So, you’ve seen your perfect job, sent off a polished application and have high hopes of being called for an interview? Bet you weren’t counting on it actually being just that, a telephone call!
Large volumes of applications for positions on the job market mean the pre-screening phone interview is now the norm. It’s your gateway to the face to face interview and you have to navigate it to secure the next stage! At PeopleSource, I use pre-screening calls all the time. I’m always amazed at how unprepared candidates are for this type of interview. Its round one in the interviewing process ‘ding ding’!!
My advice may sound counter intuitive, but I advise against holding back at the pre-screening call stage. Waiting to reveal all until you are sitting in front of the interviewer isn’t an ideal strategy. A phone interview, aka pre-screening call will gauge your suitability. It goes without saying that you should not be taking the pre-screening call at your desk in work – I have had candidates take interview calls this way despite prior notification of the time of the call and they restricted themselves to embarrassed and frustrating “yes” and “no” answers.
To help you get the most out of your Pre-screen phone interview call, I’ve put together 7 tips to help you on your path to success:
1. Arrange a suitable time for the interview, get a sense of the time required and make sure you have a private space for yourself.
2. If you are using your mobile make sure it is fully charged. (you would be surprised!) and check that the signal is strong. Better still have a backup landline available.
3. Always have a copy of your CV with you as this will be referred to.
4. You have a chance to have notes available -use this! I always prep my candidates with a mind map – just a one pager (so there is no rustling of paper) and it maps brief points on common questions such as on why you applied for the role, what you know about the company, your strengths and development points and some questions to ask.
5. Use your questions to demonstrate your understanding of the role and the company and give reasons why you think you will be a good fit. If you know the company values, then show how they match your own.
6. A good screening interviewer listens to your voice, tone and levels of enthusiasm so put a lot of energy into your responses and build rapport. It’s an old tip but a true one smile on the telephone it does come across! Some people recommend dressing as if you are going for a face to face meeting rather than a phone interview, as it gets you into formal mode. If this works for you go for it!
7. Close with appreciation for the opportunity to discuss your application. Continue to be professional right to the end of the call and close reconfirming your interest in moving to the next stage of the interview process.
If you have a tip to add I would love to hear it!
Niamh Kennelly is a Director at PeopleSource.
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