How To Answer A Phone Interview

Before you can land that new job, you must first know how to answer a phone interview. Today more and more employers are requiring applicants to complete a phone interview as a way to weed out the unqualified. It is important to approach a phone interview in the same way you would prepare for a face-to-face interview. Here are some tips on how to do it.

1. Prepare ahead. The phone interview is great since you do not have to dress up and can have notes in front of you during the entire interview. The phone interview screener is typically a hired recruiter and asks straightforward questions regarding how your experience matches the job description. To prepare, research top interview questions and write out your answers to the questions. Know why you want the job and how you would be an asset to the company. Do not assume they already know this by looking at your resume.
2. Be on time. The phone interviewer will typically call you, but sometimes they will provide applicants with a number for them to call. Either way, it is important for you to be on time for the interview.
3. Answer questions honestly. When the phone interview begins, answer each question honestly. It will not serve you well in the end if you lie. If you have some employment skeletons, make sure your answer is steered toward the positive. Answer the question quickly and do not linger.
4. Ask the interviewer questions about the company and the job. When you finish answering the phone interviewer’s questions, you can now ask some questions of your own. This is your time to learn about the company and make sure the job is a good fit. If something negative comes up, you can flee now without having to drive in for the face to face.
5. Thank the interviewer and ask when you will hear from the hiring manager. At the end of the interview, thank the phone interviewer for his time. This is also when you should ask what the next steps are and when you will hear from the hiring manager for a face-to-face interview. This implies you are eager and still interested in the position.