Nothing's more gratifying than receiving a response from an application you sent requesting to be considered for a position in your dream company. Not only did the hours you poured into curating the perfect cover letter, editing your resume, and designing a world-class, pay off, but you're finally going to meet the hiring manager soon. Or, uh, on the phone, at least.
But before you pour yourself a celebratory drink, or well, start panicking wondering how you'll impress the interviewer, here are some tips to help you get prepared – and guarantee you'll get to strut into your dream job next time.
Two days before the scheduled interview, send a quick email to the company's representative to confirm the date and time of the call, the interviewer's name, and phone number. This will not only show them you're professional, but it indicates that you're respectful of their time.
Doing this will also allow you to know your interviewer. Upon learning their name, you can scroll through their LinkedIn profile and find any shared interests to work into your conversation. If you, however, know someone who works at the company with the recruiter, you can inquire about them to understand who they are.
You should treat this like any other interview and prepare adequately. Many people make the mistake of winging it, only to find themselves rumbling and messing up their chances.
First, go over the job description again to help jog your memory on the company's needs and responsibilities. Afterward, do some digging into the company – check their website, Google their details, read their employee testimonials, and scroll through their social media. Gather information concerning what your role would entail and the company's history, mission, and vibe. This will help you curate great answers and questions for the interviewer.
Before the interview, take time and prepare for possible questions that the recruiter might ask you. The hiring manager will ask you the same type of questions they'd have asked if it was an in-person interview. However, it would be best to primarily focus on questions regarding your background since that's what will help them determine if you're the best candidate for the job.
Some of the questions you can expect include, but aren't limited to:
As you prepare for the interviewer's questions, you also need to craft your own. You're also interviewing the company as much as they are you, after all. Also, asking insightful questions help you assess the company and if they're a perfect match for your skills and shows the recruiter you're interested in the position. However, don't wait until the end to ask your questions – try working them into the conversation throughout your interview.
Interviews can be nerve-wracking. Even the most experienced job seekers get flustered when it's time for an interview. Yes, anxiety often gets the best of us and makes us forget everything we planned to bring up at the interview.
The antidote? A cheat sheet.
The document will help you manage your nerves and allow you to recall important points. It can include critical details about the position, information regarding the interviewer, your salary number, and questions you'd like to ask.
It might sound too obnoxious, but this question often comes up, so you'll need to have an intelligent answer ready. The best way to determine your salary number is by using a salary calculator – you can easily find one online. If the recruiter doesn't ask this question, though, ensure you wait until later to bring it up.
Nothing in life is inevitable. So, in the event that you miss the scheduled call, you can save face by recording a professional voicemail message. It can be something as simple as 'Hi, you've reached Wendy Hicks. I can't come to the phone right now, but please leave a message, and I'll call you right back.'
Just like you wouldn't go camping with a tent and supplies, be sure to arm yourself with essential material before the interview. Ensure you have a copy of your CV nearby to refer to during the interview. You should also make copies of the job listing and your cover letter if you sent one.
Top tip? Create a draft email, Google document, or word document with all the relevant information. That way, you'll have all the critical information – notes on the company, your CV, and so on in one spot.
You should also ensure you have:
Sure, having a phone interview in your PJs or sweatpants is thrilling, but dressing the part can help boost your confidence. Opt for an attire that makes you feel like you can crush that interview or at least something that makes you feel comfortable and still professional.
Your environment matters when taking a phone interview. You don't want your kids or pets running in and disrupting you. Therefore, if you're at home, lock yourself in your home office and stick a 'Do Not Disturb – Interview in Session' note at the door. Book yourself a conference room or find a coffee shop with minimal foot traffic if you're at the office. Wherever you opt to go, scope it out and ensure you have a cozy seat, zero distractions, excellent phone service, and an outlet if possible.
Ensure you speak clearly and slowly during the interview to avoid any misunderstanding. Take time to answer questions and enunciate your words. You should also talk louder, but please don't yell – pay attention to your tone and the volume of your voice as your speak. Yes, you need to maintain a professional vibe, but that doesn't mean being overly formal. You should engage in small talk, particularly memorable topics like your common interest, and not be afraid of making appropriate jokes.
Remember, this is an interview, a two-way conversation, not an interrogation. Plus, this will help you build a good rapport with the recruiter and set the tone for the entire interview.
Don't be the individual that makes the recruiter repeat their questions ten times – that's irritating. Pay close attention, practice active listening, and avoid multi-tasking. It isn't the time to scroll through your TikTok or read over your notes. Respect the interview and be sure to give him full attention. That means repeating relevant points (you can jot them down if you want to remember them) and using filler like 'ok' or 'yes' to show that you're taking it in.
This isn't the time to tell your life story. Phone interviews typically take 15 to 20 minutes, so make every second count. Don't start rambling or over-explaining your points. Keep your answers short and precise. If you have to give a detailed response, make it two minutes max.
Before you end the call, be sure to ask the hiring manager about the next steps in the hiring process if they don't offer that information, as it will reiterate your interest in the job. Knowing the following steps will allow you to plan accordingly and know how long you have to wait before following up.
After hanging up, take two or so minutes to jot down any last notes that you want to remember. Perhaps the interviewer mentioned they're launching a new product that you should check out or someone you need to reach out to. You'll appreciate having those in writing when you design your thank you note or step into the next round of interviews.
A sincere 'thank you' email 24 hours after the interview goes a long way in showing your recruiters that you're interested in the position, and you appreciate their time. Ensure you personalize the email and mention something you and the interviewer discussed during the call. You can also use the thank you note as a way of offering additional information on anything regarding your qualifications – particularly something you didn't get the chance to mention during the interview.
