How to Overcome 4 Phone Interview Hurdles
As the popular phrase from the movie says “you had me at hello”. Sometimes first impressions say it all. Sometimes you can surprise the company during your first greeting, and other times you can mess it up. Examples of some mistakes are the first date. which is only 30 minutes, the sports equipment test which is only 15 minutes, and the scheduled 45 minute phone interview which is only 10 minutes. It should be clear that these are not good signs that the results will be positive for you. Understand that there will always be exceptions to the rule.
Like the other examples above, you can control the phone interview to achieve positive results. It is clear that many companies have reduced their hiring budgets and operate with limited resources. In the past, jobs were posted and qualified candidates were called in for face-to-face interviews. Please note that most local businesses will receive hundreds of resumes for each position posted. For regional and national companies, this number could approach a thousand resumes per job title. These companies won’t spend HR time solely recruiting and interviewing hundreds of candidates. Those days are gone and the current approach to candidate screening is to have your initial interview over the phone to weed out unqualified candidates.
Phone interviews are designed for one purpose only and that is to pre-qualify you for the position and narrow the pool of candidates. This prequalification is necessary because it allows the company to save time and money during the selection process. The good news for the successful candidate is that they will have the opportunity to interview for the position. This is a great opportunity for you to present your qualifications and experiences for the position. Your preparation for a phone interview should be viewed as just as important as your preparation for a face-to-face interview.
Today’s job candidate must view the phone interview differently than the face-to-face interview. Please note that you must pass this interview or there will be no face to face interview. The four obstacles you must overcome:
1. Preparation. You should prepare for the job by researching the company. This should include knowing what products and services the company offers as well as knowing its competitors. Take the time to review the company’s mission and vision statement. Do your homework and make sure you’re qualified for the job by matching your resume to the job description. If you do this, you will have passed the first hurdle.
2. Telephone presence. Let’s be honest; This is a tough question. You may have the best grades and may be ideal for the job; If you can’t present well over the phone, you won’t clear hurdle number 2. Can you clearly present your qualifications during the phone interview? A proven way to ensure that you are answering the questions correctly and not rambling is to use the STAR technique when answering the questions. [S] Situation [T] task [A] Stock [R] Results. Some HR professionals will listen to STAR’s responses to determine if you are communicating clearly. Standing during your phone interview will help reduce anxiety and allow your voice to project with more confidence. If you do this, you will have passed the second hurdle.
3. Tokens. Having index cards on hand will allow you to have notes to refer to during the interview. If there are key points you want to capture about the company or position, you’ll want to make sure you include them in the factsheets. Each interview will end with a “do you have any questions for me?” You are guaranteed not to forget because you have your questions already prepared and in front of you. If you do this, you will have cleared the third hurdle.
4. Close. Yes, you must close during your phone interview. You have to show that you are excited to be considered for this job and that you want to be a part of their team. “Jane Smith, thank you for allowing me to present my qualifications this morning. I know that my years of experience and professional accomplishments will be of great value to your organization. I am excited about the next step. I count on your support to move me to the next stage of the interview process”? Bottom line; Companies want to know that you are enthusiastic and want to be a part of their team. If you do, you will have passed the last hurdle and crossed the finish line of the phone interview.
Using proven interview techniques can be the differentiator when competing in today’s tough job market.