How to Shine On Your Phone Interview
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This document provides guidance on preparing for and succeeding in a phone interview. It discusses researching the company and position, preparing answers to common questions, preparing questions to ask, and ensuring your environment is optimal. The key steps are to research thoroughly, craft strong answers to typical questions, and prepare both questions for the interviewer and your environment so you can make a great impression despite not being in-person.
How to Shine On Your Phone Interview
- 1. How to Shine On Your Phone Interview Welcome! We will start promptly at 12:00pm
- 2. Enough about Us. Let’s Get Down to Business Introduction to Phone Interviews Key Steps BEFORE The Call Key Steps DURING The Call Key Steps AFTER The Call 7
- 3. The Phone Interview The Basics 8
- 4. Employers conduct phone interviews to narrow their search There could be a fundamental mismatch between the company’s need and the job seeker’s need. You can figure this out quickly on the phone and save everyone’s time There are two basic types of phone screens: scheduled and unscheduled Your goal is to convince the interviewer that you are worth pursuing further – which can be difficult when all you have to rely on is your own voice – no body language, no visual cues Phone Interview Basics 9
- 5. Scheduled vs. Unscheduled Phone Interviews “Is g ?” Most phone interviews are scheduled ahead of time An unscheduled phone interview never works in your favor. If you’re caught by surprise, schedule another time to talk If you get an unscheduled call and you’re not ready: “Great to hear from you! I’m not at my desk right now and I want to give this call the attention it deserves. When can I call you back?” When you’re in a job search, you never know who will call and when it will happen. Always answer your phone professionally and have a professional greeting on your voice mail 10
- 6. Prepare Your Environment Prepare Yourself Prepare Your Answers Prepare Your Questions 4 Keys: BEFORE the Phone Interview 11
- 7. Set the Stage for Success … Prepare Your Environment q Eliminate distracting background noises (TV, pets, kids, etc.) q Turn off email notifications on your computer (visual or sound) q Turn off message notifications on your cell phone (sounds or vibrations) q If using your cell phone at your home, turn off the ringer on your home phone q If using your home phone, turn off your cell phone q Make sure you’re in an area with good reception q Make sure your phone is fully charged q If using a Blue Tooth (or other headset) make sure it’s charged and ready to go q Make sure you’re somewhere where you can talk for 20-30 minutes without incident q Don’t drive during a phone interview 12
- 8. Set the Stage for Success … Prepare Your Environment – Your Desk q Set aside a space for your conversation q Pen, paper for taking notes q Your resume/LinkedIn profile q Your research q Take advantage of the fact that you can’t be seen - your cheat sheet(s) q How you would answer questions they might ask q Questions you want to ask q A brief bio on yourself q Why you are the best for for the role q Glass of water (should your mouth go dry or you get a frog in your throat) 13
- 9. What If You’re Currently Working and You Need To Do a Phone Interview? § Most interviewers will understand that you have a job and as such you have limited options for when and where you can chat § If it’s not too obvious, take the call in an office with the door closed or in a empty conference room § it can feel a little awkward § you risk work-related interruptions § If you drive to work, take the call in your car (while parked, not while driving) § Try to go to a coffee shop or nearby park/quiet outdoor area § If you go somewhere like a coffee shop and you know there will be background noise, just frame the conversation, something like this: “I stepped out of work to take this call. I’m in a coffee shop and I hope there won’t be much background noise, but you might hear some, I hope that’s ok.” 14
- 10. Prepare Yourself Dress for the Part Take a deep breath & calm your nerves Be well rested Use the restroom Be ready 10 minutes early Eat something 15
- 12. Prepare your ANSWERS Craft some killer answers to the most commonly asked questions Why do you want this role? Tell me about yourself. What are your strengths? What salary are you looking for? Why did you leave x-y-z role? What are you looking for in your next job/company? What do you know about this position/our organization? What makes you a fit for our company/this position? What questions do you have for me? Why are you considering leaving your current employer? 17
- 13. Prepare your RESEARCH Do Your Homework 18 Research the Company • Primary mission or purpose of the company or organization • Principal services or products • Latest annual sales or revenue information • Major competitors • Organizational culture (management style, work environment, structure) • Trends in the industry or field and the “hot” issues Research the Position • Major position responsibilities • Qualifications and required skills • Required training and education • Typical earnings, advancement, career path, and employment outlook • Opportunities for continuing education and training Research Your Interviewer • Google them • Use LinkedIn • Also use Facebook and Twitter • Make note of anything that could be useful during your interview • Look for ways to make personal connections to help you stand out • Look for awards, accomplishments that you can congratulate them on
- 14. Prepare your ANSWERS Some pointers … “Tell me about yourself” • Don’t give a chronological history. Start with the present and the direct experience you have that makes you a fit • Keep your answer short and informative “What are your strengths/weaknesses?” • They want to know your own ability to assess your experience, work style, and mistakes • They also want to see how you think on your feet • A great technique is to tell stories about how your skills helped you excel • Engage them, but keep the answer brief “Why do you want this job?” • They want to know what you know about the job. They want to see if you’ve done your homework. Have you gone above and beyond to study the job & the organization? 19
- 15. Prepare your ANSWERS Here’s a big one … For more samples questions and answers, see our past webinar “Ace the Interview, Land the Job” on our website at https://www.advancedresources.com/job-seeker-webinars/ “What salary are you looking for?” • Interviewers just want to know if you’re asking for more than the position is paying. • Never fully answer this question. • “I don’t have enough information yet to make a firm determination but your salary requirements fall within my range.” 20
- 16. Prepare your QUESTIONS Be ready to ask several questions What would I be doing on the job? Who supervises this position? At what stage in the process are you? What are the top three things you’re seeking in the ideal candidate? Why is the position open? Tell me about the rest of the team. What is the culture like in your company? How long have you been with the company and what do you like about working there? What are the next steps in the process? What is the vision/future for the company? 21
- 17. Prepare your QUESTIONS Skip these questions … Will I have to work overtime? Are the working hours flexible? Can I work from home? Does this job require that I pass a drug screen? How much does this position pay? What type of health insurance does the company offer? Is there public transportation in the company’s area? 22
- 18. Our Next Job Seeker Webinar Thursday, December 3 Tackling the Tough Interview Questions Visit https://www.advancedresources.com/events/ to register for this webinar! 34 An exclusive Job Seeker Webinar Watch the full webinar here: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/recording/4764251320302786306