PHONE INTERVIEW TIPS

A good resume will earn you an interview, but it is the interview(s) that earns you the job. However, most Candidates do not prepare properly for job interviews. Here are some tips for effective phone interviews. A subsequent article will deal with in-person interviews.

– Perform an Internet search of the company and interviewer(s) prior to the interview.

– Review the job description and requirements. Understand what the company is looking for. Be prepared to match your strengths and achievements with the job requirements.

– Discuss any “red flags” in your resume in a way that will satisfy the interviewer(s). 

– Ask intelligent questions about the job, company, or industry. 

– Prepare notes to remind you of items that you want to discuss.

– Interviewers are sometimes late. Schedule extra time before and after the interview.

– Arrange to be in a quiet, private location for the interview. If you are not using your mobile phone for the interview, turn it off. 

– Confirm the pronunciation and spelling of the interviewer’s name and obtain h/h title and contact information.

– Avoid answering questions with one word answers, but don’t over-answer. Provide short explanations and examples whenever possible.

– Surface any objections by asking if there is any reason why they won’t offer you the position and be prepared to respond to any objections either during the interview or subsequently.

– Close the interview by asking for the job. If the job is not offered, ask about the next step.

– Immediately write down notes after the interview concludes so you don’t forget crucial details.

– Write a thank you email to each interviewer as soon as possible after the interview. Include a summary of your conversation with the interviewer and the reasons that h/s should offer you the  job. 

If you would like to read other helpful articles, please visit the CNI Recruiting Blog. If you require assistance in achieving your recruiting goals or obtaining the right position please visit www.cnirecruiting.com or contact me.

Fred Neufeld
President
CNI Recruiting
[email protected]
(908) 874-6148