You should be prepared for an unexpected call because many firms prefer phone interviews to save time or money. Even if you don’t recognize the interviewer’s voice over the phone, the interviewer will expect you to conduct a typical interview, even if you’re on the other side of the world.
In this post, we’ll show you how to prepare for a phone interview with a potential employer.
Review the job description once more.
After reading the job description and probable interview questions, you should have a good idea of what the prospective employer wants from you. If you’re looking for a PR job but your research indicates they need a graphic designer, for example, focus on demonstrating how your creative and technical talents can help them achieve their goals.
If this is an unexpected call, double-check that you have all of the necessary information.
Make your own list of questions.
It’s time to construct a list of questions you’d like the interviewer to answer once you’ve gone over the job description and mentally prepared yourself for a phone interview. While some employers disclose this information in advance or via email, many do not provide any insight into the interview process.
In addition to having questions prepared for prospective interviews or training sessions, make sure you know where each interviewer is located and whose firm they represent. If their response contradicts the facts on your resume, this could be a red flag.
While you may desire to take notes during the interview, it is advisable to create a questionnaire beforehand to serve as a reminder of the questions you should ask each person.
Look for a peaceful place to sit.
If you’re in a calm, distraction-free setting, you’ll be able to concentrate on the phone. Many people find that closing their office door or displaying a “do not disturb” sign helps them achieve this zone of concentration.
Practice your speaking voice.
A strong voice not only impresses your interviewer but also makes it easier for them to hear your comments over the phone. If you slur or speak too softly, they won’t understand what kind of response you’re giving.
While some people like to talk on a cordless phone with a long wire, others may prefer to use the speakerphone option on their desk phone so that both hands are free for taking notes and any other preparation procedures before the phone interview begins.
Do not use your calendar, emails, or notes until after the interview.
If you’re using a hands-free device or a loudspeaker before the interview, don’t check your calendar, emails, or notes once the conversation starts. You don’t want to appear as if you’re squirming around looking for information when you should be giving your all to the interviewer on the other end of the line.
Practice makes perfect, as the saying goes.
Many job candidates are nervous during phone interviews since they have no idea what to expect. The better prepared you are in terms of researching employers, creating your own list of suitable topics to cover with each interviewer, and finding a quiet area where you can speak freely without distractions, the more likely you are to answer each question perfectly and wow the interviewer.
Keep in mind that a successful interview performance can help you land the job you’ve been looking for! If you follow these phone interview tips, you should have a better chance of succeeding during your next phone interview. So get ready for your job interview and ace it! We wish you the best of luck!