5 Tips to Help You Win the Phone Interview
Death, divorce, interviews… Putting ourselves forward for judgment is one of the more stressful things we humans have to endure in life. When we’re called out of the blue for a phone interview, the pressure can be really dialed up!
Phone interviews are most typically used as a screening tool before a longer and more structured job interview is scheduled, so it’s crucial you make a great first impression.
Even if you’ve been put on the spot and are nervous as all get out, here’s how to wow the pants off the person on the other end of the line.
Schedule an appropriate time
Approximately 33% of interviewers decide whether or not they want to hire a candidate during the first 90 seconds of any interview.
The first thing you need to do after answering the phone and realising it’s your dream job on the other line is make sure you’re in a good position (physically and mentally) to take the call.
If you’re called in the middle of a tram ride/supermarket shop/open plan work environment or simply want to be more centred – you absolutely have the authority to arrange another time. A quick “I’m really looking forward to speaking with you, am I able to call you back in an hour?” will show you mean business.
The trick to build rapport
Psychologists have written countless articles about the benefits of smiling. And it's a fact that people can hear a smile through the phone. A simple smile is key to channel your warmth and build rapport.
Being present and listening actively will also help your phone interview run smoothly and increase your chances of being remembered - in a good way.
Who is on the other line?
If you’re lucky and the call has been pre-scheduled, ask who will be on the call. Look them up on LinkedIn or a company page beforehand so you can understand their position within the company which can help you direct your answers appropriately. It will also make you feel more confident and comfortable on the call.
If it’s out of the blue, don’t be shy to ask the caller about themselves. Do they work within the business or are they a recruiter? Either way, having some questions for them is always appreciated.
Why them?
If you’re spraying out a heap of applications, keep track of the roles you’ve applied for to enable you recall why you did. Better still, know who the company is – be sure to research them too.
The more information you have before the call comes the more confident you will be answering the phone.
Prepare to answer these common questions
Being ready with answers for these common screening questions will help you give thorough, considered answers. There’s absolutely no harm in asking to take a beat to think about your answer, but failing to prep at all could mean failing to get your best bits across.
Rehearsing the answers to these questions out loud will allow you to become comfortable with them.
Typical phone interview questions
What is your current situation, why are you looking for a new role?
What is your ideal next career move?
What motivates you? Where have you been most successful, proudest achievements in a role / project?
Salary expectations? This question upfront ensures we don’t waste your time if alignment between salary and the role don’t match.
As soon as you start applying for jobs, be prepared for your phone to ring. We hope these tips help you to answer those calls with excitement and confidence, rather than dry mouth and anxiety.
