Nailing the Phone Screen

by Sep 7, 2018

It’s a common misconception that a phone interview (or “phone screen”) is the easy way out. In fact, phone screens add a new layer of challenge, since you’re unable to connect with the hiring manager like you would in person.

So how can you market yourself and show your personality and skills through the phone, probably many miles away from the hiring manager? We coach people on these methods everyday, but Emilie Aries outlines some of the best tips in her article here. We’ve highlighted some of them for you here below, but I recommend you check out the full article, as well as her other articles.

  • Be aware of your body: Even though you might feel like you can lounge around on the couch while you have a phone screen, I wouldn’t recommend it. If you sit up straight and sit at a table, as you would with an in-person interview, your voice will sound more attentive and you’ll be able to think faster.
  • Don’t be distracted: Just because they can’t see you, it doesn’t mean you should be on your phone! Hiring managers can tell if you’re not paying attention. Put the phone away, and do your best to isolate yourself into a calm and quiet space free of distractions.
  • Take notes: As with any interview, you should be taking notes. If you make it to the next round, you’ll be glad you did.

Remember, a phone screen is still an interview! Even though you might be in the comfort of your own home, act like you’re in front of a hiring manager. They’ll be able to tell the difference.

 

Image retrieved from Pixabay under the public domain.

Recent Posts

Secrets To Being an Exceptional Temp and Snagging The Job!

Secrets To Being an Exceptional Temp and Snagging The Job!

Today, as millions of men and women head to their temporary work assignments, they do so for many reasons. Some for purely financial necessity, others because they’re in between permanent jobs, more in order to gain experience, and others who may be trying to jump...

“Having Great Communications Skills Begins By Listening”

“Having Great Communications Skills Begins By Listening”

Having excellent speaking skills is a coveted art that takes practice and discipline in order to achieve real success. Responding to a question, request or even inquiry professionally, appropriately and articulately can be a great plus for any job seeker. However, the...

Landing a Job Can Be Like a Broadway Production

Landing a Job Can Be Like a Broadway Production

Identifying a job to landing the position is a major production if done properly. Very rarely is one given a career opportunity without putting in the work and effort to attain it. The art of getting hired is similar to a Broadway production. Whether you are a...

Having a Good Work Ethic Will Always Pay Off

Having a Good Work Ethic Will Always Pay Off

Whether you are the smartest worker in the office, or a less talented one, having a good work ethic may mean the different between who stays and who gets laid off, or who gets a promotion and who continues toiling away in their same cubicle. How can you tell if...

Fake News in The Workplace?

Fake News in The Workplace?

Fake news doesn’t belong anywhere near the workplace. But neither do inflated credentials or highly exaggerated resumes. With so much information on the Internet, potential job seekers can easily find many tips, advice and resume templates to help them land a job....

Beware! Your Social Media Activity Can be a Big Job Killer

Beware! Your Social Media Activity Can be a Big Job Killer

Anytime someone posts anything on the Internet they should be prepared to live with the consequences for years. Since the rise of Social Media, millions have enjoyed posting and tweeting and showcasing other items with little thought about any potential repercussions....

Listening and Staying Engaged Key to Successful Phone Screen

Listening and Staying Engaged Key to Successful Phone Screen

Rather than meet eligible candidates, often times employers will arrange phone screenings in lieu of an in-person interview. Outside of not being able to make eye contact, potential supervisors and bosses still expect the same type of crisp, articulate responses and...

Remote Interview is No Time to Play it Casual

Remote Interview is No Time to Play it Casual

Savvy would-be employers are taking advantage of the new digital tools at their disposal such as conducting remote vs in-person interviews. The arrangement is not only convenient, but also a time saver for both the employer as well as the job seeking candidate. While...

“Champions keep playing until they get it right”

“Champions keep playing until they get it right”

You will not get it right the first time everytime, but you can keep trying until you do. For as the former Tenis World Champion Billie Jean King observed: Champions keep playing until they get it right. - Billie Jean King - Quote Source: BrainyQuote. Image Source:...

“A goal without a plan is just a wish”

“A goal without a plan is just a wish”

Setting goals can help provide direction and focus at work. However, as the author of the Little Prince, Antoine de Saint-Exupéry observed: A goal without a plan is just a wish. - Antoine de Saint-Exupéry - Quote Source: GoodReads. Image Source: Pixabay.    ...

Intention and the Right Actions: Prioritize and Postpone

Intention and the Right Actions: Prioritize and Postpone

The first tip of our Intention and the Right Actions series was to practice some form of 'morning pages' to start your day, such as a task list for the day.  This third tip goes further and urges you to prioritize tasks and postpone those which can and should wait. ...