How to ace that phone interview you've been having nightmares about
So I bet you’re wondering how to ace your phone interview for the job of your dreams huh? I assume that’s why you clicked the link. I’m sure you’re hoping for a listicle or maybe a few short paragraphs. Maybe even a stock image, I feel like this title maybe sorta warrants one.
Maybe you’re looking for one ~particular sentence~ that’s going to make you less nervous and maybe even excited for your interview (this isn’t the sentence, sorry). Well I can probably promise a few of those things. Stick around, keep on reading and we’ll see what we get. It should be fun I promise.
First of all, get out some pen and paper let’s take some notes. I know you’re thinking... I’m reading an article why do I need to take notes? Because by the end of this article you’ll have forgotten some important details.
What are you applying for? Write it down.
Why are you applying there, what’s special about it?
Is this your dream job that’s going to be the stepping stone for you to jumpstart your perfect career?
The internship or entry level job of your dreams needs to know all these things. It may seem dumb and monotonous I totally get it, but they will absolutely ask you. This isn’t a trick question, so there’s no need to get flustered you’re a champ.
They just want to weed out the people that applied just to apply and “see what happens” we’ve all heard the story. Show them that you’re passionate about them and what they do. You know your shit.
They are already impressed by your snazzy little resume wordplay and your smooth read of a cover letter, now it’s time to show them why who you are as a person is the icing on the cake. Corny I know, but it works.
I know you’re thinking, why do they care about my personality, my skills are most important. Well... yes to an extent, but they also want to know if they want to work with someone like you. If you’re hired, you’ll officially be part of the team. They want to make sure you’ll blend in with the office culture, and that you’re not there to fuck shit up for lack of a better phrase. Here’s a few tips:
Know how to introduce yourself.
Again, this might sound silly, but when they ask you to tell them about yourself and you say “uhhh” (I’ve done this) that’s not going to fly. Make sure you have some basic things about yourself prepared to go over. Name, age, major, why you’re interested in this field of work or how you got there.
Know your brand, do your research, bring specific company related things up in the interview to show that you care about what they do, even more than the other candidates.
Be ready to answer some questions about the company and why they do what they do. Talk about a project they have done recently that you like.
Have everything you need in front of you. Have notes for questions you think they might ask in front of you.
Don’t read them verbatim you’ll sound like a robot. Been there, done that. Have your resume in front of you. Sometimes companies want to hear your resume experience in your own words. If you fluffed up your resume a little don’t worry about it, just be as confident as you were on paper on the phone.
Think about your long term goals, and how this company directly relates to them.
Know what your dream job is, and talk about it with them, emphasize how important this job is for you to get to your dreamy role, how much you can learn from them AND how your skills can contribute to the company and the entire team. Essentially, this is your time to kiss ass. Tell them all about why they’re awesome.
But ALSO, what can this company do differently?
Be thinking about one or two critiques you have for the company so far. What’s something this company can change to make them better, and how does that relate to their already existing mission and ideals.
That’s all I have at this moment for all you lovely people just out here trying to get hired. Be confident, sit up straight, and ace that phone interview.
Oh and don’t do a phone interview in your pajamas.
xoxo