The majority of job openings that are posted today are highly competitive, so many companies that are looking to hire someone will first start with a phone screen of candidates as a way to narrow down their search prior to in-person interviews. I see this as the first step in the interview process on over 75% of the positions that I recruit on, so if you are looking for a new job opportunity, then you should prepare and plan to shine in your phone interview in order to advance to the next step in the process.
Here are a few basic things that you should have in mind before every phone screen:
- When asked for availability of a phone screen, always give several options of times and dates that you are available. Always reply with the best contact phone number that the interviewer can reach you at. Will they be calling you, or are you expected to dial them?
- Be available and expecting their call at the agreed upon time. Many companies schedule phone interviews as frequently as 15 minutes apart, so if you miss the call and have trouble getting a hold of them when you call back, the interviewer might already be on to preparing for the next call.
- Use a landline phone whenever possible. Cell phones are the norm these days, but most don’t have perfect reception.
- If no landline is available, test out a location that you know you get good cell reception.
- Don’t act surprised when the interviewer calls you. You’re expecting and prepared for their call so there is no reason to pretend like you’re not.
- Make sure it is a quiet place where you can speak freely and not have to whisper or talk softly.
- Allocate enough time for your phone interview. If it’s going well it might last longer than 15-20 minutes. You don’t want to be the one to end a good conversation due to time constraints, so book it for a time period when you have plenty of time (after work, or during your lunch break perhaps?)
- Treat a phone interview like it’s an interview. Prepare as you would for a standard interview, where you’ve done your research on the industry, company, and position details. Have your questions prepared and written down.
The thing is, phone screens are hard! You’re not able to see the person you’re meeting with, so you can’t read the expressions of the interviewer, and they can’t see your expressions or body language. Most phone interviews are brief, and you’ll get off the phone without a real feel for how it went.
My experience is that most employers want to get a quick feel for your personality, and if you are able to articulate and back up the things written on your resume. By following these steps you will help give them confidence enough to bring you in to meet with them, which is where you would like to be!
