Tips For A Successful Job Interview By Phone

Written By Mary Beth Eastman
Last updated November 22, 2019

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Personal Finance
June 12, 2019

Simple. Thrifty. Living.

If you’re looking for a new job to boost your income, it’s important to keep a game plan in mind for a successful phone interview. Phone interviews are common, so you can typically expect them during the interview process. That’s why it’s important to have a strategy to approach your phone interview to increase your chances of getting hired. Here are a few effective tips to get it done:

It’s important to do a little research before your phone interview to ensure you’re prepared for questions about the company. Find out essential information about the company’s products, services, competitors, mission, and key figures. It may help to have a list of this information with a few bullet points to reference during the interview, too.

Conduct a mock interview with a friend and practice how you would answer questions before your interview. It gives you a chance to think about how you would answer specific questions without hesitation, such as questions about your weaknesses or how you handle challenges. Also, consider dressing the part by wearing a suit or other professional clothes appropriate for an interview and create a professional environment to get your mind in “interview mode.”

Use the phone interview as a time to ask important questions to help you learn more about the role you’re interviewing for and the company. Asking thoughtful questions allows you to find out if you want to proceed with the company. Inquire about what the typical day on the job looks like. Find out the leadership style of the hiring manager and how the manager determines success. Ask about performance expectations and the metrics or goals you’ll need to reach for success on the job. By asking insightful questions, you can demonstrate you’re the right candidate for the job.

Demonstrate that you have a clear interest in the role that you’re interviewing for by explaining how your professional interests connect with the company’s mission or vision. Explain how. Also, inquire about opportunities for career advancement. Smile when you talk about the company and show your excitement for the role. Make sure you also reiterate your interest in the job before you end the call.

If you want to do your best on a phone interview, you have to be prepared. The great news is you don’t have to come up with a strategy on your own. Just take advantage of some the tips for success mentioned here to ensure you ace your next interview.

About the Author

Mary Beth Eastman

Mary Beth Eastman serves as the content manager for Simple. Thrifty. Living, where she is dedicated to helping readers use money and credit wisely. Mary Beth believes that access to the right financial information paired with a growth mindset are essential tools for getting out of debt and building wealth. Mary Beth has a degree in Journalism from Bowling Green State University and has focused her 20-year journalism career on putting readers front and center, carefully considering their concerns and presenting information that will help them in their everyday lives. She has won numerous statewide journalism awards. Her writing on personal finance as been featured on numerous websites in addition to Simple. Thrifty. Living, including Huffington Post and Lexington Law blog. Mary Beth resides in Pittsburgh, Pa., with her family and two rescue dogs.

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