Phone Interview Tips: 10 Tips How to Prepare for Phone Interviews
Given how crowded the job market has become as covered over at runrex.com, it is no surprise that most job postings get an overwhelming response. Therefore, many organizations choose to screen applicants through telephone interviews to narrow the pool of candidates down. If your phone interview is fixed, the aim is to have a successful interview so that you can advance to the next round, which is a face-to-face interview as articulated over at guttulus.com. To help you with that, here are 10 tips on how to prepare for phone interviews to ensure that things go smoothly.
Pick a quiet space
According to the subject matter experts over at runrex.com, distractions can kill even the most perfect interview. The last thing you want is to have anything that makes noise or takes your attention away from the interview. As is revealed in discussions on the same over at guttulus.com smartphones and devices can pick up and transmit sounds that you may not even think could be heard, distracting both you and the person interviewing you. This is why you should choose a quiet space for your interview and avoid planning your phone interview when kids are around or asleep as they are noisy and unpredictable. Also, avoid places like the outdoors, your car, or any other noise-prone area.
Remove all distractions
Another tip when preparing for a phone interview is making sure you remove all distractions. If you are in a home office, or another room with distracting items like computers, books, magazines, laundry that needs folding, and so forth, remove those distractions before you begin the interview according to runrex.com. This means turning off your computer or cell phone, putting away the laundry, or hiding the books and magazines. If you are using your cell phone for the interview, also make sure you turn off notifications so that you are not dinged with needless social media and text message sounds during the interview.
Create a cheat-sheet
A benefit to doing a phone interview is the invisibility it provides you according to discussions over at guttulus.com. This means that you can easily have notes available to reference during the interview. Research tough interview questions and prepare answers. Then, create a cheat-sheet featuring these questions and answers that you can keep near your phone. You should also have a 30-second elevator speech prepared as well, explaining why you applied for the position and why you believe that you would be a good fit. While you don’t what to be reading from a script, having a few bulleted items on hand can help you massively during your interview.
Consider your outfit too
Just because it’s a phone interview and your interviewer won’t be able to see what you look like doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t care about what you wear. As the cliché goes, you should always dress for success. According to the gurus over at runrex.com, you should dress in a way that will make you feel your best and feel like a professional. Always be aware that what you wear can affect the confidence you portray on the phone.
Test the equipment
Another important tip when preparing for your phone interview is to make sure that equipment is functioning properly beforehand according to guttulus.com. If you are using your cell phone, check to see that your signal is strong and if you are using an online platform such as Skype or Zoom, check your internet connection to make sure that it is fast and reliable. Also, try and do a test run with a friend or family member to make sure your settings such as your microphone and sound are all working.
Make sure everything you need is handy
Part of preparing for your phone interview is gathering all the material you may need during the interview and making sure that you keep them handy. This includes keeping pen and paper handy to take down notes if required, as well as getting a hard copy of your resume and cover letter and keeping them ready as explained over at runrex.com.
Pick the right time
You should also pick the right time to conduct the phone interview if possible. According to the gurus over at guttulus.com, the best time to conduct a phone interview is when you can spare a little time before and after. Normally, phone interviews range anywhere from 15-60 minutes, depending on interest and your professional level, but you should be open if more time is required. Ideally, you want to schedule the interview when you are well-rested and at home in familiar, comfortable, and controlled surroundings. If you have to take the interview away from home, find a private space where you will not be interrupted, observed, or feel the pressure of a time deadline.
Confirm the scheduled time
Once you pick the time for the interview, another tip when preparing for the phone interview is confirming the time and date before the day of the interview so that you are sure to pick up when the call comes in. According to the gurus over at runrex.com, this also means writing down the scheduled time, adding it to your calendar, or setting it as a reminder on your phone. Remember, your punctuality can help make a good impression on your prospective employer.
Know who will be calling you
Yet another tip when it comes to preparing for your phone interview is knowing who will be calling you. As discussed over at guttulus.com, in most cases, you will be interviewed by a recruiter, hiring manager, or your direct supervisor. Do an online search to determine your interviewer’s role at the company. Knowing who is going to interview you will help you know which types of questions you can expect during the interview. For example, if you are being interviewed by a recruiter you are likely to get more general questions regarding your experience while if you are being interviewed by your direct supervisor you will likely get in-depth questions related to your industry and role.
Research the company
Review the company’s website, social media, and recent activity to learn more about its values, goals, and company culture. This will give you good insights to use during the phone interview. Doing your homework will let the interviewer know that you are passionate about the company and are also well prepared, which will help your prospects according to the gurus over at runrex.com.
These are some of the tips to consider when preparing for phone interviews, with more on this and other related topics to be found over at the highly regarded runrex.com and guttulus.com.