Bridging the gap between traditional interviews and phone interviews can be difficult, especially if it’s your first one. However, it isn’t uncommon for interview processes to be completely online nowadays, from start to finish.
With an increasing number of companies moving to a digital recruitment process, it’s more important than ever to master these skills. So, we’ve set up five of our top tips for phone interviews to help you get hired.
What is a phone interview?
A phone interview is like a virtual chat with potential employers. They call you to ask questions and get to know you better before deciding if they want to meet you in person. It’s a convenient way for both sides to see if there’s a good fit for the job. So, be yourself, answer their questions confidently, and show them why you’re the best person for the role!
1. What time?
When setting up your interview, consider a suitable time that isn’t going to clash with any other things you’ve planned in. Are you expecting an Amazon Prime delivery between 12-2 pm? Maybe schedule it for before/after this to ensure you’ll have no disturbances.
Keep distractions to an absolute minimum to make sure you’re able to concentrate in a calm environment. Find a comfortable space with strong phone service, with a fully charged phone!
Before your call, confirm the details of your call (date, time, who’ll be interviewing you). Will your interviewer be making the call or you? To combat any unnecessary nerves, it’s important to know the basics.
2. Research
Before you’re expecting your call, make sure you’ve done your research on the company you’re interviewing for. One of the best parts of a phone interview is that your interviewer can’t see you – so keep a cheat sheet handy, if that makes you feel more prepared. More on How to prepare for a job interview: where to start…
You can keep details on the company/interviewer name and job details to refer to. You can prepare some answers to possible questions beside you to refer to. Look at the most popular interview questions to prepare for here – however, a phone interview tends to be an opportunity to chat through the job in more detail and ask questions yourself.
Make sure you’ve considered what the position would entail for you and jot down some questions you’d like to ask your interview.
3. Speak clearly
You aren’t being timed, so remind yourself to speak slowly, clearly, and calmly.
Since the element of body language has been removed, your voice is the only thing for your potential employer to go by. Phone calls are typically an informal way to communicate so it can be tempting to lie on the sofa and slip into a more conversational tone of voice.
Even though they won’t be able to see it, try to smile while you’re having your phone interview to help combat any nerves and help you sound more relaxed, enthusiastic, and approachable.
4. Stand up
Even though they can’t see you stand up while you’re having your phone interview.
Kimberly Pope, founder of The Pope Institute for Polish, Poise and Etiquette, explains, “Standing gives you more confidence, so you’re able to project more confidence. When you’re standing and someone else is sitting, you feel more authoritative, like you have the upper hand.”
5. Follow-up
It’s always good practice to send a follow-up email to thank them for their time and reiterate your interest for the job. If you’ve got any additional questions about the role, this would be a good opportunity to do that. Employers are always keen to hear about potential candidates’ questions because it shows how passionate you are about the company and role.
If you’re looking for a new opportunity and a chance to exercise your newly gained phone interview skills, search for thousands of brilliant vacancies in Scotland at s1jobs.