving irrelevant information is a common
mistake, especially if you are unprepared or nervous.
Never interrupt the interviewer.
Know what you do well and your short-term and long-term career
goals.
Anticipate the kinds of questions the interviewer would ask.
Be prepared to talk about employment gaps, the reason you
left your last position, your specialties and your experience
as it pertains to this position. Interviewers will want to
know about your competencies and accomplishments.
Use the Internet and your network to learn about the company.
Do your homework.
If an opportunity presents itself, be prepared to ask a minimum
of three questions that you can't find answers to on the Internet.
The phone interview
Many interviewers often begin by asking questions about your
salary requirements. Try to give as broad a range as possible.
For example, answer something like, “My salary requirements
are in the $40s," rather than stating an exact figure.
Some
interviewers may bait you to see how you'll react by asking
negative questions. Be careful not to speak negatively about
any past employers or supervisors.
Be
extra careful with the use of any jokes.
Close
by asking the next step in the process and when you might
expect to hear back from the company.
Thank
the interviewer for his or her time. Repeat your strong interest
in the position, and what a good match you think the job is
for your background and experience.
Do
remember to send a thank you note after a telephone screening,
the same as you would after a face-to-face interview.
Back to the library
Reproduction
of this article cannot be accomplished without the expressed
consent of Human Resource Staffing. Don Schmitz is a popular
speaker and writer on all aspects of HR and CEO of Human Resource
Staffing. Don holds graduate degrees in Education, Administration
and Human Development.
Contact Don@HumanResourceStaffingInc.com
952 854 6040
