It’s only possible to land a job by first passing the dreaded interview. You must make a good impression on the recruiting manager to get the job offer. You will be evaluated on your ability to respond to questions, find solutions to problems, convey information clearly, and show off your talents in an interview setting.

You should feel free to memorize or practice interview responses. Do your best to highlight your unique qualities and personality instead. In addition, prospective employers are interested in how you respond to stress and pressure. Get ready to reveal your true self.

This article will advise on how to best prepare for an interview. You will gain insight into what is expected of you during a phone interview and how to present yourself best to stand out from the competition.

How does a telephone screening work?

The phone screen interview is one of the most common methods to evaluate candidates. This type of interview allows companies to conduct interviews without traveling to the location where the position is being offered.

Phone screens are typically conducted via telephone, although some companies utilize video chat software such as Skype or FaceTime.

Typically, the phone screen interview begins with the recruiter or hiring manager introducing themselves and explaining the job. They will then ask the candidate general questions about their experience and education.

Afterward, the interviewer will usually request that the candidate provide examples of work samples, references, or other documentation related to their qualifications. Depending on the nature of the role, the interviewer may also inquire into areas such as salary requirements, benefits, vacation days, and working hours.

Why do recruiters conduct phone screenings?

The recruitment industry is changing rapidly. Candidates can now apply online and receive instant feedback about whether they got a job offer. This has led to a major shift in our recruitment processes. We no longer rely solely on face-to-face meetings and resume reviews. Instead, we increasingly turn to phone screens as one of the most effective ways of assessing potential employees.

In fact, according to a recent survey conducted by Randstad, almost half of employers use phone screen interviews as part of their selection process. Here are three reasons why:

1. They’re cost-effective
2. They save you precious time
3. They allow you to make better decisions

What to anticipate in a telephone interview

There are a few occasions when interviewing via telephone is appropriate. Here are some things to remember as you prepare for your phone call.

1. Be ready for a long conversation. The best candidates spend enough time preparing for their phone interviews to know what questions they want to answer and how they want to present themselves.
2. Know your resume inside out. A resume can help you communicate your accomplishments and qualifications, but it can sometimes be more effective. A recruiter wants to hear about your successes – not just your achievements.
3. Don’t make excuses. You don’t need to tell the interviewer why you missed a deadline or didn’t send a thank you note. Instead, focus on how you’ve improved since the last time you interviewed.

Preparing For The Telephone Interview

You should be prepared before the phone screening interview. It’s important to clearly understand the company’s mission statement and culture so that you can tailor your answers accordingly.

If you’re asked to submit an example of your previous work, create a document containing relevant information about your projects and responsibilities. Include links to project files, presentations, videos, and other supporting materials demonstrating your skills and abilities.

If you’re asked to give references, ensure that you contact them ahead of time. Provide a brief email introduction, including details about your relationship with the person (e.g., length of employment), and let them know they’ll be contacted directly after the interview.

It’s also advisable to practice answering basic questions about yourself. Make sure that you understand the purpose of the phone interview, who you’re speaking with, and what’s expected from you.

When you’re done, ask if there’s anything else you can do to improve your chances of getting the position. Your goal is to leave the interview confident about your ability to perform well at this stage of the hiring process.

Is The Phone Screen Necessary?

A phone screen is a valuable way to evaluate candidates quickly. However, it’s only one step in the recruitment process. In many cases, the candidate will still need to meet with the hiring manager to get hired.

While phone screens may seem quick and easy to narrow down a large pool of applicants, they aren’t necessarily more efficient than traditional methods. According to the Randstad study, over 50% of employers said they would rather conduct multiple face-to-face interviews than use phone screens.

In addition, a phone screen provides a different opportunity to observe the candidate’s personality and communication style than a face-to-face interview. It might miss opportunities to learn more about the candidate’s strengths and weaknesses.

So while a phone screen is a good first step, it shouldn’t be considered a replacement for a full round of interviews. If you feel uncomfortable meeting the hiring manager in person, consider scheduling additional phone or video interviews instead.

How to impress the recruiter during the phone interview

The recruiter’s phone screen is one of the biggest opportunities to make a great impression and stand out among hundreds of applicants. Here are three things recruiters look for in a candidate during a phone screen.

1. Professionalism

Recruiters want to know that you are comfortable with technology, can listen effectively, and understand how to communicate professionally. They don’t care about your hobbies, interests, or favorite sports team; they want to see that you can conduct yourself like a professional.

2. Cultural Fit

They want to know that you’re a good cultural fit for the position. This could mean anything from knowing what the company does to understanding the industry jargon and acronyms to being familiar with the office’s culture. If you need more time, ask questions! Be honest about where you need more knowledge.

3. Salary Requirements

You must be clear about your salary expectations. Recruiters are looking for candidates willing to work for less money than they are used to getting paid. It’ll show on your resume if you need more time to be ready to negotiate.

Conclusion

A phone interview is frequently the initial stage of the employment process. They aren’t meant to be used alone, but they are a great way to whittle down the pool of candidates and find the best possible fit for the job.

But if you aren’t well-prepared, you’ll seem and sound unprofessional. Recruiters are busy people, so it’s smart to give yourself some lead time before scheduling an interview with one. During the interview, take notes on the questions they ask, run through sample responses, and study the job description carefully. Keep their number in case you need to contact them again later.

If you want to ace your next phone interview, check out our advice on how to impress recruiters. Contact our professional resume writers today if you need assistance making your application stand out to hiring managers.

We are familiar with the needs of hiring managers and can help you create a document that will make you stand out from the crowd. Just contact us via phone or email to set up an appointment.