Here are 5 simple steps to prepare for phone interviews.
5 Simple Steps to Prepare for Phone Interviews
Phone interviews are intimidating to many people. They cannot see the person they are talking with, cannot read non-verbals or sense the environment.
However, is not uncommon for my Career Coaching to have phone interviews as Step 1 in the potential company’s hiring process.
Don’t worry! There are some simple steps for preparing for phone interviews that will relieve some of the stress.
Step 1: Make sure you are on-brand
Make sure you are presenting yourself consistently and professionally anywhere you can be seen in the digital world.
- Is your LinkedIn profile updated and presenting you at your best?
- Is your social media cleaned up?
Step 2: Do your research
Know as much as you can about the organization you will be interviewing for.
- Make sure that you read up on the company. Know its mission, its history, and interesting factoids. Their website is a good place to start. See if they have a Facebook page.
- Do you know the name of the person who will be interviewing you? Can you find that person on LinkedIn? If you, at least you’ll know what they look like, and get a glimpse into what they think is important about their work.
Step 3: Practice phone interview questions
There are a few common phone interview questions. Ask yourself and answer them. Say them in the mirror or have a friend *interview* you. You can even write out the answers, in case you think you will forget.
Here are some of the more common questions:
- What is your job history?
- What has been your salaries? (There are some states that do not allow that question to be asked.)
- What are your salary expectations for a new job?
- What are some challenges you have overcome in your current job?
- What are your greatest strengths/weaknesses?
- What experiences have you had at your current job that may be helpful at this new job?
- What do you hope to contribute to the organization?
- Would you be willing to travel? relocate?
- Why do you want to work for this organization?
Step 4: Be professional
- Keep your resume in front of you
- Keep a note pad and pencil with you, take notes as you go
- Dress professionally (even if only you see you, it makes a difference)
- During the interview either stand up straight or sit up straight
- Smile
- Don’t multitask. Concentrate on the interview
- Say *thank you* at the end of the interview
- Be sure to have a question or two on hand in case they ask: Do you have any questions for us?
- Can you describe the day-to-day routines of this position?
- Can you describe the team I will be working with if I am hired?
- What are some specific things you are looking for in new-hires?
- What are you most proud of about working for this corporation?
Click here for some confidence-building skills.
Step 5: Send a *thank you* email
Send a quick email after the interview thanking the interviewer for his time and attention.
- You may also reiterate why you think you’ll be a good fit for the job
- Be sure to check spelling and grammar. (Read the email outloud before you send it.)
- Include the word *internew* and the job title in the subject line
Time to get some coaching to get ready for your career change? Contact me.
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