Why Do Employers Use Phone Interviews?
Employers use phone interviews as a means to determine whether a candidate fits the job requirements. Candidates who successfully pass the phone interview will advance in the interview process.
Screening Interviews
Employees assigned to conduct these phone interviews act as screener interviews to identify the applicants for a job from among many candidates to decide if they should be invited for an in-person or video interview.
Second Interviews
Phone interviews are also commonly used for second-round interviews by employers to save time on in-person interviews and to reduce the number of qualified candidates for the job.
Remote Job Interviews
When a company is conducting interviews for remote jobs, they may start with a phone interview to screen candidates in the first round. This saves time in the interview process, as not all candidates will be suitable to move on to a video interview.
Executive Interviews
Phone interviews are also typically the first step for employers considering candidates who live out of town for executive positions. In these cases, a phone, video, or Skype interview helps the hiring committee determine whether the job candidate is worth the cost of flying them in for an in-person interview.
Preparing to Answer Interview Questions
When you are invited for a phone interview, it is important to take the time to review the typical phone interview questions you will be asked to answer and prepare for. It is also essential to have a list of questions to ask the interviewer.
Phone Interview Questions to Ask the Interviewer
How would you describe the responsibilities of this position? What qualities are you looking for in the person you hire to join this company? If I am hired, how will I interact with you and your department? What are your expectations and criteria for success? How will I receive feedback on how my work meets these expectations? What is the most challenging part of this job? Why is the person who previously held this position leaving? Who does this position report to? How would you describe the company culture? What is a typical work week like? Are there expectations for overtime? And what about travel? Do you offer a benefits package for things like health insurance and dental costs? What kind of retirement package do you offer your employees? What are the opportunities for advancement within the company? Do you provide ongoing training opportunities for your employees? Is there anything else I can tell you about my qualifications for the job? Can I schedule a time for an in-person interview that is convenient for you? If an offer is extended to me, when would I be able to start? Would you like to receive a list of references? What is the next step in the interview process? When can I expect to hear back from you? Are there any other questions I can answer?
How to Impress the Hiring Manager
Not someone who enjoys talking on the phone in your daily life? You’re not alone. With the rise of other messaging technologies, it’s easy to lose the practice of speaking on the phone. Moreover, phone interviews remove one easy point of connection with the hiring manager – body language. This creates a challenging situation for many candidates.
To increase your chances of making a good impression on the hiring manager, here are some important phone interview tips to remember:
1. Practice, practice, practice. Conduct a mock interview with a friend to solidify your questions and qualifications in your mind. If you don’t have someone to practice with, try LinkedIn’s Interview Prep app. You will be able to record your answer and get feedback.
2. Prepare the room. Turn off call waiting and ringing from other phones and any alerts or other electronic devices that may activate during the interview. Find a quiet room or corner so you can focus on the call.
3.
Use a landline if possible. Mobile phones are more likely to drop calls or experience technical issues. If you don’t have access to a landline, don’t worry. Many people no longer have landlines. Try to choose a location for the interview with good service.
4. Keep your materials at hand. Have your resume, cover letter, and a list of your skills that match those mentioned in the job description nearby, and keep them in a place you can see. You should also have a copy of the job advertisement next to you, so you can refer to the company’s requirements.
5. Respect proper etiquette. Do not smoke, eat, or chew gum during the interview. Smile and articulate your answers, even if it means speaking slower than usual. Take notes. In all important ways, behave as you would in an in-person interview. Your performance will reflect the effort put in.
Source: https://www.thebalancemoney.com/phone-interview-questions-to-ask-the-interviewer-2062791
Leave a Reply