| Many people don't realize that a phone interview is the | | | | read. If they don't appear on one of these sites, do a |
| first step in getting hired for a job. Whether you speak | | | | Google search for them and see what you get! Include |
| to the Recruiter or the Hiring Manager, either one can | | | | the company name so that you know you have the |
| make or break your application for their position. | | | | right person. |
| Usually you'll get some notice via email to set up a time | | | | Prepare Questions - Usually the interviewer will ask |
| to conduct the phone interview, which gives you time | | | | you if you have any questions at the end of the call. |
| to prepare. Use the following five ways to prepare for | | | | Be prepared with several questions, such as, "what |
| phone interview: | | | | are the next steps?" or "when will I hear back from |
| Know the Company - The first thing you should do, is | | | | you?". It's ok to have more questions then you actually |
| go to the company website and read it thoroughly. | | | | ask. The point is to have the questions ready so you |
| Know what the main products are, their industry and | | | | don't get caught off guard. |
| their financial status. Read their recent press releases. | | | | Review Your Resume - Go back over your resume |
| You don't need to memorize every aspect of the | | | | again and think of questions the interviewer might ask. |
| company, but you should have a firm knowledge of | | | | In general, they are looking for a few clues as to what |
| what they do and where they stand in their industry. | | | | qualifies you for the position. They may have questions |
| Second, do a Google search to see if there is any | | | | about your work history or specific skills. Get your |
| news or relevant information that can not be found on | | | | resume fresh in your mind. In particular, review your |
| their website. | | | | experience with the technical aspects of the job which |
| Know the Position - Clarify with the person who | | | | they listed in their job description in case they have |
| schedules the interview about which position you are | | | | questions about your level of skill in that area. |
| interviewing. Get a job description if there's one | | | | One last suggestion that I have, is to make sure you |
| available and READ IT. Print it out and highlight it. Make | | | | use a land line for the call. Cell phones are still choppy |
| notes on it about what qualifies you for the position so | | | | and have a delay, which does not make for a smooth |
| you can have it handy when you're speaking with the | | | | conversation. You don't want anything to distract or |
| phone interviewer. | | | | detract from your phone interview. |
| Know the Interviewer - Many Recruiters and Hiring | | | | It's better to be overly prepared for a phone interview, |
| Managers are on one of the professional networking | | | | then not prepared at all. By following these guidelines, |
| sites, such as LinkedIn or Plaxo. Look up their names | | | | you increase your chances of having a successful |
| and if they appear, read what you can about them. | | | | phone interview, which leads to the next step in the |
| This will allow you to feel familiar with them and you | | | | hiring process - the interview! |
| could generate conversation based upon what you | | | | |