Got a Phone Interview? Here are some helpful tips for your preparation.
Phone interviews are now an effective and more importantly, safer method of conducting interviews after the spread of the Covid-19 virus. However, it is still a very new method that completely changes the already nerve-wracking situation for any interviewees. There are two types of phone interviews, scheduled and unscheduled.
Usually, the company would email you or call you to set up a scheduled time to conduct the interview. However, you must be able to handle a surprise, unscheduled phone call with finesse too. Unscheduled calls will rarely work in your favour when it comes to a suitable time. So if you are caught by surprise for a phone interview, politely schedule another time to talk. Nobody will blame you for saying something to the effect of 'Thank you so much for your call, but I am currently unavailable, would it be possible for me to call you back?' Once the surprise has been dealt with, it is time to organize yourself for the scheduled time.
There are generally three stages in any phone interview, and this article will help you handle each one with confidence, equipped with the necessary information.
Before the Interview (Stage 1)
Do your Homework.
- Make sure to review the job description and do some research on the company. If and when they ask you a question similar to 'What do you know about us?' you should be prepared to answer. It is one of the most common questions in both phone and in-person interviews.
- 'So tell me something about yourself' is another common question thrown at interviewees. This question helps them understand what your achievements are including how you view yourself. It is a great chance to showcase your talents and skills at your own pace and with your original intent. So be prepared for that too.
- Just like for an in-person interview, it would be best if you compile a list of your strengths and weaknesses, as well as a list of answers to typical phone interview questions. In addition, have a list of questions ready to ask from the interviewer too.
Create a comfortable environment.
- Not many of us have a lot of experience with phone interviews, which can only add to the stress. So, what you can do to ease the tension for you, is to eliminate distractions and eliminate background noise (for example, from young children and pets). Also having a glass of water handy can be very helpful. Printing out your résumé and marking key parts you want to highlight in the conversation can be a very smart move to show the interviewer how well equipped you are.
During the Interview (Stage 2)
Listen
- The interview would usually set the stage and interview at his/her pace. So, never try to dominate the interview. Also, the interviewer will mention a few key pieces of information like, expectations, why the person before you left, what it takes to be successful in this company and what the major challenges will be, note these down so you can use this as a reference to answer the questions ahead.
Speak with your Voice
- Once the listening is over, we talk! On the phone, we must make a good impression purely with our voices. Drink as much water as you need to avoid having to clear your throat. It is a well-known fact that posture is important too and has an impact on your voice. Stand, or make sure you sit up very straight, during the call.
- Take your time! This is an important point that many people tend to forget. It is completely acceptable to take a moment or two to collect your thoughts when responding. Especially to those odd-ball questions, they will throw at you.
- When giving answers, keep it short and sweet. A hiring manager has to interview you plus a few dozen more in the same day. So he will want answers that will not drag on and precise.
- At the end of the interview, he/she will definitely ask you, “So do you have any questions for me?” This is a key opportunity to show the interviewer more of your confidence, and how you too expect further clarification on the job. The questions can be something along the line of, 'How would you describe a typical day in this position?', 'What is the typical work week?' or 'What are the company's plans for growth and development?' You can ask away with any of these options!
After the Interview (Stage 3)
Send a thank-you note
- Immediately, send an email to the interviewer, thanking him/her and reiterating your interest in the job. This will send a strong signal to the interviewer not only about your eagerness for the position but also that you are a well-mannered individual that will be a great addition to the company.
Follow-Up
- If the interviewer did not mention when they would be getting back to you, after about a week of the interview, you can send an email. Merely to inquire about the status of your application and reiterating your interest in the position.
If you follow these tips and guidelines, after a couple of phone interviews, you will be able to handle even unscheduled phone interviews, at any time and place.