Preparing for an interview whether it be face-to-face or over the phone is always a wise choice to make if you want to sound as good vocally as you do on paper. If you’ve never had an over-the-phone interview or you’re looking to step up your game, you’ve come to the right place! As most companies rely on phone interviews to screen their candidates, it’s essential to master the art of phone interviews in case you find yourself having to participate in one. Here are 4 useful tips you can use at your next phone interview to put yourself ahead of the competition!
#1- Prepare a List of Questions
Similar to a face-to-face interview, you’ll want to prepare a list of questions you think the interviewer is likely going to ask you. It’s also a good idea to create some questions you’d like to ask the interviewer. That way you aren’t caught off guard and can answer and ask questions promptly during the interview. This will tell the interviewer that you are a quick thinker and are engaged when you smoothly answer and ask insightful questions.
#2- Research the Company and Job Position
Research ahead of time and familiarize yourself with the company’s workplace culture and mission. Studying the position you are applying for is also a wise choice due to its ability to help you identify what the employer is looking for in a candidate. Once you are aware of those desired skills and qualities, you can highlight them during the interview when you are given questions related to your strengths or when asked to tell them about yourself.
#3- Consider your Environment
This should come as no surprise. Your physical environment plays a huge part in your interviewing process and can influence the amount of professionalism you convey to the interviewer. You want to be sure there is little distraction when conducting your phone interview not only for the sake of the interviewer but for your sake as well. When there is an abundance of background noise it can make it harder to listen and respond and heightens the chance of miscommunication. Your employer wouldn’t conduct a face-to-face interview in a noisy environment so pay it forward and plan ahead by finding a place where you can interview in peace.
#4- Have any Necessary Documents on Hand
During the interview, you may be asked specifics about your resume, cover letter, or work portfolio among other things, like notes for items you want to be sure to talk about. Having these things on hand will help you stay on your toes and swiftly provide any details that are needed. You wouldn’t want to keep the interviewer waiting if you suddenly have to scramble through documents you can’t quite remember where you put. Not only will your preparedness leave a good impression on the interviewer, but it will also spare you the stress of suddenly having to come up with something you don’t have on hand mid-interview.
Being skilled in both face-to-face and over-the-phone interviews will inevitably broaden your opportunities.
This article was written by Brittney Jackson.
Brittney Jackson is a Senior studying at Towson University. Outside of school and work, she has a strong passion for travel and gaming; being a collegiate Esports athlete for the past 3 years and counting.