What suggestions do you have for job seekers who are preparing for a phone interview with a recruiter?
Preparing for a phone interview is essentially the same as preparing for a live meeting, with a few key differences.
By its very nature, occasionally phone interviews can catch you off guard. If that happens and you’re not prepared to do your best, it is totally appropriate to ask to schedule a time that you can talk, and just explain that it is not a good time to speak freely. This will give you time to adequately prepare for the call.
Avoid using a cell phone if possible, because of spotty coverage. Arrange to be in a quiet place where you can devote your full attention to the call.
Have a pen and paper ready to take notes, as well as the job description so that you can easily share how your experience matches what they are looking for.
Research the company and the person you are going to be speaking with by reviewing their LinkedIn profile.
Create a short list of questions regarding the role, their ideal candidate and opportunities for high-achievers.
Use the technique of repeating or re-phrasing questions. It tells the caller that you listened carefully, and gives you time to think about your answer.
Avoid answering questions with a simple yes or no; add selling points at every opportunity.
Compensation issues come at the END of the interview process, never at the telephone stage. You can truthfully say you don’t know enough about the job to state a salary figure required to accept a role. And, of course, you would need a personal interview to really talk with the company. Which is another way to go for the personal interview. Re-affirm your qualifications, express your interest in the job and the company. With that said, when talking with a third party independent recruiter, it is smart to share your current compensation so that you do not waste each other’s time with positions that are below what you are currently earning.
At the end of the conversation, ask about the next step in the interview process, and express your desire to move forward. Be as flexible as possible in regard to setting a date/time.
Remember that non-verbal communication typically makes up 90% of messaging, so when you are on a phone call your message is solely reliant on your voice. Verbiage, phrasing, tone and speed will telegraph much more when someone does not have visual cues, so be cognizant of the fact that you need to verbally say that you are interested in the opportunity and have a strong desire for the role.
Ask Ann,
Have a question you’d like a recruiter to answer? Write to me at AskAnn@execunet.com
