Many employers use phone interviews to screen candidates and a phone interview is often the first step in the interview process. This phone interview checklist will step you through the process of everything you need to do to successfully interview over the phone from preparing for the interview, to getting your interview space ready and for answering phone interview questions.
Find a Quiet Interview Space
Copyright Sean Locke
Find a place to interview where you won't be interrupted by family members or pets. Have your resume in clear view, on the top of your desk, or tape it to the wall so you can refer to it when you need to answer questions about your work history. You can even tape a "Do Not Disturb" sign to the door to be sure you're not interrupted.
Practice Answering Interview Questions
Copyright Zhang Bo
Taking the time to review typical interview questions you will probably be asked during a phone interview will save you from scrambling for answers with silence on the other end of the line. Practice interviewing with a friend or family member or in front of a mirror ahead of time and it will be much easier when you're actually on the phone.
Get Interview Questions Ready to Ask
Nathan Green
You'll be asked if you have any questions at the end of the interview. Have a few questions that are relevant to the job, to your potential role at the company, and to your background and skills, ready for when you're asked if you have any questions.
Check Out the Company
Copyright Johnny Lye
How much do you know about the company that you're interviewing with? Don't think you don't need to know much just because your interview is on the phone. Here are tips on how to research a company, get the inside scoop on the company culture, and use connections who can help you get an interview advantage.
Brush Up on Phone Interview Etiquette
Copyright Scrambled
Phone interview etiquette is just as important as in-person job interview etiquette when it comes to getting hired. That's because, regardless of how you interview, a successful interview will get you to the next stage of the hiring process. Here's how to handle a phone interview.
Review Phone Interview Do's and Don'ts
Copyright Midwest Photo
Phone interviews aren't as easy as you might think. You can mess up phone interview just as easily as you can blow an in-person interview. Noisy babies, barking dogs, not knowing about the company, and not being able to answer questions can stop you from moving to the next round of interviews. Review these phone interview do's and don'ts to be sure you're set to interview.
Send a Thank You Letter or Email
Copyright Carlos Arranz
It's just as important to say thank for a phone interview as it is to say thank you for an in-person interview. Taking the time to say thank you after a job interview not only is good interview etiquette, it reinforces your interest in the position. Be sure to add sending a thank you note or email message to your phone interview checklist.
