5 Tips for a Successful Phone Interview

5 Tips for a Successful Phone Interview These days, it’s all about saving time and resources for the company. This includes during a candidate search for a position. And, it’s fairly common for many companies to conduct phone interview or phone screenings first to determine if youâ€"the job seekerâ€"are one of the right candidates to bring in for a full interview. While it may not seem like a big deal to answer questions on the phone, you need to be sure to follow these key steps to ensure you make a favorable first impression. Tip #1 â€" Be on time. Most likely, the company is calling you. That means you have your phone by you at least 10 minutes before the scheduled callâ€"just in case the company calls early. And, if you are on a cell phone, be sure that you have it fully charged prior to the call. There is nothing worse than a dwindling cell phone battery when you know a call may be long. Tip #2 â€" Take the call in a quiet place. Have you ever been on a call with someone that was in a loud location and it was difficult to hear? Rightâ€"you DON’T want to do that. If you currently have a job, perhaps you take the call in your car orâ€"if you are at home, be sure your dogs, cats, and children are not around or in another part of the house at that time. Tip #3 â€" Stand up and smile. While this may seem a little out-of-place for a phone interview, it’s really not. When you stand up, you feel more confident and are likely to appear more professional. In addition, if you can stand up and speak in front of a mirror, you will likely smile more and sound more pleasant. Tip #4 â€" Prepare ahead of time. Don’t treat this as a ‘formality’ and take the phone interview seriously. While it may be only the first step in the process, it is a step that you must pass in order to get to the in-person interview. Research the company, know your strengths, understand why you are the right candidate for the job, and show that you are a true professional. Tip #5 â€" Ask about the next steps. By asking about the process the company is using to hire for the position, you will show your interest in the job and that you are serious about the possibility of working for the company. This also gives you an approximate timeline for following-up with the interviewer. Don’t take a phone interview lightly. While it may be only the first part in a screening process, if you can’t make it pass the phone interview, it is unlikely the company will contact you again. So, be sure to put your best foot forward during this time and evaluate your performance during the interview so that you can make modifications for the next interview. Still not sure about your interview skills? Contact us today â€" we offer interview coaching to get you ready-to-go for your next employment prospect! P.S. Dont be afraid to get our FREE download Top 5 Resume Tips to GET THE INTERVIEWClick HERE to access it for some amazing resume tips!