A phone interview is your first chance, and hopefully not the last one, to make a great impression! Treat it as seriously as you would an in-person interview. Ensure the following:
- You have excellent phone signal during the interview
- There are no background noises
- You’re in a space where you’re able to talk freely and comfortably (as opposed to being at work where you must whisper)
- Brush up on your resume. Ensure you’re able to expand upon the skills and experiences listed on your resume
- Be familiar with the company that you’re interviewing with. Visit their website and LinkedIn page
- Know who is calling you, if possible. Find their profile on LinkedIn and see what their role is within the company
- Have generic questions ready such as when they would like to fill this position and what are next steps
Phone interviews are typically the pre-screening round. They will provide general information about the role and ask you general questions about yourself. Some questions may include but are not limited to the following:
- Why are you looking for a new job?
- Why are you interested in this job?
- Tell me about yourself or your background
- What are your salary requirements?
- Are you okay commuting to the location?
Practice answering questions so that you’re ready. You may want to record yourself so you can hear how you sound over the phone.
Always ask if they have any other questions for you and what are next steps. If you have their contact information, definitely send a thank you e-mail.
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