Any advice on how to go into a phone interview?

10 Comments

1. AnonymousFebruary 20,2024 at 5:47PM UTC

   Go into it with a plan on how to sell yourself as being the right person for the job. If you have time, use ChatGPT to help you prepare your answers to likely interview questions based on your field. Also, be yourself.

2. Jill KathleenFebruary 20,2024 at 6:07PM UTC

   One of the best pieces of advice for a phone interview that I have received was to dress up as if I were going to an in-person interview.

   You will feel and act differently if you are dressed up rather than your hanging-out-at-home clothing!

3. Anne KrookFebruary 20,2024 at 6:29PM UTC

   when they ask if you have any questions, answer "yes," followed by one question each about the job, the company, and the locale if it is different than your current one. Do enough research into the job or type of job and the company for your questions to be informed and curious.

4. AnonymousFebruary 20,2024 at 7:16PM UTC

   Do you have any examples of questions to ask? Apologies for the bother, this is my first one.

5. AnonymousFebruary 20,2024 at 7:29PM UTC

   Like others have written, have a bullet point doc ready for each possible question they may ask.
   I don't know the job you are applying to but what stands you apart from others.

   Be ready to tell the interviewer why you are interested in this role and working for this company.
   Be ready to provide examples of when have you gone above and beyond, if they ask.
   Obviously, do your research on the company so you know what they do, how stable they are, etc. The latter is for you !
   I even go so far as to check reviews on g2 or other customer review sites, just to see if they are decent. If you find they have a lot of great reviews, bring it up if you are comfortable doing so, but it shows you did your homework.
   Say you are really impressed with their customer reviews, that it's exactly the kind of company for which you wish to work.
   If their reviews are not so good, well... don't say anything, but consider whether it's right for you.

   Questions: I like to ask how your position will solve any challenges they have.
   What the ideal candidate looks like
   Remember, others have your skills too. What will set you apart is you. How you work with others, how you take charge, do you like to mentor, etc.

   Speaking of taking charge, if you are a very proactive take charge type, let it be known. You see an issue, you work to address and maybe even resolve it, even if it's not on your plate. If that's you, bring it up.

   Best of luck! We are all rooting for you.

6. AnonymousFebruary 20,2024 at 7:49PM UTC

   Sit in front of a mirror and watch yourself as you speak, your attitude in the call will help you to advance. Ask for the details of their process and let them know you are very actively being recruited by others.

7. AnonymousFebruary 20,2024 at 10:18PM UTC

   Absolutely do not recommend telling an interviewer that you are actively being recruited by others. Only exception would be if your second choice company makes you an offer and you take that to your first choice company and let them know that they are your first choice. They may be able to do something at that point if they really want to and you were their first choice candidate. Even then, they may not have any control over the timeline.

   If I heard that in an initial interview, for many different reasons I would be likely to pass on that candidate. They aren't excited about THIS job, they have more options than someone else who may also deserve a shot but not be quite as polished, they could well leave right after they start if one of their other jobs comes through, etc. Not to mention just the arrogance of that approach. That person wouldn't mesh well in my service-oriented office.

8. AnonymousFebruary 21,2024 at 6:15PM UTC

   you are entitled to your opinion but I strongly disagree, showing that others are interested in you creates a flurry of interest and a sense of urgency around you that the hiring manager needs to have to keep you top of mind. If they want you they will progress you quicker and if not then the let down will be swifter. If nobody wants you nobody wants you, if everybody wants you, you are a hot commodity.

9. AnonymousFebruary 21,2024 at 1:09PM UTC

   Please remember is it exponentially harder to keep a phone conversation focused for all parties. If you start going on and on they will get lost in your response.

10. AnonymousFebruary 21,2024 at 1:43PM UTC

    Breathe, and know you're qualified.