Your application has finally been shortlisted. Probably, the next step your potential employer will make is to schedule you for a phone interview. You might ask yourself, “Why did they just not invite me for a face-to-face interview?” For job interviews, some companies want to check their applicant’s ability to communicate before they ask them to personally come to their office for an interview. In order for you to succeed on the first stage of this application process, here are some tips you can apply:

1. Research about the company well

If you receive your phone interview schedule in advance, this is a good opportunity for you to research not only about the company but also the job description. By doing this, you can check if you meet all the requirements and know what the company is all about.

Search LinkedIn and Glassdoor if the company has a profile on these websites. You can learn what questions are usually asked during their interview, and you can decide if you want to push through with the company or not. In addition, you will look well-prepared should you decide to be interviewed.

2. Determine if you can commit to the schedule of the phone interview

In case the employer asks for your preferred schedule, you should schedule the call at a time when you can completely concentrate. Take this call in a quiet, comfortable, and uninterrupted place. Never take phone job interviews in your workplace. Your boss or your colleagues might interrupt you or worse overhear your conversation.

If you cannot choose the phone interview schedule, be honest if you are not available to take the schedule. If they do not want to reschedule, you have to make the necessary adjustments in order to present yourself well.

3. Prepare the necessary documents

It is a must that you are equipped with enough information about a company whenever you have Job Interviews. Thus, it will be better for you to have a copy of the details about the job on hand before your interview begins.

4. Jot down notes

Have a notebook with you during your phone interview so that you can easily write down important notes during and after the interview. However, your concentration should be fully in the interview. In job interviews, an interviewer can notice right away if you are out of focus.

During the interview, note the name and the position of the interviewer so that you can address the person properly. If those details were not given, you can ask. Moreover, you should write the requirements or tasks that you are asked to complete and the questions you failed to answer.

You must also note particular topics that they ask a lot of follow-up questions since it means these topics are important to them.

This tip seems trivial, but it can help you write your appreciation letter and prepare for the personal interview.

5. Familiarize yourself with the common questions asked in Job Interviews

Giving brief answers will turn off your interviewer. Therefore, you should know the questions commonly asked during job interviews. You can practice answering some of these questions:

  • Describe yourself and work experience.
  • Why do you want to work for our company?
  • How do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years?
  • Share a difficult experience you had and how you overcame it.

Remember to expound on your responses in order for you to stand out among the many candidates.

6. Smile while you are talking over the phone

Your voice is more lively and engaging when you smile while you are having a conversation with your interviewer. This gives a positive impression to the one you are talking with.

Place a mirror near the phone so that it will be easier for you to remember that you need to smile. Look at it from time to time during your phone interview.

7. Be mindful of your words and voice

The quality of your voice and language can make or break your phone interview. Make sure you speak clearly, stay lively, smile, and use language that is positive and formal.

Never talk negatively about your previous company or boss. Notice the pacing and tone of your interviewer and modulate your voice. Remembering this can do a lot for your interview.

8. Know the right questions to ask

Remember not to ask inappropriate questions such as salary, bonuses, or holidays. You can only ask about these once you are given your job offer. It will seem like you are only interested in the compensation. Your aim in this interview is to impress the interviewer.

You can ask about the daily work, the team you will work with, and professional developments.

9. Show that you are interested in the opportunity and the company

When the interview is about to end, express your appreciation of being considered for the position and say that you are looking forward to being interviewed in person. You can also ask if they have additional questions before the call ends. This is applicable to all kinds of job interviews.

10. Ask for the next step

Before the interviewer says goodbye to you, you ought to ask what the next steps are. Not only will it give you a good impression to your interviewer, but it will not leave you hanging as well. You can ask how you can stay in touch and the contact information of the person you will follow up with.

11. Send a thank you message

Though it is only a phone interview, you need to show courtesy of expressing your gratitude to the one who interviewed you. You have to send this letter as soon as possible after your phone interview. Take this chance to say again why you are the best person to be hired.

Conclusion

In a nutshell, preparation and being calm are the keys to acing job interviews. You need to show professionalism and interest to make you a very good candidate for the position. Following the steps, you will be invited to work in your dream company’s office in no time.