Tips for Phone Screens
By Sklar & Associates In Uncategorized On May 20, 2010
Many of our agency partners like to start the interview process with a phone screen. This first point of contact is just as important as a face-to-face interview, so below are some tips for having a better phone screen. It’s not all that different from an in-person interview, and should be taken just as seriously. There is also more detailed information here.
Be Prepared:
Find a quiet place for your interview and try to use a landline if possible. Clear the room of all distractions (kids, pets, etc).
Keep your resume in front of you, so you can reference your accomplishments during the conversation.
Review and rehearse common interview questions, just how you would for an in-person meeting.
Research the company and account and have some interview questions ready to ask the interviewer.
During the Conversation:
Try to answer in clear, concise answers, avoiding um’s, uh’s and talking in circles.
Don’t chew gum or eat, but keep some water handy in case of a dry throat.
Take your time with your answers, but keep the answers on the shorter side, you don’t want to lose the interviewer on the other end!
Smile and be enthusiastic!
Follow Up:
Remember to say thank you, and also try to get the interviewer’s email address to send a thank you note.
The goal is to get in for a face-to-face interview, so include how excited you are to meet with them in person.
Hopefully after the phone screen you will hear about a follow in-person meeting with the company. Good luck!