Did you write an impressive cover letter and resume? If so, you may have scheduled a phone interview with your prospective employer. At this point, you should be ready to talk about your resume in detail, answer questions about your experience, and describe your goals for the new role.
Here are 6 ways to crush your phone interview.
Treat it like a sit-down interview.
Yes, phone interviews are less stressful than in-person interviews but that doesn't mean you should take them any less seriously. Before your phone interview, visit the company's website to learn more about its mission, products or services, and team members. The interviewer wants to know that you are invested in the job opportunity. Having knowledge of the company will demonstrate that you have taken the time to research the organization, giving you an advantage over candidates who have not.
Have your resume ready.
When applying for a new job, it is important to highlight how your past work experience has prepared you for the new role. This will show the hiring manager or interviewer that you are a good fit for the position. Having a full list of places you've worked and what you've accomplished will make it easier to do so. Use your resume as a reference point to identify a time in your career when you solved a challenge.
Get comfortable.
If you've got a phone interview scheduled, make sure you're available. Get comfortable, find a quiet room and remove distractions. When you answer the phone, be sure to introduce yourself by saying your name so that the interviewer can easily identify you. If you are caught off guard by the phone call, do your best not to ignore it. Failing to answer a call from a potential employer makes it seem like you are not interested in the position. It would be better if you answered the phone and rescheduled the call rather than not picking up at all.
Sell yourself.
Some people are uncomfortable talking highly about themselves. That can be admirable in certain situations but not in an interview setting. Rehearsing for your interview is one of the best ways to prepare. This can be done by practicing with a family member, friend, or by yourself. Practice will help you keep your answers short, a valuable interviewing skill that can improve your chances of getting a job. The interviewer will typically have a set of questions to ask in order to get to know the applicant better. It is important to be mindful of the length of your responses and to be able to answer questions clearly and concisely. A phone interview should revolve around you, your skills, and your interest in the position. There are ways you can do that without sounding self-centered. Make sure you have a clear idea of the skills, accomplishments, and examples you want to emphasize before the interview. Having a prepared list will help you make the most of your time and make a strong impression on the interviewer. It's easy to forget these things during an interview when you're nervous.
Come with questions.
A job interview is an opportunity for both the company and the candidate to learn more about each other and to see if there is a fit. When preparing questions to ask during an interview, it can be helpful to think about your interests or goals, and to make observations about the company.
Send a thank you note.
Whether you think you bombed the interview or absolutely crushed it, send an email thanking the interviewer for their time. In the email, be sure to explain that you're A) looking forward to the next step in the process, or B) that you would like to excuse yourself from the process but thank you for the opportunity.
If you do these simple things, you are well on you're way to crushing your interview!
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