A great resume is no longer enough to get you a dream job

Having a great resume is no longer a guarantee that you will get your dream job. With today’s technology, many companies are now using professional recruiters to conduct telephone interviews first before inviting candidates for physical interviews. The professional recruiters go through piles of applicants and identify a handful for the phone interview. They use the phone interview to identify not more than 8 candidates that have the potential to fill the vacancy. Finally, a list of only 2-3 qualified candidates will be presented to the company.

Companies use phone interviews to eliminate candidates without having to spend resources. Moreover, some candidates might not make attending an in-person interview hence phone interviews are an ideal option. As a candidate, phone interviews are a first opportunity to create a good impression. Discussed below are the 8 things you should put in mind when having a phone interview.

1. Understand the Basics

Generally, there are two types of phone interviews that professional recruiters use: scheduled and unscheduled. In scheduled phone interview, the recruiter first contacts you by email or LinkedIn informing you of the upcoming phone interview. In unscheduled phone interviews, the recruiter calls anytime and without prior information. Unscheduled calls can be tricky and mostly get candidates by surprise. If you are uncomfortable with the interview taking place at that time, you can humbly ask them to call another time.

2. Prepare for the Interview and Research the Company

When you are expecting a call from a recruiter, prepare for it thoroughly just like you would have prepared for an in-person interview. Do a research on the company and the interviewer as well. Be prepared for questions like “What do you know about us?” However, you can take advantage of it being a phone interview and prepare a cheat sheet and have all the vital information right in front of you.

3. Prepare a Smart Cheat Sheet

As much as answering the questions correctly is important, asking the right ones is crucial as well. Asking questions will help you make an informed decision regarding the job and also stamp authority to the fact that you are a qualified candidate. Write down all the relevant information about the company and cover all the areas questions might come from.

4. Create a Comfortable Environment for the Interview

Given the fact that this is a phone interview, candidates have full control over the environment. You can eliminate any background noise that comes from children, pets or any other household members. Print out your CV and highlight the essential parts that you find crucial for the interview. You should also find a comfortable place to sit and avoid slouching.

5. Listen, then Talk

Job interviews are not only about answering the questions but also showing your recruiter that you are a good listener. Be open to having a conversation but avoid dominating it.

6. Prepare for Common Interview Questions

You should prepare questions that are relevant to the phone interview. This will not only make your response more targeted but also calm your nerves. Here are some of the questions you could be asked:

  • Are you willing to relocate?
  • What do you find interesting about this profession?
  • If you were hired, how soon would you start?

7. Don’t Rush

It can be tempting to rush during phone interviews because pauses can feel awkward. However, it is highly advisable that you take a breath between the interviewer’s question and your answer. A pause gives you a chance to think about what your response will be than randomly saying things that come to your mind.

8. Send a Thank-you Note after the Interview

Make a good first impression through ending your phone interview on a positive note and follow it up with a thank-you email. Let the recruiter know you appreciated them contacting you and taking time to talk to you.

Put into action these 8 strategies and you will start crushing your phone interviews!