Do These 8 Things Before Your Next Phone Interview to Land Your Dream Job
You put your best effort into your job application, and now you’ve been selected for an initial phone interview. WOO-HOO! What next? You need to prepare for a phone interview like you would for any other interview.
We know some of you are thinking, “Hey! It’s just a quick phone interview. What’s the big deal? It’s just like talking to my mom on Wednesday night.”
Wrong.
You cannot wing it even if you are Johnny-on-the-spot and your best friend’s mom’s neighbor is conducting the interview.
This is the only chance to make the interview panel want to meet you in person.
Remember, it really counts – just as much as an in-person interview!
Here are 8 THINGS YOU MUST DO TO PREPARE FOR A PHONE INTERVIEW:
1. RE-READ THE JOB DESCRIPTION.
Even better, print it out (sorry, Mother Earth). Take notes, highlight, write on it.
You know what you applied for, but you should know ALL of the specific details that the hiring panel is looking for. Then you will more easily be able to pinpoint ways that you fit those needs.
2. DO SOME RESEARCH.
Get on the organization’s website, talk to someone in the department, and learn more about the job.
Experience isn’t everything! Hiring panels are looking for qualified candidates, but they are also looking for a good fit. You want to understand the organization’s and the department’s mission statements.
Talking about an organization’s values goes a long way, and knowing unique details about the organization shows initiative and commitment.
Doing research on an organization is one of the most important ways to prepare for a phone interview.
3. TAKE NOTES.
Before the interview, write down examples of how you qualify for the job, your experience and education, and why you want the job.
Also think about 1-2 questions you may want to ask the interview panel if you have the opportunity.
Writing down notes before your interview (and then having them in front of you) will help you remember specific and important details about your past experiences and accomplishments.
It will also help you stay calm, knowing that you have notes to prompt you during the interview.
4. PRACTICE.
Now that you’ve reviewed the job, done your research, and written some notes, practice your answers!
You may not know the questions you will be asked, but you can practice the basics – talking about your current job, responsibilities, and specific accomplishments you are most proud of, and giving answers to commonly asked interview questions.
If you don’t practice, you may find yourself babbling on without any direction.
5. KNOW WHAT TIME YOUR INTERVIEW IS.
Sounds simple enough. But there’s nothing worse than being caught off guard because your interview is scheduled for 10 a.m. Eastern Standard Time, and you didn’t take the time difference into account.
You will likely be panicked and out of sorts for the entire interview.
Or you’ll be belting “Don’t Stop Believin’” in the shower, and you won’t even hear your phone ring.
6. DRESS UP.
True, the interview panel has no idea if you’ve just rolled out of bed in your PJs and still have pillow wrinkles in your face, but you will!
And chances are you will feel and sound lazy, too.
You need to prepare mentally and physically for a phone interview. Wake up, get some food and a cup of coffee, and get dressed – in fact, dress UP. You will actually feel more confident presenting yourself professionally over the phone if you act the part in every way!
7. FIND A QUIET PLACE.
Go to a comfortable place where there are no distractions or loud noises so that you can focus and hear the interviewer speaking.
PS: This quiet place should have fantastic cell reception. Nothing ruins a phone interview like, “Oh shoot, you’re cutting in and out…can you hear me?” every other question.
8. TAKE A BREATH, ANSWER YOUR PHONE, AND SMILE.
Again, obvious, but answer your phone on time, and do it with a smile!
You might feel silly smiling on the phone with no one to see you, but there will be a noticeable change in your voice and your energy if you smile while you talk on the phone.
You might even want to walk quickly around the room a few minutes before your interview to get your energy up. (Just don’t overdo it – huffing and puffing doesn’t give a great first impression either).
The panel wants to hear that you are excited and that you want the job!
Follow these 8 simple tips to prepare for your next phone interview and feel confident and ready to go. (Wait a minute – what do I say once I answer the phone?!)
READ ALL ABOUT HOW TO NAIL YOUR PHONE INTERVIEW HERE.
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