How to Prepare for a Job Phone Interview

The phone interview has become increasingly more popular to perform a job interview with potential candidates. However, it’s not all bad. It makes participating in an interview easier and even lowers the stress of the process.

First, candidates no longer have to drive to the interview. They can perform the discussion over the phone wherever they feel most comfortable. It also saves them the trouble of transportation and gas money to facilitate the process.

Next, it allows candidates to lean heavily on their notes if they get nervous and experience a loss of words during the phone interview.

No matter what, having an interview, whether in person or over the phone, can be nerve-wracking because it is so crucial to reaching the next step to get you closer to new job opportunities.

Here are the best phone interview tips to acing the conversation with your recruiter.

Prepare With Research

So, you applied for a job, and you received an email to schedule a phone interview. Now is the time toresearch the company, the position, and how you believe you will be the best candidate.  Be prepared for the questions the recruiter may ask.

Some standard interview questions to prepare for are:

• What made you interested in a position with this company?
• What makes you the best candidate for this position?
• What pay are you looking to receive?
• Provide an example of how you dealt with a challenging customer or teammate.
• How would you deal with a coworker that you knew was doing something dishonest?

The best way to prepare for these questions is to pull out interesting company statistics that coincide with your values. Look at the details of the position and compare that with the things on your resume that you love doing. Research pay, as it can differ for the position as well.

Write down examples of the situation questions that you might face. Thinking and pausing in the middle of the story may seem as if you are making it up as you go. The last thing you want is not to get a job because you can’t communicate clearly.

Print Out a Copy of Your CV

One of the best phone interview tips is to have a copy of your resume to reference during the interview. The recruiter is likely to ask about your job experiences that coincide with the position you are interviewing for.

Having your resume handy will help you communicate your skills from past positions that you may have forgotten about. Not to mention, it helps you talk without hesitation, which increases how confident you look to the recruiter.

Ensure the Time Is Right

We know that having to reschedule a phone interview can seem like the worst thing to do. However, if it isn’t a good time for you, reschedule.  If you talk to the recruiter at the wrong time where there may be distractions, it won’t go as well as it should.

Your mind won’t be on the interview but managing your distractions for the discussion. Asking the recruiter to repeat themselves constantly will make them think you aren’t listening to them. It creates the perspective that you may not be a good communicator, even if it’s not true.

Limit Distractions

This step is the most crucial phone interview tip of all. You have time to prepare for the interview. Therefore, you have all the time you need to create a space that will be void of all distractions to focus on communicating effectively with the recruiter.

It doesn’t matter if you have to perform the interview in your car. At least you are prepared to do so. You know that you won’t be distracted by other people, pets, work, or anything that could stand in the way of you giving the recruiter your undivided attention.

Write Down Your Questions

It is almost guaranteed that your recruiter will ask you if you have any questions during the interview. You must have questions to show them that you are secure in what you will settle for.

Recruiters are looking for solid individuals to fill positions, not people who are desperate for a job and willing to settle for whatever they can get. Even if this is your situation, don’t show them that.

Questions show them that you are interested in learning more and are not scared to ask questions.

Take Notes

Throughout the interview, take notes on the things that stick out to you. Write notes for questions the recruiter asks or things you want to look up once the interview is over. You may even have something you want to follow up with the recruiter on later.

Additionally, write down expectations the recruiter gives you so that you can take the time to understand if this is something you are willing to do short or long term or not at all.

Be Optimistic

Life is full of opportunities. This phone interview is an opportunity for you to practice a new skill to become better at it. If you don’t get the job, congratulations, another one is right around the corner.

If you do get the job, congratulations, you have a new career experience underway. Always think positively about each aspect of the job search process.

If you don’t get the response you want, continue to think positive. You will see new ideas and opportunities sooner than later.

Smile Through the Entire Interview (No Matter What)

It’s normal to be nervous during an interview. Smiling will help you release positive endorphins that will keep you calm and give you the clarity to think and speak clearly. Smiling also gives your voice and tone of speech a cheerful undertone.

There’s nothing better than a candidate with a happy and positive attitude. There are cases where individuals get a chance at an opportunity solely because of their attitude and not their experience.

Wrapping Up

Looking for a job is a process that has its ups and downs. Getting a new job is exciting as it is a unique opportunity to build onto your career long-term.

Unfortunately, not communicating clearly and notbeing prepared for the phone interview can negatively impact your chances of employment. These interview tips will help you prepare for your following phone interview with fluency and confidence.