Phone Interview Tips

Employers often want to narrow down the field before they have any face to face interviews. This gives them the chance to save money while also whittling down the huge pile of CVs they have. Phone interviews are not designed to last as long as normal interviews, and they are also not as in-depth. That being said, you do have to remember to prepare so that you are able to give a good first impression.

Before you Start

You have to do your research and you also need to make sure that you understand the company you are applying for. It also helps to study the job description and to also make a list of the requirements you need to meet. Arrange the best time for the interviewer to call and be flexible on the time as well.

Expecting the Call

When you are expecting the call, it’s important that you remove any distractions. Have your CV and notes ready, highlight any areas you’d like to stress during the appointment and also have something that you can take notes on. If you want to guarantee an uninterrupted signal, give your landline number and also have a glass of water beforehand. After all, you don’t want to sound husky!

The Way you Come Across

The way that you come across really is key during a phone interview. After all, they are not able to see your facial expressions or your body language. The only thing that they have to go off is your voice, so speak with confidence and also be careful with your choice of words. It’s important that you are able to demonstrate confidence and that you are also not too pushy. Interviews are often about balance, so make sure that you’re aware of the vocabulary you use.

Sell Yourself

You are trying to get the other person to believe that you are right for the job. You want them to put down the phone and think that you are certainly a contender. If you want to do this then you need to engage them to the point where you are able to pique their curiosity. The more you can make them want to meet you in person, the better.  Going through your CV in a parrot fashion won’t be doing yourself any favours.

Listen with Intent

You’ll be absolutely fine if you have prepared well and if you are able to pinpoint what the interviewer is trying to ask you. If you rush and if you blurt out your answer, then you may end up saying the wrong thing. Take 2-3 seconds to deliver your response, but no longer. If you miss a question, ask your interviewer to repeat it as opposed to guessing.

Articulate your Answers

At the end of the day, it’s very easy to sound nervous on the phone. Take notes and focus on the flow of the conversation.

Show them What you Can Do

Talk about what you can offer and even how excited you are about the upcoming position. Do you have the right qualifications? Do you have transferrable skills? If so, then make sure that this comes across.

Your CV

Is your CV up to scratch? They’ll probably have it right in front of them and they may even quiz you about it as well. You have to make sure that yours stands out and that you also make it memorable. If your CV is out of date or if you haven’t gone through it for quite some time, then now is the time for you to change that.

Video Interviews

We live in a very high-tech world. Your potential employer may ask if your interview can be done over Skype or even WhatsApp. If so then you need to handle this in the same way that you would a normal interview. Dress the part, and put a little extra effort in. If you are having an interview, then make sure that there isn’t too much clutter in the background and maintain eye contact too. If you look around blankly or if you are distracted then they’ll be able to see this, so prepare a space ready so that when the time comes you can be prepared.

Recruiters tend to receive around 250 applications for every single job opening they have. When you look at statistics like this, you’ll soon realise that you have to make sure that your CV is up to scratch because if you don’t then you may end up losing out.

Your CV is Missing a Skills Section

Your skills section really is what you should be looking at. This is the easiest and best way for you to insert keywords and it also shows that you have the right skills for the role. If you do not have a specific section on your CV for skills or if you are actually listing your irrelevant skills, then you may find that you are underselling yourself. Sure, it’s not always super comfortable for you to talk about your achievements and your skills but the whole point of having a CV is so that you can sell yourself.

You’re Not Listing your Achievements Properly

Recruiters are always looking for candidates who are able to demonstrate a good amount of experience as well as those who are able to offer a contribution to the company in question. When you list all of your previous work experience you need to make sure that you don’t list it as if it’s your job description. Sure, listing your responsibilities is fine, but what impact did you have? If you are able to list specific accomplishments or figures, then you will probably move ahead of your competition.

You Didn’t Include a Cover Letter

When your CV is only 1-2 pages in length, you have to make sure that you are using absolutely every tool you can. A cover letter gives you the chance to speak with the hiring manager directly and you can also list why you are the ideal candidate for the job too.

You Didn’t Proofread

Errors and even spelling mistakes are a pet hate for over 71% of recruiters. You are selling yourself short if you do not take the time to check over your CV before you send it off. Spell check is your best friend here, and before you send it, make sure that you read through it at least three times.

Conclusion

Writing a fantastic CV that actually sells you and the accomplishments you have made can be stressful to say the least. If you highlight your skills and list your achievements, then this is the best way for you to come out on top.

