Do you have an upcoming interview? Whether it’s a phone call or video chat, this article is for you. It will guide you on how to prepare and ace your interview, so make sure to read it until the end.
The truth is that more companies are adopting a more convenient and cost-effective means to hire talent while still attracting the best talents possible. This is a welcome development, especially for millennials who enjoy any opportunity to work from their comfort. So be expectant as more and more companies will soon ply this route.
Whether the interview is via a phone call, Skype, Zoom or any other available platform, it is not an excuse to be complacent and unprepared for your big day. This article covers all you need to do to ace that phone interview.
If you want to ace your interview, even if it’s your first time, you need to prepare well. So, to help you prepare for your forthcoming interview, contact our team of experienced interview coaches. They will advise you on what to do before, during, and after an interview to leave a lasting impression on your interviewer and enhance your chances of getting hired!
11 Steps On How To Prepare For A Phone Interview
The next 15 steps will answer the question “How Do I Prepare for a Phone Interview”, follow them religiously and you’ll have a successful phone interview.
1. Read Your Resume/CV:
Many people do not take this seriously, but it could be the most critical item you need to effectively market yourself.
Reading your resume keeps you up to speed on the items you’ve written (skills, experiences, achievements, and opportunities, for example) and prepares you to answer any questions about what you’ve written on your CV. You can also review your CV to ensure that there are no errors or incorrect information.
2. Research:
Read about the organisation and the industry in which they operate, as well as the most recent advances or issues that the firm or industry is facing.
Find out about previous triumphs and disappointments, and consider how your abilities may be aligned with what the organisation wants.
Remember, it is always gold when you speak to a recruiter from a position of value, discussing their requirements and desires and how you can provide successful solutions. So conduct some research.
3. Dress Up Properly
Dress as if you’re heading to the corporate headquarters to be interviewed. This helps you convey a sense of seriousness and awareness of what you’re going to perform.
You can follow your entire business dress code (especially if it is a video call) or wear something that allows you to be serious while remaining free to sell yourself.
Recommended: How To Dress For An Interview: Interview Outfit Guide For Men and Women
4. Plan Your Interview:
Have written points that you can always refer to. Write out questions you wish to ask or ideas you need to expand upon.
5. Get Yourself A Good Sitting Position:
Remember to avoid pacing around or lying on the couch and aim for a proper sitting position.
6. Go To A Quiet Space:
It is preferable to do this in a quiet, distraction-free environment. Having an interview in a distracting environment will not allow you to focus, and it will convey the wrong impression to your interviewer(s) that you are not serious.
7. Ensure Your Phone Is Fully Charged:
Ideally, the interview should not drain your battery, but you can never go wrong with having your phone completely charged or at a high percentage. You don’t want to take chances, right?
8. Keep Writing Materials Handy:
Pen and paper are used to make notes and write down potential points. Your resume should include any specifics that need to be highlighted or reiterated.
9. Use Earphones Or Pods:
This is to eliminate background noise. It also frees up your arms, allowing you to demonstrate more and make thoughts flow (don’t you agree?).
10. Demonstrate Professionalism:
Understand that the call is professional, not informal, and handle it as such throughout the interview. Say something like “Good morning/afternoon, this is Mr.Emmanuel Ugadu speaking” or “Excuse me, Mr. Peters I don’t seem to grasp your question; could you please repeat it or explain further so that I can comprehend your point?
Furthermore, if it’s a panel interview, don’t be hesitant to ask for the names of the persons interviewing you, and be sure to note them down for future reference.
Also, attempt to match the names to the voices, and use the names you’ve written down to address each interviewer.
11. Relax:
Try not to become tense. Avoid answering questions quickly; instead, take your time and ask the interviewer to repeat or reevaluate any questions you are unsure of or that you did not hear fully. There’s nothing wrong with taking your time while answering questions.
Additionally, you can keep a glass of water close at hand in case you feel the need to sip on something after a long period of conversation. This way, you won’t have to go far to obtain water.
Conclusion
At the end of the interview, convey your gratitude to the interviewer(s) for their time and concern. It is also recommended that you send a follow-up thank-you email, regardless of whether you received an instant employment offer or were informed that they will contact you. These procedures exhibit professionalism and make a good impression.
So there you have it: How to Prepare for a Phone Interview and Ace It!
If you found this helpful, please share it with your friends; you never know who you will be able to help.
