Phone interviews are increasing as more and more employers choose to shortlist candidates in the initial phase. We have listed ten phone interview tips that will assist you tremendously in preparing for your next telephone interview.
Before the phone interview.
- Be prepared for surprise calls
Not all HR managers make an appointment before the phone interview but rely on spontaneous calls. During the application phase, you should, therefore, be conscious on the phone for unknown numbers and pick up the call with your full name. If you are on the way or otherwise prevented at the time of the call, feel free to ask for a later appointment. Usually, this is not a problem for the employer.
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- Don’t underestimate a phone interview
Even if the HR manager only wants to “have a short chat”, the conversation should be taken seriously and not lightly. The conversation is not just about the specialist know-how of candidates. Depending on the position, HR managers are usually also interested in communication skills and ask typical questions. Through the phone interview, you can get a good first impression of yourself. So, concentrate. Absence is also quickly noticed on the phone.
- Obtain information
Take a good look at the company’s website a day or two before the phone interview and gather information about the industry and its competition. You can also check out the latest news about the company.
- Google contacts
Google the name of the HR manager, and then you have a picture in front of you and can find out more information about your counterpart.
- Prepare standard telephonic interview questions
HR managers would want to know about you before inviting you to a face-to-face interview. Think about your strengths and weaknesses.
You should also prepare a short self-presentation, prepare the following telephonic interview questions as well as write down your own questions.
- Why should we hire you?
- Why did you leave your last job?
- Tell me about yourself.
- Why do you want to work here?
- Describe your current job responsibilities.
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- Create a good conversation environment
Make sure in advance that you can talk undisturbed in a quiet place. Clarify with your housemates that no music is turned up extra loudly during this time and that no one uses a vacuum during the interview. Also, avoid distraction from TV or music and close the windows to reduce street noise.
During the phone interview.
- Have a glass of water ready
A sip of water helps, especially when you are excited and have to talk a lot. It is best to use still water so that you do not have to belch.
- Have your documents in front of you
You can assume that HR managers will have their application documents in front of them during the phone interview. Do the same to them and also have your documents such as the resume and the job advertisement of the company in front of you. This way, you know exactly what HR managers are referring to. This is particularly important if you have sent different applications and have tailored them to the individual employer. You should also have a notepad and diary handy, so you can take notes.
- Communicate consciously
A lack of communication skills quickly becomes apparent on the phone. Here are some general rules and principles:
- Speak slowly and clearly.
- Don’t talk around the bush, but get to the point.
- Do not let the HR manager keep talking take an active part in the conversation.
- Ideally, the phone interview should not be a blunt question-and-answer game but should develop into a conversation at eye level.
- Let your counterpart finish talking and do not interrupt.
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- More telephonic interview questions.
The questions in the phone call will be slightly different from the questions in the interview, as HR managers will ask more generally whether your ideas fit the company.
- Questions about yourself
- Questions about your resume
- Ask what you bring with you for the advertised position
- Ask why you want to quit your previous job
- Ask why the company appeals to you
Topics such as salary, vacation entitlement and working hours are not a topic for discussion in the phone interview. These are normally discussed in the second face-to-face interview.
Good luck with your job hunt!