Recruiters tend to receive around 250 applications for every single job opening they have. When you look at statistics like this, you’ll soon realise that you have to make sure that your CV is up to scratch because if you don’t then you may end up losing out.

Your CV is Missing a Skills Section

Your skills section really is what you should be looking at. This is the easiest and best way for you to insert keywords and it also shows that you have the right skills for the role. If you do not have a specific section on your CV for skills or if you are actually listing your irrelevant skills, then you may find that you are underselling yourself. Sure, it’s not always super comfortable for you to talk about your achievements and your skills but the whole point of having a CV is so that you can sell yourself.

You’re Not Listing your Achievements Properly

Recruiters are always looking for candidates who are able to demonstrate a good amount of experience as well as those who are able to offer a contribution to the company in question. When you list all of your previous work experience you need to make sure that you don’t list it as if it’s your job description. Sure, listing your responsibilities is fine, but what impact did you have? If you are able to list specific accomplishments or figures, then you will probably move ahead of your competition.

You Didn’t Include a Cover Letter

When your CV is only 1-2 pages in length, you have to make sure that you are using absolutely every tool you can. A cover letter gives you the chance to speak with the hiring manager directly and you can also list why you are the ideal candidate for the job too.

You Didn’t Proofread

Errors and even spelling mistakes are a pet hate for over 71% of recruiters. You are selling yourself short if you do not take the time to check over your CV before you send it off. Spell check is your best friend here, and before you send it, make sure that you read through it at least three times.

Conclusion

Writing a fantastic CV that actually sells you and the accomplishments you have made can be stressful to say the least. If you highlight your skills and list your achievements, then this is the best way for you to come out on top.

Phone Interview Tips

Employers often want to narrow down the field before they have any face to face interviews. This gives them the chance to save time while also whittling down the huge pile of CVs they have. Phone interviews are not designed to last as long as normal interviews, and they are also not as in-depth. That being said, you do have to remember to prepare so that you are able to give a good first impression.

Before you Start

You have to do your research and you also need to make sure that you understand the company you are applying for. It also helps to study the job description and to also make a list of the requirements you need to meet. Arrange the best time for the interviewer to call and be flexible on the time as well.

Expecting the Call

When you are expecting the call, it’s important that you remove any distractions. Have your CV and notes ready, highlight any areas you’d like to stress during the appointment and also have something that you can take notes on. If you want to guarantee an uninterrupted signal, give your landline number and also have a glass of water beforehand. After all, you don’t want to sound husky!

The Way you Come Across

The way that you come across really is key during a phone interview. After all, they are not able to see your facial expressions or your body language. The only thing that they have to go off is your voice, so speak with confidence and also be careful with your choice of words. It’s important that you are able to demonstrate confidence and that you are also not too pushy. Interviews are often about balance, so make sure that you’re aware of the vocabulary you use.

Sell Yourself

You are trying to get the other person to believe that you are right for the job. You want them to put down the phone and think that you are certainly a contender. If you want to do this then you need to engage them to the point where you are able to pique their curiosity. The more you can make them want to meet you in person, the better.  Going through your CV in a parrot fashion won’t be doing yourself any favours.

Listen with Intent

You’ll be absolutely fine if you have prepared well and if you are able to pinpoint what the interviewer is trying to ask you. If you rush and if you blurt out your answer, then you may end up saying the wrong thing. Take 2-3 seconds to deliver your response, but no longer. If you miss a question, ask your interviewer to repeat it as opposed to guessing.

Articulate your Answers

At the end of the day, it’s very easy to sound nervous on the phone. Take notes and focus on the flow of the conversation.

Show them What you Can Do

Talk about what you can offer and even how excited you are about the upcoming position. Do you have the right qualifications? Do you have transferrable skills? If so, then make sure that this comes across.

Your CV

Is your CV up to scratch? They’ll probably have it right in front of them and they may even quiz you about it as well. You have to make sure that yours stands out and that you also make it memorable. If your CV is out of date or if you haven’t gone through it for quite some time, then now is the time for you to change that.

Video Interviews

We live in a very high-tech world. Your potential employer may ask if your interview can be done over Skype or even WhatsApp. If so then you need to handle this in the same way that you would a normal interview. Dress the part, and put a little extra effort in. If you are having an interview, then make sure that there isn’t too much clutter in the background and maintain eye contact too. If you look around blankly or if you are distracted then they’ll be able to see this, so prepare a space ready so that when the time comes you can be prepared.