Interview Prep: What to Expect During a Phone Interview

Applying for a new job takes a lot of time and effort on your part and also the part of an employer. Employers and recruiters have to sift through hundreds of resumes and applications before scheduling interviews. Once they determine who to contact, they might conduct a first round using a telephone interview. Prepare yourself for the phone interview by following some tips such as explaining why you are interested in the job, how you found the company and what your experience is.

Why Are You Looking For a Job?

Almost every recruiter or HR manager will ask you this question during a phone interview. Be prepared to answer this question with substance, not just, “I don’t like where I am at right now.” This answer might send the interviewer in a different direction. Instead of giving this answer, consider saying something like, “I want to challenge myself even more than I am right now and this opportunity provides me with that chance.” Any badmouthing of an employer or complaints about salary could send the wrong impression.

What Do You Know About the Job?

Many interviewers will ask candidates this question on the phone. If you found the job from a reference inside the organization, this will benefit you in the long-run because it gives the employer a professional reference that you know. Let the company understand that you know about them and know what they offer to clients. This shows them that you have done your research and that you could be an asset if hired. This is also an excellent time for the company to sell itself to you as a candidate.

What Do You Bring to the Table?

This is one of the most common interview questions, both on the phone and during in-person interviews. Every interviewer wants to know the answer to this question. Your phone interview could be as short as 15 minutes or it can be as long as an hour. The length of time does not always determine if you will be scheduled for an in-person interview. Tell the interviewer all about your education, your skills, your training and work history as it relates to the job you are discussing.

What Type of Compensation Are You Looking For?

Try not to answer this question during a phone interview. It could greatly hurt your chances at securing an in-person meeting. Instead, explain that you are looking for salary that is commensurate with your experience.

Contact the experienced recruiting staff at SmartTalent today to schedule an appointment for job search consultation.