When I was a wee tot, I used to get a phone call with Santa Claus, usually in early December. I never knew when he would call, but I had to be ready if I was going to get him my list of Christmas presents that I desired early. I had to be ready, for the call could come at any time. Usually, my mom would tell me to pick up the phone and Santa would be on the other line. I tell this story to remember the first time I felt true anxiety. Usually I would have this list ready to go, but nearly every time my mind would go blank.
Was it the stress of the situation? Was it being put on the spot? Was it trying to figure out why Santa sounded so much like my grandfather on the phone?
When it comes down to it, and it is “go” time, the top performers are able to be at the top of their game and make it look flawless. The top athletes are top athletes because they shoot more free throws or kick more field goals than every one else. A famous pianist can play her recital blindfolded because she has rehearsed it thousands of times.
My question for you, dear reader, is what makes you think you can go in cold to a telephone interview and ace it without being prepared?
The phone interview is typically a brief kind of speed-dating type of deal. This is the first round and the Hiring Manager is going to weed out the ones that she feels are already on the fringe. She probably already has an idea of the ones she is going to interview in person. Of course, if some of those candidates are not prepared, they could get knocked out in Round 1. Meanwhile, you can shine and ace this.
Most phone interviews follow the same format. First, the Hiring Manager is going to ask the dreaded question: “Tell me about yourself.” Your answer should be no more than 60 seconds but you need to be prepared to have a narative. I will have an entry on how to answer this question later..
Next could very well come the strength and weaknesses question. Finally, the manager most certainly will ask you why you are looking to get on with this company and why did you leave your last job ( here’s how you answer that). She may even review your job history with you as well and ask you why you left each job to determine if you are a “job-jumper.”
Where have you been all my life? Discussing your job history.
At some point either before asking questions or after, the Hiring Manager is going to go over the position, maybe the company and will give you important information about the position. Take copious notes!!! This will come in handy later.
Once this is done, assuming it is a short interview (unless it is a long-distance interview, in which case it will probably be a bit more in-depth), she will ask you if you have any questions. Again, time to shine!
On a phone interview, the goal is to get a live in-person interview. You are not going to get hired without being seen, unless it is a job as a drug mule, a suicide bomber or a hit man. So don’t get too detailed in your line of questioning. I think about 5-7 questions is adequate. Here are some of my go-to’s:
– “What are the most important qualities you are looking for with respect to the position?
– “What is the timeframe you have to make a hire?”
– “How did this position become available?” (Always ask this!)
– “How long has the position been vacant?”
– “What is the company’s website so I can research it?” (only ask this if you were not given the name of the company prior to the interview. If you already learned the name of the company you would have already researched and been prepared to answer “what do you know about the company?” Again, if the name of the company has not been disclosed feel free to ask about the size and mission of the company.)